Financial Aid Counselor

MARYVILLE COLLEGE STAFF POSITION DESCRIPTIONPosition Title: Financial Aid CounselorDepartment: Financial AidTitle of Immediate Supervisor: Director of Financial AidFunded Term / Work Cycle: 12-month/Full-TimeExpected Daily Work Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Expected Weekly Work Schedule: Monday - FridayPay Grade: 5SStarting Salary Expectations: $40,000About Maryville College:Maryville College is a nationally ranked institution of higher learning and one of America's oldest colleges. For more than 200 years, we've educated students to be giving citizens and gifted leaders to study everything so that they are prepared for anything. Our graduates are equipped to address complex problems, engage with diverse communities, and launch meaningful careers.Nestled in Maryville, Tennessee, between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the city of Knoxville, our campus combines the beauty of a rural setting with the advantages of an urban center. With a wide range of academic programs and a strong tradition of career preparation, our alumni live "strong of mind and brave of heart," carrying forward our Presbyterian founder's charge to do good on the largest possible scale.MissionAt Maryville College, we offer more than a mission-we offer support. Our employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; a generous paid time off program; a retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%; tuition benefits for employees, spouses, and dependents; and the opportunity to grow in a collaborative community that values professional excellence and personal well-being."Maryville College prepares students for lives of citizenship and leadership as we challenge each one to search for truth, grow in wisdom, work for justice and dedicate a life of creativity and service to the peoples of the world."Values:Scholarship: We commit ourselves to lifelong curiosity and learning, to the search for knowledge, and to intellectual creativity.Respect: We commit ourselves to honor the worth, dignity, and freedom of ourselves and all creation, and to treat others as we wish to be treated.Integrity: We commit ourselves to truth, honesty, dependability, and responsibility in all our actions and relationships.Position PurposeThe 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.SUMMARYThe Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for awarding and administering financial aid programs, managing verification and eligibility review processes, understanding and processing of state financial aid, and providing individualized financial aid counseling to students and families. The position exercises professional judgment authority, oversees loan processing workflows, and ensures compliance with federal and institutional financial aid regulations.Education and Experience required to ensure success in this position:Education required:* Bachelor's degree requiredExperience required:1-3 years of experience in financial aid administration, enrollment services, or student financial services requiredExperience applying federal Title IV regulations preferredExperience with verification review, eligibility determination, or aid packaging preferredExperience working in higher education student information systems is preferredESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSLeadership and Collaboration:Provides individualized financial aid counseling to students and families regarding eligibility, award adjustments, and financial planning optionsServes as a subject-matter resource to campus partners regarding financial aid eligibility requirementsCollaborates with Admissions and Student Accounts regarding award coordination and enrollment impactsSupports coordination with the Financial Aid Operations Specialist on documentation readiness workflowsData, Technology, and ComplianceDetermines student eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid programsAdministers Tennessee state aid awarding and reconciliation processesManages verification review for assigned student populationsApplies federal financial aid regulations and institutional policies in awarding decisionsEnsures compliance with Department of Education program requirementsStakeholder and Institutional SupportAssists students and families in completing FAFSA and resolving eligibility issuesCommunicates changes to award eligibility and provides guidance on available optionsSupports student retention through proactive financial aid counselingResponds to complex eligibility questions requiring regulatory interpretationOperations and Technical OversightOversees loan processing, including Parent PLUS and alternative loansSupports freshman packaging processes under the direction of the DirectorAdministers dual enrollment financial aid processingMaintains default prevention program coordination activitiesFiscal OversightAdministers state aid awardingEnsures accurate awarding adjustments throughout the academic yearSupports compliance monitoring related to institutional aid deliveryStrategic Planning and SustainabilitySupports the continuous improvement of financial aid counseling deliveryAssists with the implementation of regulatory updates impacting awarding processesContributes to institutional compliance readiness activitiesOther:NOTE: Other roles/duties will be assigned as necessary to assist the College in the attainment of the goals set forth and the enhancement of a positive, respectful learning environment for all staff, faculty, and students.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesAbility to interpret and apply federal Title IV financial aid regulationsKnowledge of institutional, state, and federal financial aid programs and eligibility requirementsAbility to exercise professional judgment authority in accordance with regulatory guidanceStrong analytical and problem-solving skills related to eligibility determinationAbility to explain complex financial aid information clearly to students and familiesAbility to maintain confidentiality of student information in accordance with FERPAStrong organizational skills and attention to detailAbility to manage multiple student cases and deadlines simultaneouslyAbility to collaborate effectively with Admissions, Student Accounts, and Financial Aid Operations staffProficiency with student information systems and financial aid processing platforms (e.g., Banner, PowerFAIDS, Jenzabar, or similar)Strong written and verbal communication skillsLicense, Certification, or Registration Necessary:* None required* Financial aid training through NASFAA or state financial aid associations preferredWork Environment and Physical Requirements:Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computerAbility to navigate campus buildings as neededMay occasionally lift or move materials up to 15 poundsFrequent interaction with students and families in person, by phone, and electronicallyPeriodic extended hours during peak financial aid processing cyclesAbility to operate the following vehicles or equipment:Standard office equipmentStudent information systemsFinancial aid processing systems (e.g., COD, NSLDS, FAST, or equivalent)Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word"The College may, at its discretion, sponsor employment-based immigration petitions (such as 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, compliance with applicable federal regulations, availability of institutional resources, and the College's sole determination of fiscal feasibility.The College cannot guarantee sponsorship in any case, particularly where newly introduced federal filing fees or wage obligations create financial burdens inconsistent with institutional budget stewardship. The College always reserves the right to defer or decline sponsorship."