Department: Division of Enrollment Management

Classification: Administrative Faculty

Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax

Telework Friendly: Yes

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Office of Financial Aid is part of the Division of Enrollment Management, which also includes the Office of Admissions, Office of Military Services, and the Mason Student Services Center, reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment Management. The Division of Enrollment Management is a part of the Office of the Provost.

About the Position:

The role of the Financial Aid Counselor is to provide assistance to students, and their families, to proceed through the financial aid process. This position advises students about financial aid eligibility, application procedures, available financial aid programs, costs and financial management strategies including financing options, debt management and financial planning. The Financial Aid Counselor manages students and is responsible for reviewing applications for accuracy and verification in order to determine financial need and the student's award package. The Financial Aid Counselor assists in community outreach activities and provides guidance and information on financial aid related matters, which may include some weekend and evening attendance at information sessions and student orientation programs. This position is also responsible for maintaining a thorough working knowledge of all Federal Title IV, State and institutional financial aid regulations. This position is expected to be able to evaluate Professional Judgment and Income Reduction requests and student SAP appeals.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, financial aid advising; participating in an extensive outreach program; financial aid data review; verification, awarding, and packaging student financial aid files; and responsibility for a specific student financial aid program/office function.

Daily duties involve the following:

• Provide outstanding customer service while demonstrating patience and understanding to students and families who are seeking and/or receiving financial aid;
• Advise students 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 parents regarding financing an education at the university (heavy contact with students and families via e-mail, phone, and in-person);
• Manage a student caseload and review student applications for accuracy to determine financial need and award aid in accordance with applicable federal, state, and institutional policies and regulations;
• Review student applications for accuracy, and determine financial need and award aid in accordance with applicable federal, state and institutional policies and regulations;
• Calculate student award packages utilizing various software programs and federal, state and university resources, including gift aid and self-help; maintain compliance with federal and state regulations and the internal policies and procedures of the university, and monitor and verify information with required documents;
• Process applications and corrections, need analysis, document tracking and evaluation of those documents; verify accuracy of documents and consistency of financial aid data, federal tax transcripts, financial aid verification documents, and student information; and generate award notifications or denying aid if ineligible; and
• Must be able to work occasional nights and weekends, and must be available for presentations and outreach events with little notice.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree; or equivalent combination of related education and experience;
• In-depth knowledge of federal student aid rules and regulations;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, collaborative, and computer software skills;
• Ability to provide the highest level of service to students and their families;
• Ability to work effectively and respectfully as part of a team environment; and
• Ability to provide in-depth contact with students and families via e-mail, telephone, and in-person; and demonstrated success in managing these communications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Ellucian Banner financial aid software;
• Possess a strong desire to provide the highest level of service to students and their families, have a positive approach to work, and be a team player;
• Experience with Salesforce case management software;
• Experience with using a call center software phone system; and
• Spanish speaking a plus.

George Mason University is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic community committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment, and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans.

Compensation: Salary starting at $55,000 or higher, commensurate with education and experience, in addition to excellent administrative faculty benefits.

Instructions to Applicants: For full consideration, applicants must apply for Position Financial Aid Counselor at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and provide a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information.

Posting Open Date: October 20, 2023

For Full Consideration, Apply by: November 1, 2023

Open Until Filled?: Yes

Mason Ad Statement

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.

Equity Statement

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

Campus Safety Information

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