Job Description
Job Title:
Financial Aid Counselor (Scholarships) Physical Location:
Kent Campus•Kent, OH Salary:
$34,000•$37,000 Basic Function:
To administer institutional, state, donor-funded, and external scholarship programs; coordinate high-volume scholarship application, review, awarding, and reconciliation processes; and ensure compliance with university, donor, state, and federal regulations. Reports to the Assistant Director, Scholarships. The financial aid position is in the Scholarships Office. Additional Basic Function•if applicable: None. Examples of Duties:
Duties/essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following: Process and administer a high volume of institutional, donor-funded, external, and state-sponsored scholarship awards while ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with established awarding criteria and funding restrictions. Review scholarship recipient eligibility and make award determinations; adjust student financial aid packages as necessary to ensure compliance with federal, state, institutional, and donor regulations. Administer and oversee state scholarship and grant programs, including procedures, award processing, reconciliation, reporting, and compliance monitoring. Review and process student requests for external scholarship funding; evaluate documentation, coordinate award posting, and ensure appropriate integration with existing financial aid packages. Review scholarship applications and supporting materials, verify eligibility requirements, and facilitate award selection processes in accordance with established policies and procedures. Serve as a subject matter expert for the University's scholarship management platform; troubleshoot system issues, research awarding discrepancies, resolve processing errors, and coordinate with internal and external technology partners as needed. Monitor scholarship awarding reports and processes to identify, investigate, and resolve data integrity issues and award conflicts. Provide ongoing support and consultation to faculty, staff, and campus partners across multiple campuses regarding scholarship platform functionality, application review processes, award administration, and troubleshooting. Collaborate with enrollment management, financial aid, academic colleges, advancement, and other campus stakeholders to coordinate scholarship programs and improve operational efficiency. Assist with the development, implementation, and documentation of scholarship policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure consistency across campuses. Counsel students and families regarding financial aid and scholarship opportunities, eligibility requirements, application processes, and the impact of scholarship awards on financial aid eligibility during financial aid outreach events. Present on financial aid and scholarship opportunities to students and families. Participate in special projects and perform related duties as assigned. Additional Examples of Duties•if applicable: Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in relevant field; three months experience in student financial aid, customer service, or a relevant field. License/Certification:
None. Knowledge Of:
Personal computer applications Skill In:
Written, verbal and interpersonal communication Providing excellent customer service while complying with confidentiality laws and university policies Organization and time management Attention to detail Utilizing computer applications, i.e., Microsoft Office Ability To:
Not applicable Preferred Qualifications•if applicable: None. Assessments:
Asterisk (•) indicates knowledge, skills, abilities which require assessments Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:
None. Working Schedule:
Monday•Friday 8am•5pm Additional Information:
Kent State University is committed to creating a community that is culturally and intellectually diverse and to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that respect differences, and are inclusive, welcoming, respectful and kind. Disclaimer:
The intent of this description is to illustrate the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and should not be interpreted to describe all the specific duties and responsibilities that may be required in any particular position. Directly related experience/education beyond the minimum stated may be substituted where appropriate at the discretion of the Appointing Authority. Kent State University reserves the right to revise or change job duties, job hours, and responsibilities.
