Financial Aid Counselor at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island

Job Description:

Company Description:

At Roger Williams University, students are prepared to be thinkers and doers ready to solve challenging problems with innovative solutions. RWU offers 50 majors and robust offerings of graduate and professional programs across eight schools of study including Rhode Island's only law school, with campuses on the coast of Bristol and in the heart of Providence, R.I. With small classrooms and a focus on undergraduate and graduate research and community engagement, a Roger Williams education blends the strength of liberal arts and professional studies, providing all students with the depth and breadth of interdisciplinary thinking and well-rounded knowledge necessary to succeed in our interconnected, global world. RWU is committed to strengthening society through engaged scholarship so that students graduate with the ability to think critically and apply the practical skills that today's employers demand.

Roger Williams University seeks to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. We value diversity, equity and inclusion and respect for all races, genders, identities, and abilities. RWU is committed to creating a thriving community that encourages lifelong learning, professional development, and academic innovation.

To learn more about Roger Williams University's commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please visit https://www.rwu.edu/who-we-are/diversity-equity-inclusion.

Job Description:

Reporting to the Associate Director for Financial Aid, Systems and Operations, the Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for processing federal, state, institutional and private aid. The Financial Aid Counselor, in conjunction with the other Financial Aid team members, reviews prospective and returning student case files and works with all populations applying for aid (Graduate, School of Law, Undergraduate Day, Continuing Studies, etc.), while providing exceptional customer service to current and prospective RWU families and students.

Financial Aid Program Administration
Advise and counsel students and families as they make decisions about college planning and financing.

Perform need analysis and award aid to case load of first-year applicants and assume responsibility for a class of students after May 1 commitment date.

Perform need analysis and award aid to case load of returning students and assume responsibility for the retention of students.

Work independently to read and award financial aid to applicants under a strict timeline.

Assist with the system processes and functions including full utilization of PowerFAIDS to ensure compliance and enhance efficiency.

Perform weekly ISIR corrections.

Serve as a Security Liaison of PII/FAFSA data for the Financial Aid Office.

Serve as Outside Scholarship Liaison/Military Liaison/State Grant Liaison/TE and CIC Liaison.

In collaboration with other team members, innovate and coordinate outreach activities to current and prospective students to improve file completion rates.

Develop, coordinate, and participate in outreach activities with various on and off-campus partnerships.

Provide back-up support in various office functions.

Co-manage various financial aid publications in conjunction with others on campus.

Aid other staff in the back-office operations.

Maintain knowledge of federal and institutional financial aid regulations and requirements to ensure legal, fair, and consistent administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid funds.

Review all assigned alpha split case files and administer State Grants, Perkins Loans, Pell Grants, Military Benefits, and Title IV refunds.

Contact the appropriate State Agency providing students of Roger Williams University with financial assistance.

Post grants/loans from Financial Aid Package and certify student eligibility. Post refunds to students and parents once eligibility is determined.

Reconciliation of funds on a monthly basis.

Financial Aid Case Review
Counsel and advise students and parents on financial aid packages and make recommendations regarding loan programs and all other aspects of the financial aid process.

Review and verify student financial aid information to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Determine entire financial aid award for each student file in the assigned alpha split case load.

Event Participation
Participate in all University events that require representations from the Department of Financial Aid.

Counsel students and parents regarding the financial aid process, answer questions and provide general support to the division hosting the event.

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance or a related field.

Minimum one to two years of related relevant experience.

Ability to support the University's strong focus on diversity and inclusion, which encompasses working with families with diverse socio-economic means.

Ability to work independently with strong attention to detail.

Advanced Microsoft Office Suite skills, specifically Excel.

Ability to work nights and weekends and ability to learn quickly.

Knowledgeable of computer programs.

Preferred Qualifications
Minimum of two years' experience in a financial institution or higher education.

Bilingual, preferably Spanish

At the University's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be excepted where the candidate can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the University, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Additional Information:

Roger Williams University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable state and federal law. For information on our Non-discrimination policy, visit here.

RWU prohibits all forms of discrimination on the basis of sex in its education programs and activities and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and its implementing regulations not to discriminate in such a manner. Complaints of Title IX sexual harassment should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator at the contact information listed below. Details regarding the formal complaint process can be found here: Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures. All complaints of sexual harassment will be taken seriously and responded to promptly. TITLE IX COORDINATOR: Dr. Jen Stanley, 1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809 / Phone Number: (401) 254-3123 /Email Address: jstanley@rwu.edu

Application Instructions:

Please attach a resume, cover letter, and list of three (3) professional references. In your cover letter/letter of interest, in addition to listing how your qualifications meet the requirements of the position, please include information about how you would be able to contribute to RWU's diversity, inclusivity, and equity goals.

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