PRINCIPIA COLLEGE                                                                                         Position Description

Elsah, Illinois                                                                                                              

Title:   Financial Aid Counselor

Department/Location:    Financial Aid/Elsah, IL

Organizational Relationships:   Reports to Assistant Director of Financial Aid 

Summary:   The Financial Aid Counselor reports directly to management within the Office of Financial Aid at Principia College.  This position performs an integral role in providing superior customer service to all internal and external stakeholders. The counselor role conducts evaluations to assess financial need and aid eligibility for undergraduate students and families.  This position is also the initial contact for students and families who may have questions, need to drop off documents, inquire about the status of their financial aid, or any other general inquiries. In addition to these duties, this position is responsible for electronic loan certification and disbursement of loan amounts for crediting to student accounts.

Who We Are  

At our award-winning pre-K–12 school in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education—blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia’s team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of Alumni & Friends.  

At Principia College, our globally-focused curriculum honors diverse perspectives and develops creative changemakers who use their academic skills for good in service to themselves, their communities, and the world. In-depth study meets real-world experience through study abroad programs, internships, capstone projects, and a robust slate of student activities, including a world-renowned mediation team, top-ranked solar car team, national champion rugby club, and the nation’s oldest student-run public affairs conference. 

Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued. 

Work Performed - Essential Duties:

• Performs need analysis using submitted aid application materials
• Packages student aid based on eligibility determinations in compliance with federal and institutional guidelines
• Counsels students regarding aid application procedures, awarding policies, billing policies, and missing or incomplete aid application materials
• Provides professional assistance to Office of Financial Aid visitors either in person, on the phone, or virtually through platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams
• Coordinates timely responses to all email and telephone contacts from students and families
• Ensures all student aid is disbursed on time and reviews withdrawn student awards
• Responsible for coordinating maintenance of student file (file creation, filing, etc.)
• Communicates financial aid policies and programs to currently enrolled students with moderate/high levels of guidance
• Performs other related work as needed

Additional Duties

• Assist staff as requested with projects
• Attend training sessions, both on- and off-campus
• Submit reports on various office activities/completed tasks

Special Requirements:

• This position’s primary responsibilities are conducted in person. Opportunities for a hybrid work schedule may be arranged during non-academic periods at the discretion of the Director of Financial Aid
• Some weekend work required (typically 2-3 weekends per year)

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully
• Analytical - Collects and researches data
• Oral and Written Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Responds well to questions; Writes clearly and informatively
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Follows through on commitments
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Works well under pressure
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment and new technologies; Manages competing demands
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan
• Interpersonal – Maintains Confidentiality; Strong customer service skills  
• Team Work - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Gives and welcomes feedback

Minimum Qualifications:

• Active Christian Science Mother Church and local branch church membership

• Christian Science class instruction preferred, but not required 
• Bachelor’s degree in related field 
• 1-3 years’ experience in financial aid or providing customer service in an office setting
• Proficient user and experience with MS Word, Excel and Outlook

Preferred Qualifications

• Data analytics background
• Experience in higher education
• Familiarity with Banner financial aid awarding system
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations regarding government funded assistance

* The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed, but are not to be seen as a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer. Additionally, they do not establish a contract for employment.

Equal Opportunity  

Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status.  In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principia—as an institution with a religious mission—gives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.