Financial Aid Counselor
Illinois Institute of Technology
- Chicago, IL
- Permanent
- Full-time
Requisition # S01474P
FLSA Exempt
Location IIT-Mies Campus (MC), 10 West 35th St., Chicago
Department Financial Aid Office
GENERAL DESCRIPTIONA financial aid counselor is responsible for management of student accounts, as well as program management for different segments of institutional, federal, and state funding. This position serves the Office of Financial Aid as a first point of contact for counseling students, covering the Welcome Desk, managing specific scholarship programs, adjusting accounts for federal work study payments and serving as support for the office communications plan.
BenefitsOur commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our competitive benefits package located here:
COMMUNICATIONSServes the IIT community regarding any issues pertaining to the financial aid process. This includes in person student and family appointments, email and phone counseling as well as in person events. Handles communication with any outside organizations required to process student aid, including the Department of Education and other organizations as needed.
CUSTOMER SERVICEExcellent customer service required when working with university staff, outside vendors and current and prospective students. The ability to maintain student confidentiality is essential in this position.
Special Schedule Requirements
EEOC StatementIllinois Institute of Technology is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer committed to the principle of diversity and welcomes applicants who bring varied perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds to the university community. The university provides equal employment opportunities of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, Veteran, or disability statues, and any other legally protected class. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.QualificationsEducation & Experience-Bachelors' degree required
-Prior customer service experience required
-Analytical skills required
-Good communication skills (written and verbal) required
-Bi-lingual preferredKnowledge & Skills-Demonstrated ability to work in a team-based environment
-Excellent commitment to diversity and to service the needs of a diverse population
-Ability to work with traditional and non-traditional students
-Ability to handle multiple tasks
-Demonstrated communication, interpersonal and organizational skills along with the ability to function as team player
-Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
-Demonstrated ability to efficiently and effectively solve problems and initiate and implement projects independently
-Strong interpersonal skills necessary
-Works well in translating financial aid requirements into operational activities supporting overall enrollment efforts
-Interacts effectively with peers and superiors to address and resolve issues
-Influences management by supplying key data that assists in decision making
-Good customer service skills
-Ability to handle stress due to pace and volume of workSUPERVISION & BUDGET AUTHORITYN/A
Physical Environment and RequirementsOffice environmentCertifications and LicensesList any certifications or licenses that are either required or helpful in performing the job, designating whether required or preferred.N/AKey ResponsibilitiesKey ResponsibilityCounseling: serve students on the front line as first point of contact for general questions and counseling.-Counsel students (in person, over phone and email) on all aspects of the financial aid process, including FAFSA completion, cost of attendance, awarding of federal funds, loan borrowing and management, financial hardship situations, etc.-Serve as member of counseling team to assist with student appointments (in-person & virtual) and walk-in needs.-Assist with the ticket email system to answer general inquires to the Office of Financial Aid. Troubleshoot issues with other staff as needed.-Advise prospective co-terminal students on aid eligibility upon entry to the program.
Percentage Of Time 50
Key ResponsibilityEligibility Review: monitor accounts for compliance cross-check and assist students in processing aid appeals.-Monitor accounts on a daily basis for over awarding of federal funds. Adjust according to federal and institutional guidelines and communicate/ counsel changes with students.-Review reports and required federal documents to keep accounts in compliance with institutional and federal awarding regulations.-Process appeals for students, including but not limited to need based award evaluation and professional judgment for EFC adjustments and recalculations.-Assist students in navigating unaccompanied homeless youth determinations and dependency status reviews.
Percentage Of Time 35
Key ResponsibilityProgram Management: serve as a point of contact for special populations served by the office.-Process outside scholarships in collaboration with the Office of Student Accounting. Ensure students are not over awarded through this process.-Serve as point of contact for students and families utilizing the Net Price Calculator. Answer questions pertaining to inquiries from calculator usage.
Percentage Of Time 10
Key ResponsibilityEvents: represent the university at various events.-Work several events each aid year to assist students and families in understanding the financial aid process.-Presentations required during admission recruitment events and undergraduate and graduate orientation.-Some nights and weekends required for university events.
Percentage Of Time 5Posting InformationWork HoursMonday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Position Category Full Time
Posting Date 08/26/2025
Closing Date
Posted Until Filled Yes
Quicklink for PostingBudget InformationBudget AmountBenchmark Amount 42000Supplemental QuestionsRequired fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).Documents Needed to ApplyRequired Documents * Resume
Optional Documents * Cover Letter