Senior Financial Services Counselor (2 openings)
U22: $69,373.45 - $111,006.97 (Salaries for internal candidates are determined by a promotional formula. Salaries for external candidates are determined up to step 4: $79,781.83, or
dependent on qualifications)
Office of Student Financial Accounts
315 West State Street Trenton, NJ 08618
Thomas Edison State University was founded in 1972 to break down barriers to degree completion. Fifty years later, it proudly serves a diverse body of adult students with innovative and professionally relevant academic programming in a predominantly online delivery. Our team of high-energy student-focused professionals is welcoming new members who are making their mark in education and are ready to help change the lives of thousands of adult students across New Jersey and around the world.
Candidates who are excited by changing lives, committed to the success of all and want to be challenged by new and innovative opportunities, should submit an application.
Summary:
Under the direction of the Director of Financial Aid, the Senior Student Financial Services Counselor serves as a lead resource within Student Financial Services, providing guidance, mentorship, and technical expertise to students and staff while assisting management in coordinating daily operations and ensuring the consistent application of policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. This customer service-oriented position serves as a primary point of contact for prospective and current students regarding financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, financial literacy, tuition and fees, cost of attendance, payment options, and university policies and procedures. The Senior Student Financial Services Counselor exercises independent judgment in resolving complex student financial matters, interpreting regulations and policies, and providing comprehensive counseling to support student success. This position serves as a key liaison between Student Financial Accounts and Operations and the Office of Financial Aid, fostering collaboration to ensure the delivery of effective, efficient, supportive, and seamless financial services. The Senior Student Financial Services Counselor contributes to process improvement initiatives, staff training, and operational effectiveness while embracing change, innovation, and continuous improvement to enhance the student experience and support the University's mission, enrollment goals, and student retention efforts.
Examples of Work:
- Acts as the primary point of contact for escalated student financial services concerns, collaborating with university departments and Financial Aid leadership to facilitate timely and effective resolution of complex issues.
- Exercises independent judgment in evaluating unusual and complex student circumstances, conducting research, analyzing available options, and working with management to develop appropriate solutions while serving as the student's primary point of contact.
- Provides onboarding, training, mentoring, and ongoing professional development support to new and existing Student Financial Services staff, promoting regulatory compliance, technical proficiency, and consistent application of policies and procedures.
-Provides high-quality customer service and assists students in navigating the financial aid process, including the completion of financial aid applications, resolution of discrepancies, and communication of changes to policies, procedures, and available resources.
-Thoroughly understands and clearly communicates military, veteran, corporate, third-party, and traditional tuition and fee policies and assists students in reconciling student account balances.
- Interprets and discusses complex, confidential financial aid and student account information with students, exercising discretion and professionalism when addressing sensitive financial circumstances.
- Handles highly confidential information with integrity and discretion and works effectively with a diverse population of students, staff, and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced and evolving environment while maintaining a calm, professional, and student-centered approach.
-Utilizes Colleague workflow screens and other institutional systems to review, analyze, and interpret financial aid and student account data.
- Utilizes databases and reporting tools to evaluate the effectiveness of processes and procedures, identify operational strengths and areas for improvement, and recommend enhancements using a continuous improvement model.
-Maintains thorough knowledge of federal, state, and institutional regulations governing financial aid, student accounts, loan programs, and related compliance requirements.
- Serves as a resource to staff regarding financial aid regulations, student account policies, and complex student situations, assisting in the consistent application of procedures and best practices.
- Participates in process improvement initiatives, system enhancements, and special projects designed to improve operational efficiency and the student experience.
- Performs outreach activities and other duties that support the Student Financial Services One-Stop model, student retention, enrollment, and overall student success.
- Performs other duties and special projects assigned in support of Student Financial Services and the University's strategic objectives.
Requirements:
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in a field related to the position to be filled, or equivalent as determined by the appointing authority.
Experience: Two years of professional experience in financial aid, student accounts or student services at a traditional or nontraditional higher education facility or other field that is directly related to the functions of the position to be filled, or equivalent as determined by the appointing authority.
*TESU strives to offer a flexible work environment while balancing the operational needs of the University. As such, we have several options for hybrid-work schedules. Positions determine what type of hybrid-work schedule is available and, if necessary, adjustments are made to support University operations.
Thomas Edison State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer