Financial Aid Director - Higher Ed. jobs in Waco, TX

What We're Looking For

The Baylor Student Financial Aid Office is seeking a Financial Aid Counselor to join the team.  The Financial Aid Counselor is active in serving our prospective and current students, parents, faculty, and staff on matters related to Financial Aid, Admissions financial aid deadlines, and Student Account payment processes and options.  This includes answering, counseling, and advising on questions and concerns related to these areas, as well as troubleshooting, analyzing, and conducting root cause analysis to complete necessary updates to student accounts. Additionally, the successful candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the needs of a diverse student population within a Christian higher education setting and an openness to cultural humility. 

A bachelor's degree, one year of relevant experience and an active Christian faith are required. Five years of experience is preferred.

Additional experience may be considered in lieu of the education requirement. 

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following: 

• Ability to strategically analyze a given situation, advising and counseling students and parents on the appropriate avenues to explore based on their specific circumstances.   
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve simple to intermediate system issues.
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate, a resolution of financial aid topics to students and Student Financial Services teams.  
• Ability to develop and maintain an intermediate knowledge of various aspects of financial aid policies, system processes, and government regulations to support and assist with recommending efficiencies, monitoring reports, exercising the preliminary steps of professional judgment review, and ensuring successful completion of assigned projects.   
• Ability to stay up to date on regulatory and institutional changes, pivoting and communicating as necessary, to ensure compliance and a positive experience for our students, as well as internal partners. 
• Must be organized, detail oriented, and possess good time management skills with an ability to multi-task. 

A valid Texas Driver License with a clear driving record of at least two years is required.

A hybrid work arrangement may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a Full-Time basis. 

What You Will Do

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and university regulations and policies as students are served and professional judgment is applied.
• Analyze complex and sensitive issues, researching and obtaining pertinent information, serving as a resource and subject matter expert on issues referred from the Baylor One Stop. 
• Monitor and resolve follow-up requests from processing teams to ensure students are served timely and issues are resolved efficiently.   
• Perform analysis, initial review, and make recommendations on administration and approval of professional judgment appeals.
• Review student accounts for discrepancies and/or issues on assigned reports, taking action as necessary to ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory processes, and to meet institutional goals.   
• During peak time, assist with inbound phone volume, student inquiries, office visits, recruiting events, informational sessions, and orientation to ensure a successful student experience. 
• Perform all other duties as assigned to support Baylor’s mission.
• Ability to comply with University policies.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

What You Can Expect

As part of the Baylor family, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off, tuition remission, and outstanding automatic retirement contributions. Baylor has a comprehensive benefits plan that supports you and your family’s wellbeing and allows you to be a part of the life of a vibrant and active college campus.  To learn more, go to Baylor Benefits & Advantages.

Explore & Engage

Learn more about Baylor and our strategic vision, Illuminate.  Also, explore our great hometown of Waco and the many opportunities to engage locally.  If you are new to Central Texas, This is Waco!