JOB TITLE: Financial Aid Counselor
DEPARTMENT: Financial Aid
REPORTS TO: Associate Director of Financial Aid
LOCATION: River Forest Campus
PRIMARY PURPOSE/ POSITION SUMMARY:
The position of Financial Aid Counselor plays a pivotal role in shaping the educational journey of students at Dominican University. The position manages the complete process of finalizing financial aid files and awarding scholarships, ensuring that financial resources are accessible to those who need them most. This position offers a unique opportunity to significantly impact students' educational experiences through dedicated guidance and support.
EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL DOMINICAN EMPLOYEES:
To support the University's mission of preparing students to pursue truth, to give compassionate service, and to participate in the creation of a more just and humane world.
JOB COMPONENTS/PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Evaluate financial aid applications, accurately complete verification, resolve C-flags, and determine financial aid packages for undergraduate, transfer, post-baccalaureate, certificate, and graduate students.
- Assist in processing student loan applications, including following up on incomplete submissions and advising on necessary steps to complete their application.
- Assist with the scholarship awarding process
- Provide financial aid guidance to students and families through in-person and virtual meetings, as well as phone calls. The ability to communicate and translate in writing and verbally in English and Spanish to help meet the needs of some students and families is preferred.
- Responsible for creating and conducting financial aid presentations at prospective and current student events both on and off campus.
- Participate in enrollment events such as open houses, information sessions, and orientations, including some events in the evenings and on weekends.
- Multitask on a daily basis by prioritizing and completing projects in a timely manner, while balancing receiving and returning phone calls and emails, attending meetings, and meeting with walk-in students and families.
- Stay current and educated on state, federal, and institutional regulations
- Work collaboratively with other departments and offices to assist in best serving students
- Work independently and within team settings on a regular basis
- Perform other duties as requested, delegated or assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
All qualifications are required unless otherwise indicated.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Strong computer skills and experience working with financial aid computer software; PowerFaids experience is a plus
- Bilingual in English/Spanish
Physical Demands:
- Ability to spend long durations of the workday moving around, sitting at a desk, and working on a computer
- Ability to lift up to 15 pounds at times
Salary and FLSA Status
- Salary: $44,000 - $53,000
- FLSA Status: Exempt, Full-time, 37.5 hours
Benefits
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement plan with employer matching contributions
- Professional development opportunities
- Tuition remission for employees and their dependents
- Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
- Generous paid time off (PTO)
Employment at Dominican University is contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation.
About Dominican University
Dominican University is a Catholic, comprehensive teaching university located in River Forest, a suburb of Chicago, with an additional campus in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Dominican University offers associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It is highly regarded for its academic rigor, thoughtful accompaniment of students, intentional affordability, and values-based, relationship-centered learning environment. Dominican currently enrolls over 3,800 students, including 2,690 undergraduates and 1,114 graduate students. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of undergraduate students identify as Latinx, 5% as Black or African American, and 3% as Asian. Under-represented minority students comprise 77% of the undergraduate enrollment and 38% of the graduate enrollment. Over 90 percent of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid. Nearly half of all undergraduates are first-generation college students; over half are federal Pell Grant recipients, illustrating their families’ level of income; and 58% are eligible for low-income MAP grants from the State of Illinois.
Recognized since 2011 as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, Dominican is committed to expanding and enhancing educational opportunities for Latinx students and all students from historically underrepresented groups. For more information, visit www.dom.edu.
Expectations for all Dominican Employees
To support the University's mission of preparing students to pursue truth, give compassionate service, and participate in the creation of a more just and humane world, engage in university service work that promotes collaboration and community building. This includes participating in organizational initiatives, supporting campus events, contributing to community outreach, and fostering a supportive environment through involvement in various staff-driven activities and groups.
Institutional Statement
Dominican University is committed to fostering a supportive academic community that provides access and opportunity for all our students.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Dominican University is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal and state employment regulations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
