Job Description : This position primarily focuses on financial aid processing for graduate students. The Graduate Financial Aid Counselor will advise current and prospective graduate students throughout the financial aid process and must possess a strong understanding of available financing options. In addition to supporting graduate students, the counselor will provide general admissions and financial aid counseling to prospective and current undergraduate students and their families. The role also requires participation in all on-campus recruitment events, including weekend undergraduate and graduate open houses. Overall, this position contributes to the planning and execution of Enrollment Management's recruitment and retention initiatives.
Location : Glenside
Duties and Responsibilities :
Financial Aid Responsibilities :
- The Graduate Financial Aid Counselor will serve as the primary financial aid counselor for approximately half of the graduate student population.
- They will maintain ongoing relationships with their assigned students by providing individualized counseling and proactive outreach.
- In addition to direct student support, the counselor is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of loans, completing federal ver ification, and managing all other required financial aid documentation and outreach within their caseload.
- This position will regularly interact with partners from other campus departments, such as the Office of Student Accounts and Graduate Admissions Program staff.
- The GFA Counselor will be expected to participate in regular professional development and use resources provided to them to stay informed of mandated changes in financial aid.
Project Management :
The GFA Counselor will be assigned to assist with one to three specific projects, which may include initiatives such as coordinating Exit Counseling, managing Default Prevention efforts, or supporting Financial Literacy programming.The GFA Counselor is expected to effectively organize tasks to achieve timely and accurate results, monitor project progress, and anticipate potential challenges or changes.They must communicate project updates clearly and promptly, stay well organized, and ensure all assigned projects are completed successfully and on time.Travel & Event Participation :
The GFA Counselor will be required to participate in weekend, evening and weekday on-campus recruiting events for undergraduate and graduate students including open houses, information sessions, receptions and other recruitment events for graduate and undergraduate students.Additionally the GFA Counselor will occasionally represent the University at off-campus recruiting events.Marginal Functions :
Perform other duties as assigned by the Assistant Director of Graduate Financial Aid, Associate Vice President for Financial Aid and Enrollment Management, or other senior management, as appropriate.Assist the Office of Enrollment Management with taking on additional work on a temporary basis during times of high-volume activity or need.Qualifications :
Bachelor's degree, required.Prior experience working in higher education or an office environment.Valid driver's license with a vehicle available for recruitment travel.Successful completion of a background check, financial credit check and motor vehicle record check.Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :
Communication :
Able to give clear and timely information to the appropriate stakeholders in compliance with state and federal laws that safeguard personal information.Able to professionally communicate via written correspondence, telephone or video, online media, and face to face, and tailor the message appropriately to the medium used and the audience (example : coworker, parent, student, other Universityemployees).
Customer Service :
Able to work professionally and positively with prospective students, current students, parents, high school representatives and university employees.Provides clear and timely information and answers to questions, following up as necessary, or being able to refer an individual to a more appropriate team member.Able to empathize with others and understand the various perspectives that individuals bring to a situation, and address those perspectives.Project Management :
Able to organize tasks in the right order to reach the right outcome at the right time.Monitor progress in projects and plans and adapt appropriately to changes or challenges.Communicates workload and status of projects effectively and timely.Is well organized and manages assignments to a successful conclusion.Technology :
Able to use appropriate software for efficient completion of work objectives, including Google Workspace.Demonstrate beginner-intermediate level mastery of core MS Office programs, including Microsoft Excel.Ready to learn admissions, financial aid management and student registration / accounting systems.Cultural Understanding :
Able to demonstrate respect for and engage with people of diverse backgrounds to create a stronger communityEmotional Intelligence :
Ability to understand how your role fits into the big picture goals of the University, and how your absence can impact those around you.Able to respond positively to direction and performance-related criticism.Able to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in and outside the University.Application Instructions :
Applications must be submitted online through Arcadia's Human Resources portal to receive full consideration. Please do not email application materials to the hiring manager. Due to the volume of applications received, communication will generally be limited to candidates selected for additional consideration.Application review will begin immediately. Posting will be removed from the website once we've established a sufficient talent pool for consideration.Arcadia University is a top-ranked private University in Greater Philadelphia that provides a values-based, authentic educational experience by placing students at the center. The Institute of International Education has consistently ranked Arcadia first in the nation for study abroad, and the Princeton Review has ranked Arcadia among the "Best in the Northeast" for 10 consecutive years. The University's graduate programs in Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, Education, and Public Health are nationally ranked in their respective categories by U.S. News & World Report, which cites Arcadia for being among the top study abroad programs and a top performer for social mobility. Arcadia is home to a close-knit and welcoming community that supports students throughout their journey. Arcadia's quality academic programs, unique approach to a liberal arts education, and supportive community guide students toward degree completion and career success. Learn more about our vibrant community at .
We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our community. The successful candidate will demonstrate examples of ways they will incorporate our values in their work.
At Arcadia University, our Lived Values are the foundation of our highly regarded, values-based learning community, which reflects the world in which we want to live. As such, Arcadia actively seeks and welcomes candidates who embrace those values. Arcadia prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis of ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, age, gender identity, military or military veteran status, disability, family medical or genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic. All offers of employment are conditional based on the successful completion of a background check. Employment may not begin until the University accepts the results of the background check.
Arcadia offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, generous tuition benefits for employees and their families, retirement benefits, health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.
Position Code : AC0067