Senior Financial Aid Counselor

Category:: Full-time Staff

Subscribe::

Department:: Enrollment Management - Financial Aid

Locations:: Bedford, MA

Posted:: Apr 10, 2026

Closes:: May 1, 2026 - 11:59 PM EDT

Type:: Full-time

Position ID:: 199360

About Middlesex Community College

Middlesex Community College (MCC), established in 1970, provides access to affordable education to prepare individuals for success and lifelong learning. We promote academic excellence, provide workforce development opportunities, and empower all learners to become productive and socially responsible members of our local and global communities.

The College provides a broad range of services that are essential to attract, reward, and retain talented faculty and staff. The MCC community promotes a work environment where our employees feel supported and empowered to best serve our student population. We are proud to offer our classes on both the Bedford and Lowell campuses, as well as a robust online course offering. MCC is committed to transforming lives as we educate, challenge, and support all students as evident in our strategic plan.

Job Description

Title: Senior Financial Aid Counselor

Unit: Full-Time MCCC Professional Staff, Grade 04

Department: Financial Aid

Reports to: Associate Director of Financial Aid

Date: April 10, 2026

General Summary: Reporting to the Associate Director of Financial Aid, the Senior Financial Aid Counselor provides comprehensive financial aid services to MCC students and supports the Massachusetts Free Community College initiative. This position manages day-to-day financial aid operations, serves as the primary point of contact for the Bedford office, and responds to inquiries from students and families. Responsibilities include processing and reviewing FAFSA applications and supporting documentation; performing Title IV eligibility determinations, verification, professional judgment, and packaging; ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations; and supporting satisfactory academic progress (SAP) monitoring and Title IV reconciliation activities. The Senior Financial Aid Counselor also promotes the Massachusetts Free Community College program, supervises and trains part-time staff and student workers, and provides Banner system support as needed.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary point of contact for the Massachusetts Free Community College program in Bedford and other locations as needed.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and daily operation of Financial Aid Office plans and strategies, supporting customer service goals and the effective delivery of services.
• Support the management of Financial Aid Office operations, including overseeing front desk activities and coordinating schedules for work-study students and part-time staff.
• Assist students and families with completing financial aid applications and required documentation; review, verify, and assess application files for eligibility and compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Determine types and amounts of financial aid awards based on established formulas and individual circumstances, and package and award aid to eligible students.
• Promote and support increased FAFSA completion rates through outreach, guidance, and follow-up.
• Respond to financial aid inquiries from prospective and enrolled students and families in person, by phone, and via email; resolve issues when possible or refer matters to appropriate staff.
• Clearly explain financial aid policies, procedures, and program requirements to applicants and families.
• Perform administrative and clerical duties related to department operations, including maintaining confidential student records; preparing correspondence, reports, rosters, forms, instructional materials, and publications; and processing documentation for internal and external agencies.
• Review and interpret financial aid-related materials such as student aid reports, applications, tax returns, benefit statements, degree audits, policies, regulations, and reference materials.
• Compose and prepare official correspondence and reports related to special circumstances, professional judgment decisions, and eligibility exceptions.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of all Financial Aid Office responsibilities and the financial aid programs administered by Middlesex Community College.
• Conduct financial aid workshops and presentations for students, families, community organizations, and area high schools; may require occasional evening or weekend hours.
• Participate in student recruitment and retention activities, including open houses, financial aid nights, and other outreach events.
• Assist with special projects, initiatives, and assignments as needed to support office operations.
• Work extended hours during peak processing periods or when the office remains open late.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
  
  

Requirements

• Master's degree in Education, Business Administration, or closely related field and two (2) years' experience and/or training involving college financial aid or enrollment, customer relations, or office administration or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. The Master's degree requirement may be substituted with a Bachelor's degree and equivalent related experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of, and commitment to, the community college mission and student population.
• Outstanding interpersonal, customer service, and verbal skills.
• Knowledge of using a Student Information System (SIS) or other student registration applications. Problem solving skills and the ability to adapt to change.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Financial Aid Processes, FAFSA and Title IV Compliances
• Experience in Ellucian Banner
• Experience in Ellucian Degree Works or EAB Navigate
• Bilingual skills a plus.
  
  

Additional Information

Salary Range: $66,406 is the starting salary with a Master's Degree; actual salary commensurate with academic background and experience. Employees of Middlesex Community College are considered employees of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and receive benefits, which include:

• High-quality and affordable health insurance through the Commonwealth's Group Insurance Commission (GIC)
• Competitive Dental and Vision Plans
• Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance programs
• Low-cost basic and optional life insurance
• Retirement Savings: State Employees' Pension or Optional Retirement Program (ORP) and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan or 403(b).
• 12 paid holidays per year and competitive Sick, Vacation, and Personal Time
• Tuition Benefits for employees and dependents at state colleges and universities
• Short-Term Disability and Extended Illness program participation options
• Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities
• Cell Phone Bill Discounts with Verizon and T-Mobile Cell Phone Carriers
• Access to the Commonwealth's Mass4You, employee assistance program
• Free employee parking on Bedford and Lowell campuses
• Eligibility towards Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
  
  

Location: Bedford campus with occasional travel to Lowell as needed

Hours: 37.5 of hours per week, schedule to be determined upon hire.

Expected Start Date: June 2026

Application Deadline: May 1, 2026

Application Instructions

All applicants must apply online by submitting:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references
  
  

Pre-Employment Requirements

The College will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

All offers of employment at Middlesex Community College are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates, as deemed necessary.

Middlesex Community College only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you do not have access to a computer, please contact Human Resources at careers@middlesex.edu.

Middlesex Community College strives to make the application and interview process accessible for all applicants but understands that applicants may still encounter barriers due to ability, language, or technology. If we can make the process any more accessible for you, contact Human Resources at 781-280-3546 or careers@middlesex.edu.