Senior Financial Aid Counselor -- BSC

Are you ready to join a community leading in innovative teaching and learning? 

Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With our growing enrollment and global reach, we are enjoying increased prominence among Georgia's colleges. We offer more than 150 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to over 43,000 students. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics also draw students from throughout the region and from 92 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, mission and values and rich benefits make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia .  Kennesaw State will exemplify the power and promise of a student-centered, research-driven university. Our institutional values are student-inspired, promise-fulfilling, true to ourselves, elevational, open and impact-generating. In addition, we support the University System of Georgia core values of accountability, excellence, integrity and respect.  We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University. Come to KSU and find your passion.   

Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144. 

Counsels and advises students and parents on the various financial aid programs. Assists with the administration of one or more federal, state, or institutional financial aid programs. Evaluates Financial Aid applications in order to determine student eligibility for various financial aid programs and performs data collection and record keeping duties.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of financial aid at the federal, state and institutional levels
2. Reviews student¿s eligibility for federal, state, and institutional programs and ensures student¿s files are accurate and completed in a timely manner
3. Manages federal and state processes or programs, including but not limited to awarding, application download and tracking, CFlags, private loans, consortium agreements, HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships, HERO Scholarship, Federal Work Study, Return to Title IV, private scholarships, etc.
4. Responds to student inquiries by working the front desk, responding to tickets from the Communications Center and email inquiries from students; contacts outside entities to resolve student data conflicts, included but not limited to, servicers, state and federal agencies
5. Ability to understand and research issues related to various federal and state systems including but not limited to: CPS, EDE, NSLDS, COD, and Surfer
6. Reviews and analyzes daily exception reports to resolve issues and complete student files
7. Reviews and audits completed work to ensure accuracy and compliance, recommends changes based on workflow and productivity issues
8. Participates in annual trainings and professional development to keep abreast of new information and program changes

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in related field
Required Experience
Two (2) years relevant experience in financial aid

Additional Preferred Qualifications
National Association of Student Aid Administrators (NASFAA) credentials
Preferred Educational Qualifications
Masters degree from an accredited institution of higher education in related field
Preferred Experience
Previous experience in a financial aid office at an institution of higher education
Working and tested knowledge of Banner (Ellucian)

ABILITIES
Ability to understand, interpret, and synthesize information from students/parents to effectively counsel
Ability to diffuse difficult and emotional situations
Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines
KNOWLEDGE
Working and tested knowledge of state program rules and regulations, as they pertain to financial aid in the State of Georgia
Working and tested knowledge of Title IV rules and regulations, as they pertain to Federal Student Financial Aid
Working knowledge of and abides by the regulations of Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
SKILLS
Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e. Microsoft Office suite, Ellucian Banner Financial Aid Module, USG GA Modifications to Banner)
Strong attention to detail and follow up skills
Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette

Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.
For additional information on this policy, or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 225, [email protected]

This is not a supervisory position.
This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time

• Standard Enhanced
• Education

Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening
results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility.

All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.

https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf