Financial Aid Counselor

DePauw University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: Women, members of underrepresented groups, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Position will remain open until filled. Please upload a cover letter with your resume when prompted. The Office of Financial Aid is seeking a dedicated, detail-oriented, and customer-focused Financial Aid Counselor to join our team. This entry-level position plays a crucial role in supporting students and families through their academic journey by guiding them through the financial aid application, evaluation, and financing processes. Excellent communication skills, outstanding student service, a strong attention to detail, and a willingness to learn and adhere to federal, state, and institutional regulations are required. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Reasonable Accommodations Statement To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Essential Functions Statement(s) Customer Service: Provides high-quality, welcoming service to all students, parents, and members of the DePauw University community. This includes handling phone calls, emails, and in-person inquiries. Advising & Counseling: Assists and advises students and parents regarding financial aid eligibility, application procedures (FAFSA), aid programs, packaging policies, costs, and the university billing process. Records Management: Maintains accurate, secure, and confidential records of student financial aid information in compliance with privacy regulations. Document Processing: Processes and verifies financial aid materials, tax documents, and related verification forms accurately and timely. Compliance: Learns, interprets, and ensures compliance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations regarding financial aid administration. Outreach & Presentation: Assists in developing basic informational materials and conducts informational sessions or workshops on financial aid for students and families. Admissions Collaboration: Collaborates with the Office of Admission to help recruit new students and meet enrollment goals through relationship building and timely communication regarding financial aid packages. Other duties as assigned. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS Competency Statement(s) Accountability: Ability to accept responsibility for one’s actions and workload. Communication (Oral & Written): Ability to communicate financial information clearly, concisely, and empathetically to diverse audiences. Customer Oriented: A strong desire to serve both external and internal clients by focusing effort on meeting their needs and building trust. Diversity Oriented: Ability to work effectively with people regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or background. Interpersonal: Ability to get along well with a variety of personalities and work collaboratively within a team. Organized: Ability to follow a systematic method of performing tasks and managing paperwork. Time Management: Ability to utilize available time efficiently to complete tasks within strict administrative deadlines. Requirements Education/Experience: A Bachelor’s degree required. (Equivalents include 1–2 years of foundational experience in customer service, higher education administration, or banking/finance). Communication/Language: Ability to read and interpret complex documents (such as government regulations). Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively and confidently with students, parents, and peers. Quantitative Ability: Basic mathematical and data analysis skills; comfort working with financial figures and budgets. Computer Skills: Technical proficiency with computer applications, including Google Workspace and Microsoft Office (specifically Excel). Ability to quickly learn institutional database systems; prior experience with student information systems (e.g., Workday or PowerFAIDS) is a plus but not required. Other Requirements A strong commitment to the values associated with a nationally respected, residential liberal arts university, including those related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Proven organizational and multitasking skills with an eagerness to learn and adhere to rigid compliance guidelines. Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while contributing positively to a team environment. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Physical Demands Lift/Carry Stand O (Occasionally) Walk O (Occasionally) Sit C (Constantly) Handling / Fingering O (Occasionally) Reach Outward O (Occasionally) Reach Above Shoulder O (Occasionally) Climb O (Occasionally) Crawl O (Occasionally) Squat or Kneel O (Occasionally) Bend O (Occasionally) Speak F (Frequently) 10 lbs or less O (Occasionally) 11-20 lbs O (Occasionally) 21-50 lbs O (Occasionally) 51-100 lbs N (Not Applicable) Over 100 lbs N (Not Applicable) Push/Pull 12 lbs or less O (Occasionally) 13-25 lbs O (Occasionally) 26-40 lbs O (Occasionally) 41-100 lbs N (Not Applicable) N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this occupation. O (Occasionally) Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day) F (Frequently) Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day) C (Constantly) Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day) Other Physical Requirements Vision (Near, Distance, Peripheral, Depth Perception, Color) Hearing (Auditory perception, or audition) WORK ENVIRONMENT Normal office environment. We are proud to recognize the active participation of faculty and staff in adding to the heritage of building and supporting vibrant, intellectual and creative lives for students and for ourselves. Principles of collaboration, respect for each other, diversity, freedom of expression, accountability and service guide the daily decisions and interactions across campus. DePauw University, in affirmation of its commitment to excellence, endeavors to provide equal opportunity for all individuals in its hiring, promotion, compensation and admission procedures. Institutional decisions regarding hiring, promotion, compensation and admission will be based upon a person’s qualifications and/or performance without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, age, gender, gender identity or gender expression, except where religion, gender, or national origin is a bona fide occupational qualification. DePauw University’s goals and commitments are best served if the institution reflects the diversity of our society; hence, DePauw seeks diversity in all areas and levels of employment and abides by all local, state, and federal regulations concerning equal employment opportunities. The University admits, hires and promotes individuals upon their qualities and merits. Employee Benefits Overview There are many benefits offered to DePauw Employees. For full time benefits eligible employees these benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance . Basic Life insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) and Long Term Disability are paid for by DePauw University. Full time employees may elect to purchase additional voluntary life insurance for themselves and their dependents. Additional voluntary benefits , Tuition Remission and Exchange , as well as Relocation Allowance are also employee benefits. See the Benefits Hub. All employees may participate in the retirement savings plan , as well as employee discounts and access to University resources. At DePauw, we recognize that our employees need to balance work and home. Please refer to University Policies for Vacation Time , Personal Time (hourly) and Sick Time policies in the Employee Handbook for more information on these and other benefits. When you need support, the Cigna Employee Assistance benefit is available to all employees and their households. ENJOY ACCESS TO THE AMAZING FACILITIES AND PROGRAMS DEPAUW UNIVERSITY HAS TO OFFER, SUCH AS: Welch Fitness Center and wellness classes Indoor Tennis and Track Center University Libraries Peeler art galleries Green Center for the Performing Arts events and programs Ubben lecture series Free athletic events Bookstore and Starbucks (Greencastle) discounts Employee discounted meal plan Free parking Nature park, including walking and biking trails Personal duplicating and printing discounts EEO is the law. Click here for more information.