Financial Aid Counselor

Detailed Position Description

St. Mary's College of Maryland (SMCM), a public, a non-sectarian, co-educational, liberal arts institution, is seeking an innovative financial aid professional for the position of Financial Aid Counselor in the Office of Student Financial Assistance. Chartered by the State of Maryland and designated as the state’s official Honors College, SMCM is recognized as the premier public traditional liberal arts institution in the nation. Located on the site of Maryland’s first capital city, SMCM has a strong identity as an institution offering a small college experience comparable to that found at exceptional private colleges with commitments to access, affordability, and diversity.

The Financial Aid Counselor will be responsible for counseling students and families through the financial aid process, and manage the federal work-study program for SMCM, submitting hours, maintaining records, and bi-weekly reconciliation of hours worked and pay to the student employees. This position requires attention to detail as the main staff member for verification of FAFSA information and resolution of all comment codes from the US Department of Education. The incumbent will develop, execute, and assess programs for our current students as well as prospective students and their families. The incumbent will track and manage all of the SMCM tuition waivers, remission, and exchange programs within SMCM. The incumbent will be responsible for all outside and private scholarship funds that are remitted to SMCM and maintaining the required documentation for our off-campus partners. General responsibilities include research into federal, state, and institutional policies and requirements, on-campus and some offsite recruitment in informational activities, and other duties relevant to the position.

Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent; Bachelor’s degree preferred. Financial Aid experience preferred. Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills. Knowledge of federal, state, and college regulations that govern the administration of the financial aid programs.  Experience with computer applications such as Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. Some accounting knowledge and counseling skills required. Must maintain the confidentiality of sensitive family information. Ability to deal effectively and tactfully with students, parents, faculty, staff and the public; proven ability to deal with a diverse population. Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule. Any combination of acceptable education and experience, which has provided the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfill the requirements of this position, may be considered. Employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.

St. Mary's College of Maryland, the National Public Honors College, is located in Historic St. Mary's City, 70 miles southeast of Washington, D.C. St. Mary’s College is one of the nation’s best public liberal arts colleges – ranked near the top in U.S. News & World Report and a Best Value for in-state and out-of-state students. Non-sectarian since its founding, the college with its scenic waterfront campus is primarily undergraduate and residential, with a diverse coeducational student body numbering approximately 1600. The up-to-date curriculum is designed for today’s students who want an active, hands-on education led by professors who are committed teachers and experts in their fields. The quality of life is enhanced by the recreational opportunities of the Chesapeake region and close proximity to the amenities of Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Richmond.

St. Mary’s College (www.smcm.edu) embodies diversity and inclusion in its mission.  We create an environment that recognizes the value of individual and group differences and we encourage inquiries from applicants who will contribute to our cultural and ethnic diversity.  Application materials should include a cover letter, résumé (including e-mail address), three references and submitted online at: apply.interfolio.com/131375. Questions may be directed to Robert Maddox.

Review of résumés will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.  St. Mary’s College of Maryland is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

Visit our website: www.smcm.edu/hr

Employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.

St. Mary’s College of Maryland is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.