Financial Aid & Admissions Counselor

Financial Aid & Admissions Counselor

Job Description:

This entry-level position has a dual focus: the recruitment of undergraduate students -and the processing of financial aid, including all loan processing, for a segment of the University’s undergraduate population. The individual will counsel current and prospective students, as well as parents, through the admission and financial aid process and be knowledgeable about various financing options. Direct recruitment will involve the management and implementation of a travel plan for high school visits, high school nights/college fairs and prospect management. Counselors attend all on-campus recruiting events, including weekend undergraduate open houses and evening graduate open houses. In addition, review of admissions applications for an undergraduate population will be required. The individual must be knowledgeable about all undergraduate and graduate programs the University offers. The counselor will, in general, contribute to the planning and execution of Enrollment Management recruitment and retention efforts.

Arcadia University is a top-ranked private university in the greater Philadelphia area that promises a distinctly global, integrative, and personal learning experience to prepare students to contribute and lead in a diverse and dynamic world. A national leader in study abroad and international education, Arcadia has been named #1 in undergraduate study abroad participation for the ninth consecutive year by the Institute of International Education’s Open Doors Report. Approximately 3,900 students attend Arcadia, and the University’s 2,500 undergraduate students choose from more than 65 fields of study.

 

Applications must be submitted online through Arcadia’s Human Resources portal to receive full consideration. Please do not email application materials to hiring manager.   Due to the volume of applications received, communication will generally be limited to those candidates that are selected for additional consideration.

For additional information and to apply, please visit: https://careers-arcadia.icims.com/jobs/ and submit a cover letter, resume and names and phone numbers of three professional references.

Application review will begin immediately. Posting will be removed from the website once we’ve established a sufficient talent pool for consideration.

Arcadia University seeks candidates of diverse cultural backgrounds and abilities. Arcadia University encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. All offers of employment are conditional based on successful completion of a background check.

 

Essential Functions

 

Financial Aid Responsibilities: The Financial Aid & Admissions Counselor will serve as the individual financial aid counselor for 500-600 currently enrolled undergraduate students and approximately 1000 prospective students. The EM/FA Counselor maintains a relationship with her or his caseload through providing individual counseling and outreach. Behind the scenes the EM/FA counselor processes loan, federal verification and other required paperwork within their financial aid caseload. (45%)

 

 

Admissions Responsibilities: The Financial Aid & Admissions Counselor will serve as the individual admissions counselor within an assigned territory of around 600 undergraduate students, and will be expected to build and sustain positive working relationships with applicants and families, schools, career/guidance counselors or other relevant stakeholders. Additionally, this individual will review and recommend admission decisions and scholarship offers for the assigned territory, conduct extensive communications, including but not limited to, telephone outreach, email and direct mail to prospective students, current students and parents. (35%)

 

Project Management: The Financial Aid & Admissions Counselor will be assigned to assist with 1-2 specific projects and must be able to organize tasks to reach the desired outcomes at the appropriate time. The FA/AC does not lead or manage projects, but works in collaboration with a project lead to receive tasks. The FA/AC communicates updates on the status of assignments as required, is well organized and understands his/her work in the context of the larger project. Admissions Counselors makes certain he/she understands assignments, expectations, and relevant deadlines. (10%)

 

Travel & Event Participation: The Financial Aid & Admissions 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 Transfer Days. These events often require the FA/AC to present small and large group information sessions. Within the assigned admissions territory, the FA/AC develops and manages a territory recruitment plan which may include travel to high schools, community colleges and college fairs. (10%)

 

Marginal Functions

Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Financial Aid/Executive Director of Enrollment Management and the VP for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, 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.

Institution/Agency:

ARCADIA UNIVERSITY

Website Address:

www.arcadia.edu/jobs

Qualification:

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 tailoring the message appropriately to the medium used and the audience (example: coworker, parent, student, other University employees). 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. Demonstrate beginner level mastery of core MS Office programs. Cultural Understanding: Able to demonstrate respect for and engage with people of diverse backgrounds to create a stronger community Emotional Intelligence: Ability to understand how this role fits into the overall goals of the EM office and the University, and how the quality and consistency of individual efforts affect other staff in the unit. Able to respond positively to direction and performance-related critiques. Able to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere while on campus and while representing the office off-campus. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree, required Additional Requirements: Ability to lift up to 35 lbs with or without reasonable accommodation 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.

Application Deadline:

until filled

Accept Electronic Resumes

yes

To apply for this job email your details to kirkpatrick@arcadia.edu