Concordia University Chicago Looking for Financial Aid Counselor Full Time

Concordia University Chicago (CUC) invites applications for the full-time, non-exempt position of Financial Aid Counselor. This position is responsible for receiving, evaluating, and verifying student data to award federal, state, institutional, and outside financial aid funds. Student eligibility is determined in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, policies and procedures. Financial Aid Counselors are responsible for counseling students on matters of financial aid eligibility, and for providing necessary information regarding student financial assistance programs to various constituencies. This position reports to the Executive Director of Financial Aid and is located in River Forest, IL.

Responsibilities:

• Provides assistance to the Executive Director for the operation of a comprehensive financial aid program
• Counsels students regarding their aid eligibility, academic progress, and student accounts
• Attends financial aid workshops and remains current on Federal and State regulations
• Performs file review, verification and awarding of all financial aid funds
• Assists students with the financial aid application process
• Interprets and explains financial aid packages and processes to students, faculty and staff members
• Conducts financial aid presentations
• Certifies and processes applications for all educational loan programs
• Assists with yearly audit functions
• Assists with gathering data for institutional and governmental reports
• Serves as a financial aid resource to the Graduate and/or Undergraduate Admission Office
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid
• Candidates must support and be committed to the mission and identity of Concordia University Chicago, a university of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS)

Skills Required:

• Customer service oriented with demonstrated responsiveness to students’ needs
• Solid decision-making and organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks
• Strong attention to detail
• Superior verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse communities on and off campus
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with students, parents, faculty, staff, the public and representatives of lending institutions
• Strong administrative skills, including related computer and technology skills such as Excel, Word, and Access; knowledge of Banner or similar financial aid technologies preferred
• Enthusiastic supporter of Lutheran higher education and Concordia University Chicago
• Thorough understanding of the role of financial aid programs within a private college environment

Minimum Experience Required:

Financial aid, student loan or student services experience preferred

Education Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent coursework and experience required

Compensation and Benefits:

Starting range is dependent upon individual qualifications and experience. Concordia University Chicago benefit options include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and/or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Disability and Survivor Plan (Basic Life Insurance)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Retirement Pension Plan
• Retirement 403(b) Savings Plan
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Tuition benefits (available for employees and their qualified dependents)

Application Information:

Interested individuals should include a cover letter, resume and references with their online application.

Concordia does not discriminate in the employment of individuals on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex or age. As an institution of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, however, and to the extent allowed by law, Concordia University reserves the right to give preference in employment based upon religious affiliation.

Concordia University Chicago does not generally sponsor for employment visas except for positions that oversee, teach or support our international programs.

About Concordia University Chicago:

Concordia University Chicago is a liberal arts-based Christian university founded in the Lutheran tradition. Through its College of Theology, Arts & Humanities, College of Business, College of Education, and College of Health, Science & Technology, Concordia-Chicago offers more than 160 areas of study in small classes taught by professors who are passionate about teaching and student success. All undergraduate and graduate degrees are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Concordia University Chicago has been recognized as a College of Distinction since 2010, and is consistently ranked among the Best Regional Universities-Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. For more than a decade, combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment has exceeded 5,000 students. Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. Learn more about our commitment to higher education, rooted in the Gospel, at CUChicago.edu.

Steadfast in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, Concordia University Chicago promotes academic rigor in its liberal arts and professional programs; grounds students in objective truth, integrity, and excellence; and practices faithfulness to the Confessional teachings of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, as it forms students for vocations in church, family, and the world.