Financial Literacy & Outreach CounselorThe George Mason University Office of Admissions is seeking applicants for the Financial Literacy & Outreach Counselor position. George Mason University has an institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason's academic and culturally inclusive environment.About the Position:The Financial Literacy & Outreach Counselor is part of a collaborative team of individuals that work creatively to develop outreach initiatives to either the K-12 or transfer populations. This position performs specialized outreach duties related to increasing and promoting awareness and participation of financial aid programs amongst potentially eligible students.Responsibilities:Provide outstanding customer service while demonstrating patience and understanding to students and families who are seeking and/or receiving financial aid;Perform financial aid outreach and follow-up activities to targeted populations; present financial aid information to students, parents, staff and the general public in a variety of settings, such as high schools, community colleges, on-campus and community organizations;Develop and organize outreach materials and/or events targeted towards increasing awareness in financial aid programs and services;Work with Integrated Enrollment Marketing on communication campaigns regarding the financial aid process;Advise prospective students and families about financial aid eligibility, application procedures, available financial aid programs, educational costs, and financial management strategies, including loans, financing options, and other financial-aid related matters (further including debt management and financial planning);Counsel students and families regarding financing an education at the university (heavy contact with students and families via e-mail, phone and in-person);Instruct prospective students and families in correct procedures for completion of financial forms and applications;Provide information and assistance to prospective students and families regarding eligibility, regulations and requirements of various federal, state and district financial programs such as grants, loans, work-study, fee waivers, scholarships, and contingency funds;Participate in the development, planning and implementation of financial aid outreach policies and strategies aimed at increasing student success to financial aid programs and services;Work with the Office of Financial Aid to coordinate distribution of partnership scholarships;Coordinate outreach and follow up regarding the VASA; andServe as the liaison from the Office of Financial Aid to the Office of Admissions, including staff training and assistance with financial aid cases.Required Qualifications:A Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience;Must demonstrate in-depth knowledge of federal student aid rules and regulations with a minimum of three years of relevant Financial Aid experience;Must have a positive attitude, professional demeanor, and a willingness to adapt to change and take on new challenges;Must be able to work occasional nights and weekends, and must be available for presentations and outreach events with little notice;Demonstrated ability to work as an individual and as part of a team;Excellent verbal, written and oral communication skills; andRobust organizational, interpersonal, collaborative and computer software skills.Preferred Qualifications:A Master's degree, preferably, in Higher Education Administration or Student Affairs;Experience with Ellucian Banner financial aid software;Experience with Salesforce case management software;Experience working with under resourced populations;Possess a desire to provide the highest level of service to students and their families, have an energetic and positive approach to work, and be a team player;Demonstrated success in managing in-person, telephone, and email communications with skill and finesse; andBilingual, Spanish preferred.

For full consideration, applicants must apply for position number FA97JZ at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information.

"Great Careers Begin at Mason! George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. Mason holds a top U.S. News and World Report "Up and Coming" spot for national universities and is recognized for its global appeal and excellence in higher education.Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason's diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition."