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Financial Aid Counselor

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Posting Details

 Posting Details 

Job #  | 042097
Department Code  | 23623-1009
Department  | Financial Aid Office
Job Title  | Financial Aid Counselor
Location  | Syracuse, NY
Pay Range  | $20.67 - $21.63
Pay Determination  | Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level  | S4
FLSA Status  | Non-exempt
Hours  | Standard University business hours.

8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type  | Full-time
Campus  | Syracuse, NY
Unionized Position Code  | Not Applicable
Job Description  | The Financial Aid Counselor is part of a team that supports Syracuse University’s effort to attract and retain qualified students by advising a diverse population of prospective and enrolled students and their parents on matters pertaining to financial aid and scholarships. Each counselor is responsible for a population of several hundred students.

Counselors assist students and families in navigating financial aid eligibility, sensitive family financial situations, financial planning strategies and payment options, and academic progress. They work in a fast-paced and detail-oriented environment to apply knowledge of swiftly changing federal regulations and institutional requirements to each student they advise. Counselors also perform needs analysis to determine federal and institutional eligibility and use professional judgment as appropriate to adjust calculations. Counselors represent the office at both on and off campus events throughout the year.
Education and Experience  | Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s preferred. Two or more years of financial aid experience preferred, though counseling experience in other higher education student services area could be a reasonable substitution.
Skills and Knowledge  | Knowledge of regulations in interpreting and administering federal Title IV, state and University financial aid programs to ensure compliance. Excellent communication and counseling skills as well as the ability to use professionalism, tact, discretion, and compassion in advising. Must possess a flexible attitude and be able to function well as a team member in a high-volume, fast paced environment while paying close attention to detail and prioritizing workload to meet numerous deadlines crucial to meeting the University enrollment goals. Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion for students and staff. This includes but is not limited to: fostering an office environment that allows students and staff of different backgrounds and identities to feel safe, accepted, and understood; helping students with financial aid and financial literacy education to overcome barriers to college attainment; and helping develop and further initiatives in this area. Experience with PeopleSoft or other student information systems, OnBase or other imaging systems, and Microsoft software products. Availability for overtime during peak award season.
Responsibilities  | Counsel students and parents, both prospective and current, on all aspects of financial aid including federal, state, and institutional programs via in person or virtual appointments, telephone, and email communications, all of which are very heavy during the admission and returning award seasons. Each counselor has a population of several hundred students receiving some type of financial aid (federal, state, and/or institutional) and provides advisement to that population using principles that are sensitive to the challenges of students in their assigned cohort while adhering to the ever-changing U.S. Department of Education and University policies and procedures. Each counselor also monitors the aid eligibility of their student population and adjusts aid as necessary throughout the year. Counselors also participate in community outreach programs such as FAFSA filing nights over multiple evenings and weekends during the fall and spring as well as multiple on campus Admissions events. Counsel/advise students/parents on all aspects of financial aid, including federal, state and institutional programs. Determine eligibility for aid adhering to federal, state and institutional policies and procedures. Communications are via email, in-person, phone, online chat. Package students and update awards based on CPS-specific program funding and incentives. Apply financial aid grants per the requirement of sponsored funding programs, including but not limited to TA (military tuition assistance) and VA funding, and AmeriCorps. Award and revise financial aid packages of CPS students, review refund requests to (re-)verify aid eligibility. Complete daily reports per weekly report schedule.
Physical Requirements  | Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment  | Not Applicable
Application Instructions  | In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University  | Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area  | Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement  | Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans  | Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community  | Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.


Quick Link  | https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/110344
Job Posting Date  | 07/30/2025
Application Deadline  |
Full Consideration By  |
Job Category  | Staff
Message to Applicants  | 

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