Lead Counselor, Financial Aid

Please visit schooljobs.com/careers/davidsondavie to apply for this position. This must be completed in addition to really.

The Lead Counselor, Financial Aid provides comprehensive financial aid services to students and parents, and oversees the Veterans Affairs educational benefits program for the College. The Lead Counselor, Financial Aid reports to the Director, Financial Aid and has the following responsibilities:

Essential Job Functions:

· Deliver accurate, timely, and comprehensive financial aid counseling to students and families across all financial aid programs, including federal, state, institutional, and private aid.

· Assist students in understanding aid eligibility, application processes, award packages, satisfactory academic progress (SAP), loan management, and repayment options.

· Serve as the designated School Certifying Official (SCO) for the College’s VA education benefits program.

· Manage all aspects of the College’s Veterans Affairs education benefits program, including the certification of benefits, monitoring of eligibility, and maintenance of records in compliance with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs regulations.

· Stay informed of evolving VA regulations and best practices through professional development, training, and participation in local, regional, and national VA-related associations.

· Coordinate with the Registrar, Business Office, and other stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate processing of VA benefits.

· Perform federal need analysis using standard methodology to determine financial aid eligibility and award amounts.

· Conduct verification of student and parent FAFSA data, resolving discrepancies and ensuring documentation aligns with federal guidelines.

· Ensure ongoing compliance with Title IV federal aid regulations, state program rules, and institutional policies and procedures.

· Prepare for and support internal and external audits and program reviews.

· Assist the Director in developing and delivering training plans and professional development opportunities for financial aid staff.

· Provide daily guidance to the part-time Financial Aid Counselor, particularly in VA-related matters, to ensure efficient processing and superior service to student veterans and dependents.

· Support a culture of service excellence, acting as a subject matter expert for students, families, faculty, and staff.

· Collaborate with key offices such as Admissions, Registrar, Business Services, and Student Services to streamline the student experience.

· Assist with outreach events, financial aid workshops, and orientations to promote awareness and access to financial aid.

Minimum Qualifications Required:

· Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution

· Three years’ experience in financial aid and/or Veterans Affairs in a college setting

Preferred Qualifications:

· Five years’ experience in financial aid administration at a post-secondary institution

· Experience as a Veterans Affairs School Certifying Official

· Experience in a community college setting

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person