Financial Aid Counselor

As part of the Enrollment division, the Office of Financial Aid is comprised of a team of 34 financial aid professionals dedicated to help students navigate the complex landscape of financial aid. Toward this goal, we work closely with Cornell's Office of the University Registrar, Undergraduate Admissions Office, and Office of the Bursar.

The role of the Financial Aid Counselor includes advising undergraduate students and families regarding the financial aid process and eligibility. In addition, financial aid counselors perform eligibility analysis and award institutional, state and federal financial aid according to regulation and policy.

We are seeking a hard-working, forward-thinking, financial aid professional who enjoys thinking innovatively, collaborating with colleagues and departments across campus, who can function exceptionally well in a team-based office. The ideal candidate will be able to balance working autonomously and collaborating with colleagues.

Please submit a cover letter and resume. We are seeking to fill two positions. Review of candidates will begin immediately.

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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with 2-3 years of experience in financial aid, other higher education student services, or equivalent positions in other industries requiring customer service and analytical skills.
• Requires excellent communication skills and strong analytical ability. Attention to detail and confidentiality are essential.
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of federal student aid rules and regulations. Knowledge of financial aid systems strongly preferred, including COD, NSLDS, and CPS.
• A proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, adapt to new priorities, and be responsive as projects and needs evolve in a fast-paced environment with minimal direction; while also collaborating effectively as part of a diverse team.
• Candidates should expect in-depth contact with students and families via e-mail, telephone and in-person; and demonstrate success in managing these communications with skill and finesse.
• Excellent relationship building skills and ability to interact collaboratively with diverse stakeholders in a large, complex and decentralized university environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master's degree in higher education administration, student development administration, or business administration is preferred.
• Professional-level experience in financial aid.
• Experience with Peoplesoft is desirable although training will be provided if necessary.

What We Offer

Cornell University takes great pride in offering generous benefits to support our faculty, staff and retirees. Cornell receives national recognition, as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, flexibility, and diversity initiatives!

• Our benefits program includes comprehensive health care options, access to wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands.

• Our leave provisions include three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: e.g., an end-of-year winter break, from December 25th through January 1st.

• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, Tuition Aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.

• We invite you to follow this link to get more information regarding Endowed benefits: https://hr.cornell.edu/benefits-pay.

No relocation assistance is provided for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.