Financial Aid Counselor

As a university founded to be a place where “…any person can find instruction in any study,” inclusion and belonging are at the core of our values and mission. We strive to be a welcoming, caring, healthy, and equitable community where students, faculty, and staff with different backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn, innovate, and work in an environment of respect, and feel empowered to engage in any community conversation. As a member of the Cornell University community, it is important to recognize our shared responsibility to each other to cultivate a culture of inclusion for all. Cornell Core values

As an individual contributor you will model and support a culture of inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing and continually seek to understand how your role, behaviors, and actions impact the success of this culture.

While position responsibilities vary greatly, the Skills for Success and Leadership Skills for Success are foundational to what is expected of every employee and leader working at Cornell. These skills are essential for individual and organizational success. Staff Skills for Success; Leadership Skills for Success

   

About the Department

The Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment (FASE) is a central administrative student services department within the Division of Enrollment.  Our overarching purpose is opportunity and affordability – we provide/coordinate financial resources which create access and opportunity in alignment with Cornell University’s motto and founding principle - any person, any study.

The Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment is dedicated to helping students navigate the complex financial aid and higher-education funding landscape – we work closely with the Office of the University Registrar, Undergraduate Admissions Office, the Office of the Bursar, academic Schools and Colleges, and many other University stakeholders to support Cornell’s diverse, world-class students and their success.

The Opportunity

The Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment has a Financial Aid Counselor II position open on its Need Analysis and Packaging team.

Reporting to the Assistant Director, Need Analysis and Packaging, and collaborating closely with other members of the FASE team, FASE leadership, and colleagues across the Enrollment Division, Financial Aid Counselor II responsibilities include:

• evaluating aid application materials, assigning estimated cost of attendance budgets, performing accurate need analysis calculations, making aid eligibility determinations, packaging aid in compliance with all applicable rules and policies, and effectively managing an annual caseload of student files.

• discussing personalized aid offers, eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, adjustments, special or unusual circumstances, long-term financial success and student debt, Cornell payment options, how external resources (such as outside scholarships) are incorporated into aid offers, and address questions and concerns.

• providing clear, accurate, and personalized support to help students and families navigate complex aid application processes, policies, and timelines.

• engaging frequently with students and their families via in-person and virtual appointments, email, and other electronic communication channels.

• providing focused and timely support as well as proactive outreach to ensure excellent student experiences.

• maintaining up-to-date knowledge/skills/training, utilizing appropriate professional judgement, and supporting team-oriented goals.

This position is based in Ithaca, New York and is eligible for a remote work arrangement from anywhere in the United States; however, we would be delighted to welcome applicants interested in in-person or hybrid work arrangements.

What We Need

For full consideration, applicants must include both a resume and cover letter with their application. 

We seek a dynamic, collaborative professional who enjoys thinking innovatively, enjoys the challenges and rewards of team-oriented remote-friendly work, and who can function exceptionally well within a large complex, world-class University. Creative thinking, self-motivation, accuracy, organization, and attention to detail are all critical in this position along with the ability to work under pressure and challenge the status quo.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years relevant experience working in a student financial aid/scholarships role or equivalent combination.

• Experience in a customer service or similar professional setting working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeco