Iona University
Graduate Financial Aid Counselor (75831)
Iona University, New Rochelle, New York, United States
Graduate Financial Aid Counselor (75831) – Iona University
Under the direction of the Director of Financial Aid, the Graduate Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for providing financial aid support and guidance to both prospective and current graduate students as well as an assigned cohort of undergraduate students. This role ensures the effective administration of financial aid in compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations while maintaining a high standard of customer service.
The counselor must provide accurate financial aid information, assess eligibility, analyze financial aid applications, prepare award packages, and counsel students and families on financing options. This role requires a collaborative, detail-oriented, and student-centered professional with strong analytical and interpersonal skills.
Duties and Responsibilities
Advise prospective and current students and their families on financial aid eligibility, application procedures, available programs, and financing strategies, including loans and payment options.
Deliver excellent customer service through email, phone, and in‑person interactions, ensuring clarity and compassion, especially in challenging situations.
Review and process financial aid application materials, including verification documents and federal tax data; identify and resolve discrepancies.
Make financial aid award decisions using federal, state, and institutional policies and professional judgment, including appeals, special circumstances, and dependency overrides.
Counsel students on Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), including policies and appeal procedures.
Utilize student information systems and databases to enter, maintain, and audit accurate records; generate reports and statistical data as needed.
Serve as the subject matter expert for graduate financial aid programs, including program administration and compliance monitoring.
Provide backup support for the Federal Work‑Study Program.
Deliver financial aid presentations to prospective students, parents, and community audiences (e.g., high schools, college fairs).
Participate in recruitment and retention events, including evening and weekend commitments (Information Sessions, Orientations, Open Houses, Welcome Week, etc.).
Maintain knowledge of and compliance with all federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and policies.
Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive student and family information, including federal tax and income data.
Required Qualifications
Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Minimum 2 years of financial aid or related experience in higher education or student services.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural, socio‑economic, and educational backgrounds.
Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills, with strong analytical, problem‑solving, and time‑management abilities, and exceptional attention to detail. Ability to prioritize workload and/or projects.
Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations and policies.
Proficient in performing complex financial calculations.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking/presenting.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience using PeopleSoft Financial Aid Management System, EDconnect, Common Origination and Disbursement (COD), and National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).
Familiarity with federal verification processes, professional judgment procedures, and SAP appeals.
Proficiency in using student information systems and federal databases for tracking, awarding, and reconciling financial aid.
Bilingual (Spanish or other languages) a plus.
About Iona University – EEO Statement Iona University values and celebrates diversity and is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all of its employees and does not tolerate discrimination based on any legally protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws. As an equal opportunity employer, Iona University encourages applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.
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The counselor must provide accurate financial aid information, assess eligibility, analyze financial aid applications, prepare award packages, and counsel students and families on financing options. This role requires a collaborative, detail-oriented, and student-centered professional with strong analytical and interpersonal skills.
Duties and Responsibilities
Advise prospective and current students and their families on financial aid eligibility, application procedures, available programs, and financing strategies, including loans and payment options.
Deliver excellent customer service through email, phone, and in‑person interactions, ensuring clarity and compassion, especially in challenging situations.
Review and process financial aid application materials, including verification documents and federal tax data; identify and resolve discrepancies.
Make financial aid award decisions using federal, state, and institutional policies and professional judgment, including appeals, special circumstances, and dependency overrides.
Counsel students on Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), including policies and appeal procedures.
Utilize student information systems and databases to enter, maintain, and audit accurate records; generate reports and statistical data as needed.
Serve as the subject matter expert for graduate financial aid programs, including program administration and compliance monitoring.
Provide backup support for the Federal Work‑Study Program.
Deliver financial aid presentations to prospective students, parents, and community audiences (e.g., high schools, college fairs).
Participate in recruitment and retention events, including evening and weekend commitments (Information Sessions, Orientations, Open Houses, Welcome Week, etc.).
Maintain knowledge of and compliance with all federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and policies.
Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive student and family information, including federal tax and income data.
Required Qualifications
Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Minimum 2 years of financial aid or related experience in higher education or student services.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural, socio‑economic, and educational backgrounds.
Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills, with strong analytical, problem‑solving, and time‑management abilities, and exceptional attention to detail. Ability to prioritize workload and/or projects.
Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations and policies.
Proficient in performing complex financial calculations.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking/presenting.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience using PeopleSoft Financial Aid Management System, EDconnect, Common Origination and Disbursement (COD), and National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).
Familiarity with federal verification processes, professional judgment procedures, and SAP appeals.
Proficiency in using student information systems and federal databases for tracking, awarding, and reconciling financial aid.
Bilingual (Spanish or other languages) a plus.
About Iona University – EEO Statement Iona University values and celebrates diversity and is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all of its employees and does not tolerate discrimination based on any legally protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws. As an equal opportunity employer, Iona University encourages applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.
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