Job Title: Financial Aid Counselor

Department: Financial Aid - Student Financial Services

Job Location: Main Campus, Chestnut Hill, PA

Reports to: Director of Financial Aid

Status/Hours: Full Time, Non-Exempt, Permanent, 40 hours per week

Shift: Days, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Occasional evenings & Weekends

Position Overview

Chestnut Hill College seeks a detail-oriented, student-focused Financial Aid Counselor to join its Financial Aid Office. Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid, this position supports the administration, awarding, and processing of federal, state, and institutional financial aid for traditional undergraduate, accelerated, and graduate students.

The Financial Aid Counselor is responsible for reviewing student financial aid records, determining eligibility, completing verification processes, evaluating Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations. The Counselor also provides guidance to students and families, helping them navigate financial aid requirements and make informed decisions about financing their education.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong organizational and problem-solving skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, and a commitment to providing responsive, student-centered service. This position works collaboratively with campus departments to support student enrollment, retention, and success.

About Chestnut Hill College

Founded by the Sisters of Saint Joseph in 1924, Chestnut Hill College is an independent, Catholic institution rooted in a strong liberal arts tradition that fosters equality through holistic education. Distinguished by its mission-driven culture, collegial environment, and commitment to personalized instruction through a small faculty-to-student ratio, the College promotes the spiritual, academic, social, ethical, and moral development of the whole person. Located in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Northwest Philadelphia, the College serves a culturally diverse student body.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Award, package, and process federal, state, and institutional financial aid for assigned student populations.
Review and verify student financial aid applications and records to ensure accuracy, eligibility, and regulatory compliance.
Conduct federal need analyses, complete verification requirements, and evaluate Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
Counsel students and families regarding financial aid eligibility, award packages, application procedures, and financing options.
Process federal and private educational loans, including related documentation and financial aid adjustments.
Administer Pennsylvania State Grant programs, including eligibility determination and related processing.
Coordinate endowed scholarship awarding, recordkeeping, and reporting.
Collaborate with Human Resources and Payroll to administer the Federal Work-Study program, including eligibility reviews, issuance of student employment contracts and related hiring documentation. Work with Finance to reconcile financial aid awards with actual wages paid.
Maintain accurate and confidential student records in compliance with FERPA and applicable financial aid regulations.
Assist the Director of Financial Aid with departmental reporting and data analysis using PowerFAIDS, InfoMaker, and Microsoft Access.
Coordinate updates to financial aid information on the College website and myCHC portal.
Participate in campus recruitment, financial aid presentations, and virtual or in-person outreach events.
Collaborate with Admissions, Student Accounts, and other campus departments to resolve financial aid concerns and support student success.
Provide general office support, including responding to student inquiries and assisting with front-desk operations as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to communicate financial aid information clearly and professionally.
Excellent organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated attention to detail.
Knowledge of federal Title IV, FERPA, and applicable state financial aid regulations, with the ability to interpret and apply changing requirements.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
Sound judgment, initiative, and the ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and financial aid management systems.
Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.
Commitment to providing inclusive, culturally responsive service to students and families from diverse backgrounds.

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor's degree.
Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in a college or university financial aid office.
Experience interpreting and applying federal and state financial aid regulations and compliance requirements.
Hands-on experience with PowerFAIDS.
Experience administering Pennsylvania State Grant programs.
Must not be debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal student aid programs.
Demonstrated commitment to exceptional customer service and student success.
Understanding of and commitment to the College's Mission and Core Values, including inclusive, mission-driven education that supports the development of the whole person.

Preferred

Experience with Jenzabar and/or InfoMaker.
Experience with ELM (Educational Loan Management).

Interested candidates should submit application materials via ADP Workforce Now HERE. No phone calls, please.

Chestnut Hill College is committed to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion as a core value. To foster an inclusive community and support our diverse student body, we embrace equal access. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and encourage applications from groups historically underrepresented in higher education. We are committed to increasing the diversity of the college community and the curriculum.

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site