Financial Aid Counselor - Lead

Missouri Baptist University is looking to hire a Financial Services Counselor. The Financial Services Counselor - Lead independently manages all phases of the financial aid process for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, exercising professional judgment to ensure equitable, compliant, and student-centered administration of federal, state, and institutional aid programs. Reporting to the Associate Director of Financial Aid, this role requires the ability to analyze complex student financial situations, interpret regulatory requirements, and make independent decisions affecting student enrollment and institutional compliance.

The Counselor serves as an expert resource for students, families, and campus partners, leading proactive outreach, counseling, award processing, state program certification, verification, and reconciliation activities to ensure accurate and timely disbursement of all financial aid.

Responsibilities

* Student Communication and Financial Aid Counseling - Serve as a primary point of contact for students, families, and borrowers throughout the financial aid lifecycle, exercising professional judgement to assess individual circumstances and provide accurate, timely guidance on eligibility, requirements, and resolution strategies.

Independently manage and prioritize the financial services inbox, determining appropriate follow-up actions for missing documentation, unresolved balances, and loan conflicts.

Counsel undergraduate, graduate, and professional students on financial aid options, proactively identifying and resolving conflicts encountered during loan processing to ensure timely disbursement and minimize student financial risk.

* Award Processing and Disbursement Administration - Oversee and execute the full spectrum of financial aid award processing, applying regulatory knowledge and institutional policy to determine appropriate packaging strategies for student loans, alternative loans, and a broad range of institutional scholarships and awards.

Independently manage ISIR imports, CAM and manual loan packaging, and disbursement eligibility determinations, including certifying and disbursing alternative loans and TEACH grants.

Administer institutional aid for new and continuing students across multiple award categories including honors, music/ensemble, ministerial, residential, student life, and athletic awards, as well as MOU, faculty/staff concessions, Trustee, JoyFM, and tuition exchange programs.

* State Program Certification and Reconciliation - Serve as institutional lead for certification and disbursement of Missouri state aid programs including, MOFFEL, Missouri Access/Bright Flight, Fast Track, and DCDE loans and awards.

Exercise professional judgement in interpreting program guidelines and resolving eligibility issues; conduct statement reconciliations to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.

* Lead Counselor - Responsible for onboarding, training, and ongoing development of financial aid counselors. Will assist the Associate and/or Director of Financial Aid with projects and other assignments as needed.

* Compliance Oversight and Verification - Analyze and adjudicate student eligibility for federal, state, and institutional funding by applying regulatory frameworks and exercising independent judgment in complex or ambiguous cases.

Lead the resolution of citizenship discrepancies default/over payment issues, and FAFSA C-code flags, coordinating with students and agencies as needed.

Manage verification workflows, document tracking, lifetime limit review, and loan document outreach to ensure institutional compliance; conduct daily ISIR reviews and correct rejects/denials in accordance with federal guidelines.

* Data Management and Reporting - Generate and analyze add/drop reports to identify and act on locked award situations; produce and submit weekly Pell and Direct Loan origination and disbursement files.

Compile, evaluate, and maintain records of outside scholarship information to inform packaging decisions and ensure accurate coordination of aid.

* Administrative and Systems Support - Contribute to operational improvements by supporting technology enhancements, including system integrations and software tools such as Microsoft Office applications and student information systems.

Maintain the integrity and accuracy of student financial records; design, revise, and manage departmental forms within digital platforms (Sign Now/Form Stack) to improve process efficiency and compliance.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's degree in public or business administration, accounting, liberal arts, or related field and 2 years of directly related experience.

How to Apply

Applicants should electronically submit the following items to Heidi Moore, Human Resources Coordinator. (heidi.moore)

* Cover letter expressing interest in the position, highlighting experience relevant to the role.

* Current resume.

* Statement of Faith which clearly articulates your personal relationship with Jesus Christ,…