Financial Aid Counselor

Financial Aid Counselor

The Financial Aid Counselor serves as the first point of contact for the Office of Financial Aid Services, providing accurate, timely, and professional assistance to students, families, and campus partners. This position coordinates and supports the daily operational functions of the office, including front‑line service, data and systems management, financial aid processing, compliance with state and federal regulations, and assistance with scholarships and loan programs.

Working collaboratively with Financial Aid staff and campus constituencies, the Financial Aid Counselor helps ensure efficient office operations and the effective delivery of financial aid services in support of Whitman College's enrollment goals.

Principal Responsibilities

• Financial Aid Processing & Compliance (60%)
• Import FAFSA and CSS Profile data.
• Track required forms for student financial aid files.
• Perform federal verification, including requesting documentation and making aid adjustments.
• Stay current with state and federal financial aid regulations.
• Possess a basic understanding of need analysis used to determine aid eligibility.
• Assist with state and federal aid programs as needed.
• Receipt and record outside scholarships, ensuring students are not over‑awarded.
• Provide loan forms, checking for completeness and eligibility, and adjusting aid when needed.
• Support the Assistant Director with loan processing and monthly reconciliation.
• Keep the office budget current and process bills for payment.

Front‑Line Service & Office Operations (30%)

• Answer the main phone line and direct callers as needed.
• Greet visitors, parents, and students, respond to questions directly when possible, or refer to other staff as necessary.
• Assist with general office duties (e.g., data entry, filing).
• Open, process, and distribute mail.
• Keep track of office supplies and reorders as needed.
• Maintain the Financial Aid website, in partnership with the Communications Office, ensuring content is accurate and up to date.

Evolving Responsibilities (10%)

• Center diversity, equity, inclusion and antiracism as guiding principles when approaching financial aid work.
• Contribute to additional initiatives as needed, adapting to evolving priorities and organizational needs.
• Complete other tasks as assigned by the Associate Director or Director.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to work with a high degree of flexibility, accuracy and attention to detail in a dynamic environment.
• Proficiency with, or ability to learn, common office and web‑based technologies, including Microsoft and Google productivity tools, databases, and customer relationship management (CRM) and student information systems (SIS).
• Ability to maintain positive and effective working relationships with diverse internal and external constituencies while managing competing demands in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proven ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and sound judgment.
• Strong communication and customer service skills, including the ability to articulate processes and ideas effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to actively and positively contribute to the College's core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism, and access.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two-year college degree.
• 2+ years of data entry, computer-related experience, and working with the public.
• OR a combination of relevant education, training and experience.

Whitman College values diverse pathways to acquiring skills and knowledge and encourages applicants to demonstrate how their background aligns with the role.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Financial Aid experience.

Please note that while the description details both required and preferred qualifications, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply.

Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed in a private office, with the option of hybrid work some weeks with supervisor approval. Regular hybrid work scheduling is not available for…