Financial Aid Counselor - Student Services chez The Board of Trustees for the University of Northern Colorado

POSITION TITLE:  Financial Aid Counselor - Student Services COMPENSATION RANGE: 51,000.00 - 53,045.00 USD per year EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Professional Administrative DEPARTMENT: Office of Financial Aid TARGET HIRE DATE: 12/1/2025 BENEFITS: UNC’s Career Hub

Candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; UNC cannot provide H-1B sponsorship at this time.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 11/06/2025

Position Summary:

This position serves as aprimary point of contact for students and families seeking financial aidsupport through Bear Central. The Financial Aid Counselor – Student Servicesprovides direct counseling on eligibility, application processes, and awardmanagement for federal, state, and institutional aid programs. The Counselorensures the accurate interpretation and application of financial aidregulations while maintaining a student-centered, service-oriented approachthat promotes access, retention, and overall student success. In addition tofront-line service, the position is responsible for processing assigned aidfunctions such as Study Abroad, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeals,and student aid eligibility for students who enroll mid-term or transfer from otherinstitutions. As part of the Office of Financial Aid’s outreach team, theCounselor participates in on- and off-campus events, presentations, andcommunity activities designed to increase financial aid awareness and supportrecruitment and retention goals

Job Duties:

Services – 40%

TheCounselor provides individualized assistance to students and families in BearCentral regarding financial aid eligibility, applications, verification, andaward adjustments. This includes interpreting regulations and policies,resolving account issues, and ensuring timely and accurate delivery of funds.The Counselor communicates information in person, virtually, by phone, andthrough email, maintaining a professional, empathetic, and solutions-focusedapproach.

Program Administration – 35%

The Counselor isresponsible for assigned financial aid processing functions that contribute tothe overall compliance and efficiency of the Office of Financial Aid. Typicalassignments may include administering and counseling students on Study Abroadaid eligibility, adjusting awards as needed based on program costs orenrollment changes, evaluating Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeals,and verifying and adjusting federal loans based on NSLDS history and priorborrowing activity. The Counselor ensures that all actions are accuratelydocumented and processed in accordance with institutional, state, and federalregulations. Assignments may vary over time based on office needs, staffexpertise, or programmatic priorities, and may include cross-training inadditional aid processes.

Outreach and Community Engagement – 20%

As part of the financial aid outreach team, the Counselor participatesin presentations, workshops, and events that promote financial literacy andaccess to aid. The position represents the Office of Financial Aid atrecruitment, orientation, and community programs, tailoring messaging to meetthe needs of diverse audiences and strengthen the university’s engagement withprospective and current students.

Policy and Procedure Support – 5%

The Counselor assists with the review and documentation of officeprocedures and policies. This includes providing input on workflow efficiency,communication consistency, and customer service enhancements, as well assupporting departmental training efforts and contributing to compliancereadiness.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BA Required
• The idealcandidate will bring at least one year of professional experience in financialaid administration or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience providing student services in a high-volume setting, conducting aid processing tasks such as SAP appeals, Study Abroad adjustments, or loan eligibility reviews, and delivering direct student support is preferred.
• NASFAA credentials preferred but not required

Abilities:

• This position requires a strongunderstanding of financial aid principles and regulations
• The ability to applypolicies accurately
• Excellent analytical, organizational, andcommunication skills.
• The Counselor must demonstrate professionalism, empathy,and discretion when handling confidential information and must be comfortableworking in a fast-paced, collaborative, and student-centered environment.
• Bilingual communication skills (Spanish/English preferred) are highly valued toeffectively serve UNC’s diverse student population and promote equitable accessto financial aid resources.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications andstudent information systems such as Banner or comparable platforms is required.

Special Considerations:

• This position operateswithin the Office of Financial Aid as part of the Bear Central service team,requiring collaboration, accuracy, and a strong commitment to compliance andequitable service. The Counselor serves a high volume of students and families,balancing complex regulatory requirements with personalized support. Success inthis role depends on the Counselor’s ability to communicate clearly, buildtrust with students and campus partners, and maintain composure in afast-paced, service-driven environment. The position contributes directly to UNC's mission of access, affordability, and student success by fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students seeking financial aid assistance.

Benefits:
Benefits available include health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, as well as a selection of several defined contribution retirement plans for all full-time positions. Employees at UNC receive sick leave, and other leave options may be available based on position. Full-time employees are eligible to receive tuition waiver benefits, as well as dependents and spouses of UNC Employees who are employed at 0.5 FTE or above are eligible for undergraduate dependent tuition grants of up to 50%. These tuition grants will cover in-state tuition charges. Further requirements may exist. Other benefits may be available based on position.

About UNC
The University of Northern Colorado is a public doctoral/research institution located in Greeley, Colorado. UNC’s commitment to education began in 1889 and continues to be a transformational force for our students. Recognizedas a top university for social mobility, UNC is proud tobe a HispanicServing Institution and to serve more than 44%  of our undergraduates who are the first in theirfamily to attend college.  UNC is also committed to providing our faculty and staff with the support they need to succeed as professionals, educators, and in life. Please visit UNC’s Career Hub,to learn more about UNC’s strategic plan, school programs, and employee benefits. Go Bears!

EEO Statement
The University of Northern Colorado offers an educational and workingenvironment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the UNCcommunity. In accordance with federal and state law, UNC prohibits unlawfuldiscrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, national origin,religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, geneticinformation, and/or veteran status. UNC also prohibits discrimination based ongender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who opposea discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for,assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating todiscrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally protected expression will not beconsidered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is theresponsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure UNC’scompliance with this policy.

ADA Accommodations
The University of Northern Colorado is committedto providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If yourequire reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewingor otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please directyour inquiries to 970-351-2718 or [email protected]. 

Background Check
Satisfactory completion of a background check, educational check, and authorization to work in the United States is required after a conditional offer of employment has been made. The successful candidate must submit original transcripts within one (1) month of hire.

This position is contingent on funding from the Colorado State Legislature, approval by the Board of Trustees, and subject to the policies and regulations of the University of Northern Colorado.

Clery Act
In compliance with the Clery Act, the most recent University of Northern Colorado Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online. A paper copy can be requested at the UNC Police Department. This report contains crime statistics and policy statements related to safety, conduct processes and Title IX investigations.