A Financial Aid Counselor or Specialist provides information and assistance to students and families, including information on student loans and other sources of financial aid. Leads group presentations or provides individual counseling and assistance with the application process; may also solicit and review applications for specific scholarships.
Administrator/Professional Full-Time Hybrid $65,000-$70,000 Overview Financial Aid is seeking an experienced individual to join our counseling team to manage Massachusetts state aid programs, including MASSGrant and other state-funded scholarship initiatives, ensuring accurate awarding and compliance with MAHEAA and OSFA regulations. Day to day, you'll review student eligibility, process awards, and resolve complex aid packaging issues within the student information system. You'll also serve as a knowledgeable resource for students, families, and campus colleagues navigating state aid processes and appeals, while contributing to the reporting, reconciliation, and audit-readiness activities that keep the office accountable to state and institutional requirements. This position will also be responsible for aid counseling and processing for Salem State's Study Abroad students as well as National Student Exchange. Salem State University is a place where your career can grow alongside your impact. As the Commonwealth's Civic Engagement University and a proud Hispanic-Serving and Minority-Serving Institution, we're committed to creating a workplace that's as inclusive and dynamic as the students we serve. Civic engagement isn't a buzzword here. It shapes how we work, collaborate and show up for one another. If you want a role where your day-to-day work makes a real difference in students' lives and in the broader community, Salem State is the right fit. Required Qualifications Associate degree Minimum three years of experience in a financial aid office, or five years within higher education administrative offices Knowledge of both Massachusetts and Federal Aid regulations Experience and proficiency with MS office software Preferred Qualifications Bachelors degree Strong organizational and time management skills and a high level of attention to detail Experience using PeopleSoft Experience with Massachusetts State Aid Programs, the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) systems, and their reporting requirements Experience working within Federal Student Aid (FSA) systems such as COD, NSLDS, and FAA Access Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex federal and state financial aid regulations in a higher education setting Working Location This is a hybrid position in Salem, MA with on-campus, in-person responsibilities, which may require occasional work on evenings and weekends. Application Instructions Please apply online and attach your resume and cover letter. Employment is contingent upon a completed background and CORI check satisfactory to the university. This position is not eligible for H1B visa sponsorship. EEO Statement The university considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition or any other characteristic protected by law. ADA Statement Salem State University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. For accommodation information or requests please email eo-hr@salemstate.edu. Recruitment Agencies Salem State University does not partner with or accept candidates from outside staffing agencies. All hiring is managed directly by our internal Talent Acquisition team.
