Financial Aid Counselor II

Roles

Provide support to the director while providing quality customer service in all aspects of awarding federal, state, institutional, and private aid to NU students. Provide student/parent counseling and assistance and support for the financial aid team effort among all key stakeholders (i.e., FA Office, Admissions, Business Office, Registrar, HR, Payroll, Finance, Advancement, etc.) in awarding, payment, and reconciliation of aid, National Clearinghouse Reporting and federal and institutional student employment. Assure all aspects of institutional, federal, state, and private sources of financial aid are delivered/processed in a timely and compliant manner.

Responsibilities

• Support and understand Northwood’s Code of Ethics, Values, and Outcomes
• Support and understand the department's role in meeting enrollment and retention goals
• Support Private Donor Scholarship Committee through entire process of system setup with Advancement, scheduling of committee meetings, assist with pre-matching process, recording of matched awards for delivery of funds to student accounts, and student/donor communication
• Provide student employment support working closely with HR, departmental and off-site supervisors, payroll, international student services, and accounts payable
• Office supervision of student employee(s)
• Exporting and importing of federal and state data records for the university
• Assist in the processing and monitoring of the National Clearinghouse enrollment database.
• Counsel students regarding financial aid eligibility, application processing and deadlines
• Provide efficient and timely file review, need analysis, awarding, and posting of all types of financial aid (i.e., scholarships, grants, loans, work study, book vouchers, etc.) from all sources (i.e., federal, state, institutional, outside, etc.)
• Monitor web and social media sites and update departmental web content as needed
• Assist in meeting internal and external reporting deadlines
• Monitor and report state aid to the applicable agencies
• Monitor enrollment at census date and adjust aid if applicable
• Special projects as assigned
• Engage students at orientations, open houses, and special events on and off campus
  
  

Qualifications

• Have a Bachelor’s degree
• Have two to three years of financial aid experience
• Computer, analytical and interpersonal skills
• Have excellent communication skills
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines, effectively and efficiently
  
  

Expectations

• Thoroughly understand federal and/or state regulations and institutional policies
• Effectively collaborate with key departments while continually striving for quality customer service
• Continue to assist in the training of team members within key departments
• Support and assist in the team environment among staff members and key departments to provide effective, quality service to our internal and external customers.
• Support and assist in the efforts of collaborating among the business units to become One Northwood
  
  

Northwood University stands apart in higher education with a philosophy grounded in The Northwood Idea — emphasizing freedom, free enterprise, personal responsibility, and limited government. We seek individuals who are both accomplished in their professions and inspired by the power of enterprise to improve lives. The ideal candidate will feel a strong alignment with Northwood’s mission and values, embracing a culture of academic excellence, accountability, and earned success.

Applicants are encouraged to learn more about The Northwood Idea philosophy and outcomes at https://www.northwood.edu/about/