Financial Aid Counselor

Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Counselor provides a student-centered, seamless financial aid experience for prospective and current students and families. Primary responsibilities include counseling and advising students and parents on the various financial aid programs and application processes, assisting with the administration of one or more federal or institutional aid programs, and evaluating aid applications to determine eligibility according to regulation and policy.

This position reports to the Associate Director of Financial Aid, is under the division of the Vice President and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, and works on campus interfacing with prospective and current students and families as well as colleagues across campus.

Reed College offers an exceptional benefits package, including comprehensive and cost-free medical and dental insurance for you, and a 60% discount on medical and dental insurance for your dependents, 403(b) retirement plan with 10% employer contribution (after one year of service), educational assistance for employees and their children, 22 days of paid vacation, paid holidays, half-day Fridays in the summer, and many other campus amenities. This is a full-time, exempt role with typical work hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a one hour unpaid lunch. Salary for this position is $49,500 - $51,500 per year. This is not a remote position.

Who You Are

• You are a proactive problem solver who enjoys offering solutions.
• You have an impeccable track record of integrity and the highest professional and ethical standards for handling confidential information.
• You are an active listener and an empathetic communicator.
• You maintain professionalism in challenging situations.
• You are flexible and open to change, especially when the change is for the better.
• You take ownership of your responsibilities and follow up with others when needed.
• You are organized and detail oriented.
• You have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to be effective in developing rapport and working with partners across campus.
• You are open to representing the college at events, including occasional work on weekends.
• You have experience understanding and applying regulations.
• You are comfortable using technology and are comfortable using and learning new systems.

What You’ll Do

• Counsel and provide guidance, via email, telephone, virtually and in person, to students and families on all issues related to institutional financial aid, Federal Title IV funds, and state and other aid programs
• Ensure student and parent awareness of the various financial aid sources during counseling sessions by providing information to them and answering their questions regarding financial aid sources.
• Assist with the smooth operation of the department by supporting the Financial Aid Director in the administration of one or more financial aid programs
• Assist students in the application process for financial aid by helping them to complete required applicant materials; by advising them of their rights and responsibilities concerning financial aid; and by providing them with information about the status of their financial aid applications
• Ensure optimal use of financial aid funds by awarding funds from the various institutional aid programs to students in accordance with established federal, state, and college guidelines.
• Represent the financial aid office at open houses, high school financial aid presentations, and community events throughout the year.
• Revise financial aid awards based on federal and institutional policy.
• Determine students' eligibility for the various financial aid programs by evaluating their applications and recording and documenting all award decisions.
• Assist with the development of policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of information exposed to in the course of business regarding students and families.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least one year of experience in student financial aid, student services, counseling, or related fields.

Application Instructions

Click below to apply. You will be directed to Interfolio to create a free account and begin your application. A resume is required and a cover letter is recommended. You can submit these documents in any format, but pdf works best.

Applications will be considered as they are submitted so you are encouraged to apply early. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

Reed College replies to every candidate. We will confirm that your application is received, and if you are not selected, we will let you know as soon as possible.

Apply for this job

Reed College is committed to building a culturally inclusive community and a work environment that respects and inspires every person. Your unique skills, work history, cultural contributions, and lived experiences are essential to building this community. Members of historically marginalized groups including women, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, those who have served in the military, and members of other underrepresented communities are invited to apply.