Financial Aid Counselor - Higher Ed. jobs in Boston, MA

About MassArt:

Founded in 1873, having celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023, Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt), is the nation's first and only independent, free-standing public college of art and design in the country. MassArt is an inclusive community of thinkers, doers, makers, educators, innovators and leaders striving to shape the future through art and design. We've spent 150 years demonstrating the truly amazing things that happen when a world-class art and design education is an option for every deserving student. Located in Boston's hub of arts and culture along the Avenue of the Arts, MassArt enrolls 2,000 students and offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in 18 disciplines, as well as continuing education and youth programs.

MassArt strives to be a model of diversity and inclusion; the campus community reflects the layers of cultural and self-identity that proudly make up our region, nation, and world. We build effective partnerships with co-workers throughout the College by freely sharing appropriate information and providing assistance to all and maintain an environment that is welcoming to persons of all backgrounds, nationalities, and roles.

Job Description:

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW & POSITION SUMMARY: The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) has four staff members: the Director, the Associate Director and 2 Financial Aid Counselors. The Staff Assistant/Financial Aid Counselor acts as a receptionist, performs organizational and administrative tasks, and assists the office in the organization and administration of financial aid programs.

REPORTS TO: Associate Director of Student Financial Assistance

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: 1-3 student and/or contract employee(s)

SALARY: $52,000 to $65,000, commensurate with skills and experience
Position is governed by the APA collective bargaining agreement

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage all processes related to the administration of the Federal Direct Loan Programs, including origination, error resolution and reconciliation.
• Manage all processes related to the institution's Emergency Loan Program, including but not limited to, certification of eligibility, coordination with the MassArt Foundation and the Business Office, and reconciliation.
• Manage all processes related to the administration of tuition waivers, including but not limited to, ensuring correct documentation is on file at required intervals, performing data entry, and reviewing accounts annually for continued eligibility.
• Manage all processes related to outside scholarships received by the college on behalf of students, including but not limited to- tracking receipt of funds, data entry on student accounts, return of funds and reconciliation.
• Manage all processes related to state grant programs from Vermont, Pennsylvania, and District of Columbia, including but not limited to, certification of eligibility, data entry on student accounts, tracking receipt of funds and reconciliation.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Assist in the daily operations of the OSFA by responding to inquiries on the phone, by email and in person, managing traffic flow within the office, attending to incoming and outgoing correspondence, maintaining office supplies and files, and keeping an efficient, presentable office.
• Explain and implement college policies and procedures as it relates to financial aid, to the OSFA, and possibly the Business Office.
• Responsible for data entry on student financial aid records and ensuring that the information is accurate and complete.
• Managing sensitive confidential student records in the OSFA and on the computer.
• Expressing solid knowledge of the scope of financial aid by counseling student aid applicants, aid recipients and their families with regard to the rights and responsibilities associated with financial aid.
• Encouraging outreach to prospective students and their families, to current students and alumni.
• Understand packaging principles, perform financial calculations, and reconcile financial accounts.
• Conduct financial aid file review, including federal verification, and package aid for a caseload of new and returning students.
• Utilizing reports to handle the data processing needs of the OSFA.
• Researching student accounts and recommending appropriate action(s).
• Work closely with the Admissions, Business and Registrar's offices. Collaborate by answering general questions for these offices.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree required
• At least two years professional experience in financial aid
• Experience working directly with students
• Ability to express self clearly in written and oral communication
• Knowledge and experience with relational databases such as Banner, Colleague, PeopleSoft, or Access

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience managing any federal, state, institutional or private financial aid programs
• Strong knowledge of federal need analysis and financial aid regulations
• Experience with Ellucian Colleague
• Familiarity with professional federal financial aid administration websites, such as COD, NSLDS, FSA Partner Connect and FAFSA Partner Portal

Additional Information:

Please note MassArt does not provide the following:

• Employment-based visa sponsorship or non-student exchange visitor visa sponsorship.
• E-Verify.
• Reimbursement for travel.

Selected candidates must complete all onboarding tasks including a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) background review and verification of the Form I9, Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. You are required to show proof of your identity and employment eligibility within three (3) days of the start of your employment. You will not be authorized to work in any capacity until all paperwork has been completed.

Comprehensive Benefits:
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Please click here to view MassArt Benefits.

MassArt provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, genetic information, pregnancy or a pregnancy-related condition, or membership in any other legally protected class. MassArt complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the college operates. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.

Application Instructions:

Cover letter and Resume