Job No. 155603
- Job Title:
- Financial Aid Counselor
- Employer:
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University of Portland
- Location:
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Portland , OR
- Posting Date:
- 10-Jun-2025
- Description:
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Job Summary
This position supports the administration of the University’s financial aid programs for undergraduate and/or graduate students. This position is responsible for providing counsel related to financial aid and communicating complex information to students and their families.
Core Duties
Analyze applications and complete need analyses for a high volume of financial aid applications using a thorough understanding of both the philosophy and the detailed procedures of federal need analysis methodologies.
Determine student financial aid offers based on computed financial need, federal, state, and institutional awarding policies.
Review detailed financial documents, including tax documents, for accuracy of reported financial information.
Review detailed financial documents, including tax documents, for accuracy of reported financial information.
Apply professional judgment and knowledge of institutional and federal policies to determine the most appropriate and equitable decisions; review appeals when there are changes in student or family financial conditions or other relevant factors.
Review a wide variety of reports to identify changes or conflicting data in financial aid systems; make corrective adjustments to student data records as necessary and communicate changes.
Communicate complex financial aid regulations, policies, and procedures to students, families, donors, or other agencies in a clear, timely, and professional manner. Comply with federal data-sharing regulations. Provide referral to other departments as necessary and remain available as a resource for future questions.
Perform outreach for on-campus events and at local community high schools. Respond to requests for informational meetings. May occasionally travel to attend and present at recruitment events, when available.
Collaborate with other colleagues on cross functional projects. Contribute to solutions that may affect policy changes or the development of new or revised processes.
Provide leadership and/or support for one or more collateral assignments, as designated by a member of the Financial Aid management team:
May be responsible for coordinating with the Athletic Department and maintaining NCAA compliance.
May be responsible for serving as Veterans Affairs Certifying Official for the University of Portland.
May be responsible for receiving and processing a large volume of outside scholarship checks, preparing deposits, and reconciling fund accounts.
May be responsible for reconciling Oregon Grants and maintaining eligibility rosters though a Portal with Oregon Student Aid (OSAC).
May be responsible for coordinating eligibility rosters with Air Force and Army ROTC detachments and administering UP ROTC financial aid.
May be responsible for coordinating participation rosters with the Office of Study Abroad and completing study abroad financial aid offers.
Other duties as relevant to the duties of the position or as assigned by supervisor or designee.
Please note that the above list of duties is not comprehensive but generally demonstrates the types of matters under this position’s purview and responsibility.
Education & Experience
Required: Bachelor’s degree
Required: Three years of relevant experience in financial aid, student counseling, or another related field.
Or equivalent education and/or experience.
Certifications & Licenses
Preferred: NASFAA Credential training.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Experience in need analysis and packaging of student financial aid.
Excellent customer service, communication skills, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to exercise tact and discretion when dealing with students, families, and staff.
Expertise in counseling and working with students individually; ability to provide excellent customer service in difficult situations.
Demonstrated understanding and ability to explain University policy to others; detailed knowledge of federal financial aid regulations.
Demonstrated understanding of graduate and undergraduate student aid delivery process, including federal and state statutes and regulations.
Demonstrated ability to set priorities, manage time and workflow, manage multiple, concurrent high priority projects in a time-pressured environment, and meet deadlines.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail and accuracy.
Excellent analytical, quantitative, critical-thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Proven success in following through and completing projects.
Strong orientation towards taking initiative and ownership of projects and assignments and being proactive with projects, assignments, and process improvements.
Ability to independently research matters, resolve matters, and present data if necessary in a clear and persuasive manner.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to routinely and independently exercise sound judgment in making decisions.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and effectively handle highly-sensitive and confidential information with sound judgment, tact, and discretion.
Ability to function well in a busy work environment, working independently and as part of a team.
Competence with and commitment to inclusive excellence; ability to be an effective partner with diverse students, faculty, and staff.
Ability to establish effective working relationships, professional rapport, and effectively accomplish work within a University setting that includes a wide array of individuals, groups, policies, and processes.
Effective ability to use and learn computers, technology, software, and applications at level of sophistication required for the duties of the position, including, without limitation, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), the internet, and computerized maintenance management systems.
All University of Portland positions require the ability to quickly learn and use new technologies, software, and applications in depth and at level of proficiency required for duties of the position. In most situations, the necessity of learning, using, and supporting new technologies, software, and/or applications does not change a job description nor make the position one that involves higher level duties.
Physical Requirements
Frequently: sit, perform desk-based computer tasks; use fine manipulation and grasp; use a telephone; write by hand; sort and file paperwork.
Occasionally: stand and walk; twist; lift, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
Occasionally: ability to attend events and activities on or off campus.
Frequently: ability to interact and communicate with members of the University and others as necessary.
Working Conditions
Hours of employment: may require working flexible and/or longer hours, when necessitated by projects or University events.
Work-related stress: sometimes there may be stress from work-related situations such as those involving challenging, important, urgent, time-sensitive, or multiple matters.
- Contact information:
- University of Portland
- Portland, OR 97203
- United States
- Employer's Website:
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