Financial Aid Counselor - job 1 of 2

Augsburg University has maintained a strong academic reputation defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies since 1869. A safe and welcoming campus in the heart of Minneapolis, Augsburg offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to nearly 3,200 diverse students.

Augsburg’s mission is to educate students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. The Augsburg experience is supported by an engaged community that is committed to intentional diversity in its life and work. An Augsburg education is defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies, guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, and shaped by its urban and global settings.

Augsburg invites individuals who share our mission and commitment to intentional diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging to join our community.  In particular, Augsburg invites BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, women, veterans and those from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) at Augsburg University 

The Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) division includes four uniquely equipped teams: Undergraduate Admissions, Graduate Admissions, SEM Operations, and Financial Aid.

Vision: The SEM division’s vision is to be a belonging organization that builds deeper relationships, changes systems, and dismantles the access barriers in higher education enrollment management.

Mission: Our SEM mission is to meet every student where they are with authentic presence, outreach, and engagement. Our nationally recognized Augsburg Applies to You platform supports this mission through direct admissions, success coaching, and academic belonging.

We exist to deliver enrollment results, innovation, service, and the essential infrastructure to attract, meet the needs of, and enroll future graduates. We are a key partner in driving sustainable enrollment growth at Augsburg towards the goal of becoming a medium sized university with 5,000 Auggies by 2030.

Summary of Position 

The mission of the Financial Aid office at Augsburg is to meet students and families where they are while providing them with the tools and skills necessary to pay for college. The Financial Aid Counselor will provide student-centered counseling and aid processing for a wide breadth of functions within the department. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Counsel on all aspects of financial aid. This includes in-person/virtual meetings, student service window, phone, and email conversations. 
• Obtain and evaluate confidential information from the student and family in order to advise on eligibility for aid, aid application process, and college financing options. 
• Provide accurate information regarding a wide range of topics relating to both student financial aid and student accounts.
• Assist with the processing of federal, state and institutional funding which may include duties like FAFSA processing and troubleshooting, federal verification, student outreach, reviewing financial packages, and etc.
• Collaborate with admissions staff members to provide timely and accurate financial aid information to prospective students and families.
• Present financial aid and financial literacy material to small and large groups. This may include orientations for new students, outreach events, financial literacy events, and etc.
• Other duties as apparent or assigned by supervisor(s).

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Typical work environment is an office. Sedentary work for long periods of time. 
• Regular computer and phone use. 
• Long or irregular work hours during seasonal need.
• Intense work environment including frequent interruptions, possibility of working with families and students in emotional situations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• One (1) year of related experience required; examples may include financial outreach and education, college access advocacy, higher education administration, education, counseling, banking, or finance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong communications skills, including ability to actively listen, professional written communication skills, and public speaking skills.Demonstrated cultural competency and continued investment in this area.
• Skilled at offering sound guidance to families/students in challenging situations. Able to explain and apply federal, state and institutional policies to a vast array of situations and processes.
• Ability to solve complex problems involving student aid issues and processing anomalies.
• Accountable for accuracy of work; demonstrates attention to detail and thoroughness. 
• Ability to take leadership roles on projects; demonstrates initiative, research solutions, adept problem solver.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision.
• Skilled at working with intergenerational colleagues and families.
• Effective time management skills. 
• Ability to balance working within both the context of ambiguity and regulation.

Compensation & Benefits at Augsburg

• The compensation range is $21.00 - $23.00 per hour, DOQ.

Augsburg University offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards program including: 

• Medical, dental and vision coverage.
• A generous 403(b) matching program with an employer contributions of up to 8% upon eligibility.
• Up to 100% tuition remission for employees, spouses and dependents, and participation in the Tuition Exchange program with colleges and universities throughout the US.
• Generous paid time-off, including 14 paid holidays, 12 sick days, 2 community service days, and vacation of up to 22 days per year immediately upon hire.
• Employer-paid STD, LTD and life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees.

Equal Opportunity

Augsburg is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.  

Augsburg University is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, familial status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or public assistance status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. 

If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at phone number: 612-330-1058 or email: [email protected].