Financial Aid Counselor II

Position Announcement

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful, measurable impact on student access and success at Utah Valley University. By providing leadership and program management for core federal, state, institutional, and private aid programs—including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, Work Study, and scholarships—the position plays a critical role in ensuring students receive timely, accurate, and compliant financial support. The work requires thoughtful analysis, sound judgment, and a strong understanding of federal regulations, allowing the incumbent to serve as both a steward of public funds and an advocate for students and families navigating complex financial aid processes.

Applicants will find this position rewarding for its blend of strategic oversight, hands-on problem solving, and service-oriented collaboration. The role partners closely with students, parents, campus colleagues, and external agencies, offering daily opportunities to guide individuals through important financial decisions while maintaining institutional and regulatory integrity. Utah Valley University values professionalism and continuous learning, making this an excellent opportunity for someone who is detail-driven, mission-focused, and motivated by supporting educational access.

Summary Of Responsibilities

• Works with a team of Counselor II's processing and updating student accounts in regard to Return of Title IV Funds and overseeing federal and other financial aid programs, such as Direct Loans, Work Study, Pell Grant, Private Education Loans, Gainful Employment, and various State, Institutional, and third-party scholarship and grant programs.
• Daily processing of reports and peripheral documentation pertaining to federal aid eligibility and awarding. Contact federal agencies to resolve discrepancies in student aid.
• Advise students and parents in person, by email, through service tickets, and by phone regarding federal, state, and institutional financial aid.
• Develops training programs and informs and/or trains campus departments on federal, state, and institutional funding requirements.
• Assists in the development of training manuals. Continued education through state, regional, and federal trainings. Performs regular area internal audits.
• Assists co-workers as needed to ensure the department's successful operation. Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications / Licenses / Certifications

Graduation from an accredited institution with a bachelor's degree plus three to five years of related experience, including two years of supervisory experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience related to the Summary of Duties totaling at least seven years.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Knowledge

• Knowledge of federal regulations pertaining to financial aid and scholarships, including need analysis, eligibility assessment, verification, packaging strategies, loan awarding, default prevention, Federal Work Study, Return of Title IV, and evaluation of academic progress.
• Knowledge of financial aid institutional policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of computerized financial aid systems, preferably Banner.
• Knowledge of computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, PowerPoint, internet tools, email systems, and other general computer skills.
  
  

Skills

• High technical aptitude and skill in problem solving, technical troubleshooting, decision-making, and prioritizing.
• Effectively uses interpersonal skills and communication skills, including tact, diplomacy, understanding, compassion, and valuing all contributions, while maintaining adherence to policies.
• Effectively using organizational and planning skills, with acute attention to detail, exacting accuracy, and follow-through.
  
  

Abilities

• Ability to work effectively with individuals from various backgrounds.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems in an effective and professional manner.
• Shows initiative and has the ability to effectively prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Ability to learn quickly.
• Ability to effectively provide knowledge and expertise to students, parents, and staff.
• Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Ability to gain and maintain access to federal student aid databases.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality pertaining to all student records in compliance with federal and state regulations (i.e., FERPA, GRAMA, etc.)
• Ability to effectively create, compose, and edit written materials.