At a Glance
- Tasks: Administer scholarships and support students in navigating financial aid opportunities.
- Company: Kent State University, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work environment, and professional development.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to student success and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by helping them secure funding for their education.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and experience in financial aid or customer service.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 37000 £ per year.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Financial Aid Counselor - Scholarship Office in Kent employer: Kent State
Kent State University is an exceptional employer that fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment, making it an ideal place for individuals passionate about supporting students through financial aid and scholarship opportunities. With a commitment to employee growth, the university offers professional development resources and a collaborative culture that encourages innovation and teamwork. Located in Kent, OH, employees benefit from a vibrant community and a supportive atmosphere that values respect and kindness.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Aid Counselor - Scholarship Office in Kent
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Kent State. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Aid Counselor - Scholarship Office in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Kent State.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Kent State's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent State
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Kent State.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Kent State will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Kent State employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
