Financial Aid Counselor

Overview

Position Title: Financial Aid Counselor

Department: Financial Aid

Location: Maryville College, Maryville, TN

Reports To: Director of Financial Aid

Term: 12-month, Full-Time

Expected Daily

Hours:

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Expected Weekly

Schedule:

Monday – Friday

Pay Grade: 5S

Starting Salary: $39,334 – $42,776, determined by experience and qualifications.

The Financial Aid Counselor administers institutional, state, and federal financial aid programs by advising students and families, determining eligibility, exercising professional judgment authority, and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and institutional policies. The position supports student access and persistence by guiding students through financial aid processes and maintaining accurate and compliant award administration.

• Award and administer financial aid programs; manage verification and eligibility review processes.
• Process state financial aid and ensure compliance with federal and institutional regulations.
• Provide individualized financial aid counseling to students and families; communicate changes to award eligibility and options.
• Collaborate with Admissions and Student Accounts on award coordination and enrollment impacts.
• Oversee loan processing workflows, including Parent PLUS and alternative loans; assist with packaging processes.
• Maintain compliance with Department of Education program requirements and institutional policies.
• Assist students and families with FAFSA completion and resolving eligibility issues.
• Support retention through proactive financial aid counseling and responsive inquiry handling.
• Work with Financial Aid Operations on documentation readiness and screening workflows.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience: 1–3 years in financial aid administration, enrollment services, or student financial services preferred.
• Experience applying federal Title IV regulations and experience with verification, eligibility determinations, or aid packaging preferred.
• Experience in higher education student information systems preferred.

• Ability to interpret and apply federal Title IV regulations; knowledge of federal, state, and institutional aid programs.
• Ability to exercise professional judgment with regulatory guidance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills related to eligibility determinations.
• Ability to explain complex financial aid information clearly to students and families.
• Ability to maintain FERPA confidentiality; strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines; collaborate with Admissions, Student Accounts, and Financial Aid staff.
• Proficiency with student information systems and financial aid processing platforms (e.g., Banner, PowerFAIDS, Jenzabar, or similar).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• None required; financial aid training through NASFAA or state associations preferred.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer; occasional lifting up to 15 pounds.
• Frequent interaction with students and families in person, by phone, and electronically.
• Periodic extended hours during peak financial aid processing cycles.
• Ability to navigate campus buildings; standard office equipment and financial aid systems usage.

The College may sponsor employment-based immigration petitions (e.g., H-1B or permanent residency) on behalf of employees when permitted by law and aligned with institutional priorities and budget. Sponsorship is contingent on satisfactory continued employment and other factors. The College reserves the right to approve or decline sponsorship at its sole discretion.

Other roles/duties may be assigned as necessary to support the College’s goals and a positive learning environment.