University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Job Description Summary

The Senior Financial Aid Counselor will join a large team of Financial Aid Professionals servicing both undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Pennsylvania. The office provides support student-centered initiatives, provide leadership and counseling and/or guidance to students, families, and the University community.

The position will actively serve students and their families through financial aid related services ranging from educating prospective students about the financial aid process, awarding various aid programs, and educating students about the importance of good financial management. In addition, this position will have administrative oversight of specific programs (such as Pell, Donor Relations, Veterans, FWS, etc.) to ensure funds are properly awarded, disbursed, and accurately reconciled. Experience in managing both federal and institutional methodology is a plus. The ideal candidate should have considerable experience working with specific financial aid programs and a good working knowledge of FERPA rules and regulations and ability to ensure compliance.

Join a team of financial aid experts in an operation that focuses on student support. This position serves as a central point of contact for all student needs regarding financial aid. Responsible for providing in-depth counseling of individual students pertaining to their unique circumstances, to include meeting with students and parents to facilitate the financial aid process. Adhere to FAFSA regulations as they pertain to maintaining the security and confidentiality of all student records. Candidate selected must have a positive attitude and flexibility in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Job Description

This position serves as a Financial Aid Counselor on the student financial services team. Related duties include helping to facilitate and support student-centered initiatives, provide leadership and counseling and/or guidance to students, families, and the University community. Evaluate financial aid applications and determine amount/configuration of aid packages for students ensuring the University is in compliance with state, federal, and institutional policies governing financial aid. Consult with various University offices (Admissions, Registrar, Bursar, Advising) and external agencies (lenders and guarantee agencies) to resolve related processing and certification and payment issues.

• Counsels students, parents and outside groups in financial aid program eligibility, online applications and loan processing via outreach and presentations/workshops
• Complies with current regulations of all federal, state, private and university programs.
• Supports daily operations processing.
• Prepares and presents financial aid and budgetary workshops to all students
• Maintain collaborative relationships with all colleagues while demonstrating cooperation and accountability.
• Acts as liaison with various internal departments as appropriate.
• Required out of office presentations/workshops and events on evenings and weekends based on business needs

Qualifications:

Associate’s degree or equivalent and 1 to 3 years' relevant experience in a financial aid and student services environment or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Financial aid counseling experience and a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of federal regulations for administering student financial aid programs, financial aid need analysis, and processes.

Familiarity with Banner Student Information System, needs' analysis, and federal/state financial aid programs.  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to interpret and apply laws, policies and procedures. Familiarity with automated financial aid systems.

Experience with MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint), Banner, ImageNow imaging system.   Ability to work well with a diverse community and groups with different levels of technical ability. Multi-lingual skills are a plus.  The ability to develop and maintain effective professional working relationships with individuals at all organization levels on campus is critical, along with the ability to work independently and with a team of colleagues.

Success Factors

• Desire to provide excellent customer service and ability to utilize critical thinking and analytical skills to effectively make determinations and package student awards.
• An ability to work as part of a dynamic and flexible team in a fast-paced professional office.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse constituencies.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships, to assess and balance needs of various stakeholders, and to identify and advocate for achievable solutions.
• Ability to be collaborative and responsive in managing multiple relationships, adapting to new priorities, and responsive as needs change.

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
Division of Finance

Pay Range
$42,953.00 - $77,315.00

Affirmative Action Statement

Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements

Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.