Financial Aid Counselor - Strategic Enrollment Management

Job Summary

This position is located at the Cal Poly Solano Campus in Vallejo, California. Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid, the role supports the university’s effort to retain and graduate students who need financial assistance by providing a comprehensive program of financial aid and support services. The position is responsible for administering grants, loans, work‑study opportunities, and scholarships while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.

The Financial Aid Office determines eligibility for and awards federal, state, institutional, and private grants, scholarships, and loan programs in excess of $150M annually to over 13,000 students. It ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and institutional policies while providing appropriate financial aid based on federal and state parameters.

• Working knowledge of the practices, procedures, and activities of a Financial Aid and Scholarship Office or the ability to rapidly acquire that knowledge.
• Excellent time‑management and organizational skills with the ability to take initiative, set priorities, and work independently using resources and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply program rules and regulations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, active listening, and emotional intelligence necessary to discuss sensitive financial matters with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to collect, compile, analyze, and evaluate data and to present findings verbally or in writing.

Equivalent to graduation from a four‑year college or university in a behavioral science, public or business administration, or a related field with two years of professional experience in student services or a related area. A master’s degree may substitute for one year of professional experience. Additional specialized experience may substitute for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $60,996 – $66,612 per year

Classification Range: $60,996 – $86,736 per year

The appropriate compensation is determined by experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure, certifications, and organizational needs. The anticipated hiring range reflects the budgeted salary the University expects to pay, while the classification range may be broader to account for internal equity and collective bargaining agreements.

Cal Poly offers a comprehensive benefits program that includes health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System; and educational benefits for eligible employees. Additional benefit details are available on the benefits website.

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment in compliance with California and federal civil rights laws. The university adheres to Title VI, Title IX, the ADA, Section 504, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, and CSU’s nondiscrimination policy, prohibiting all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required. Cal Poly will make a conditional offer of employment and may rescind it if the background check reveals disqualifying information or if falsified information is discovered. Current employees offered a position onsite must complete a background check as required by law or by Cal Poly’s internal policies. Failure to satisfactorily complete the check may affect continued employment.

The holder of this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with CSU Executive Order 1083.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff positions. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.; the university does not sponsor immigration visas.