Financial Aid Specialist

Thank you for your interest in working at William Paterson University.

We invite you to join William Paterson University: a wonderful community to learn, work, grow, and thrive. William Paterson University has been named to Forbes' prestigious "Best Employers by State" list for 2024, recognizing the institution as one of the best-ranked employers in New Jersey based on nationwide surveys. WP is one of four education institutions on the Garden State's list this year. Here is the link to the article forbes-best-in-state-employers-new-jersey-2024. William Paterson University is among more than 40 companies and organizations that will be honored with a 2024 NJBIZ Empowering Women Award for their commitment to supporting and elevating women employees.

William Paterson University employs approximately 1000 full time employees in the state who work in a variety of positions ranging from professors to administrative assistants and administrators, physical plant operations, campus police, athletics coaches, academic advisors, and more. William Paterson University supports a remote friendly hybrid work schedule for this role. William Paterson also boasts a four-day summer work week from mid-May to mid-August (Fridays off), during which all employees participate in our award-winning Summer Learning series.

Spanning more than 400 wooded acres in suburban Wayne, New Jersey - just 20 miles from New York City - our campus is one of the most diverse in the nation and it ranks in the top 4 percent of colleges for social mobility. William Paterson is a strong proponent of employees growing their careers there. More than fifty percent of the University's roles are filled by promotions from within. We're not only committed to social mobility for our students, but also for our employees.

Your work as a member of our team is important to our students and to the progress of our University. What you do here matters, and we value every contribution.

Reporting to the Director of WP Online Student Support with a compliance and coordination responsibility to the Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Counselor works closely with the WP Online Assistant Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Office team, and the Director of WP Online Student Success in supporting and guiding online learners with the financial aid processes. The position assists students in navigating the financial aid process and ensuring they have access to the resources necessary to pursue their educational goals. The Financial Aid Counselor will provide guidance, evaluate applications, and administer financial aid programs in compliance with institutional policies and federal regulations, including processing of financial aid specific tasks in coordination with the WP Online Assistant Director of Financial Aid. The Financial Aid Counselor provides cohesive services to support students, with respect to student finances and is committed to working collaboratively in a diverse, inclusive, and student-centered learning environment.

Principal Responsibilities

• Provides personalized counseling to students and families on financial aid programs, policies, and application procedures. Assists in understanding eligibility criteria, award packages, and available resources to provide financial aid advising.
• Reviews, evaluates and processes financial aid applications, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), institutional forms, and other relevant documentation ensuring compliance with all federal, state and institutional regulations.
• Analyzes student financial aid need based on established guidelines and policies, determines aid packages and collaborates with the WP Online Assistant Director of Financial Aid to ensure proper disbursement of financial aid.
• Verifies student information as required by federal guidelines. Ensures accuracy and completeness of student records and financial aid data. Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Meets one-on-one with WP Online students regarding application procedures, eligibility requirements, cost of attendance, management of available financial aid opportunities - loans, grants, eligibility requirements, and the application process - ensures accurate and complete information.
• Develops and leads financial aid workshops, presentations, and training sessions for students and staff on financial aid processes, policies, and financial literacy.
• Keeps current with federal, state, and institutional regulations related to financial aid through professional development (associations) activities, conferences, and training sessions. Ensures compliance with all reporting requirements and maintain accurate records.
• Provides exceptional customer service to students, parents, and other stakeholders at the University. Addresses inquiries, concerns, and complaints promptly and professionally.
• Establishes and maintains liaisons with key University offices such as Financial Aid; Registrar; Student Accounts; Student Enrollment Services; University Admissions to enhance student support services and seamless matriculation.
• Serves on committees and attends weekly on-campus strategic meeting with Academic Care Team (WP Online Student Success Center; Center for Degree Completion and Adult Learning; Associate Provost for Academic Initiatives) to resolve student roadblocks, promote student success, and support continual program development.
• Performs other duties as assigned that are appropriate for the position.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with at least two years of relevant professional experience.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs and regulations.
• Proficient understanding of student financial aid applications, conducting financial need analysis and awarding methodologies.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a student-centered environment.
• Attention to detail and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Proficiency in using financial aid management systems, databases, and software - i.e. Banner Student Information System, needs analysis, and federal/state financial aid programs and MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint), Banner, Image.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, to include evenings and weekends, during peak registration times and/or to meet the needs of a demanding office.

Invitation to apply

Interested candidates will be prompted to complete an application and submit a cover letter and resume/CV.

Submission of all documents listed is required for consideration and all documents should be uploaded when prompted to upload your resume/cv.

General questions related to this application process, please contact [email protected]

Total Rewards:

Click here to view the total rewards of working at WP

William Paterson University is committed to protecting your privacy and will not sell your personal information.

EEO Statement

William Paterson University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity, sex/gender (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, civil union status, familial status, religion, national origin or citizenship, military service status, or any other category protected by law. William Paterson University does not discriminate on the basis of any category stated above or as prohibited by applicable law. Individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

For more information, visit University Facts