Sr. Financial Aid Counselor

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation's top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.

To learn more about UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.

The Division of Enrollment Management represents the Offices of Enrollment Management, Undergraduate Admissions, Financial Aid and Scholarships and the University Registrar. These key functional offices support the campus goals to recruit, retain and provide a first-in-class education to the most talented students, regardless of background.

The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships is a key contributor to student success and student access in higher education, administering all types of financial assistance for eligible students demonstrating financial need, academic merit, and/or other merit factor(s). This includes, but is not limited to scholarships, grants, loans, and/or work-study awards.

Working independently, incumbent is responsible for overseeing areas that contribute to smooth and proactive student aid operations such as Counselor of the Day scheduling, data and reporting needs, system testing, training and development, amongst other key operational areas. Serves as a primary resource and/or point of contact for counseling unit, office and/or campus department. Ensures smooth operations of the Financial Aid Counseling Unit Applies advanced, specialized expertise, has programmatic responsibility for a financial aid program, and / or regularly resolves individual, complex financial aid situations. Provides individual counseling on non-routine, sensitive aid issues in an accurate, timely, professional, and courteous manner, including explaining and interpreting government and university rules and regulations concerning all areas of student financial assistance to students, parents, university colleagues and the general public. Analyzes regulation and participates in the development of the UCI Financial Aid Office policy and procedure for administering Financial Aid from federal, state, university, and outside sources.

Total Compensation

In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.

The expected pay range for this recruitment is $$77,000- $$90,000 (Annual).

Required:

• Maintain security and confidentiality of information and records
• Advanced knowledge of policies, regulations, and practices for awarding financial aid; specialized knowledge of particular programs.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, university, UC Office of the President, and other internal and external agencies packaging policies and practices.
• Advanced knowledge of University policies, processes, and procedures.
• Advanced knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Ability to interpret complex policies and develop procedures to ensure compliance.
• Ability to calculate and reconcile financial aid with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Organizational skills and ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Project management skills. Advanced written and verbal communication skills. Active listening, persuasion, and negotiation skills. Possesses advanced customer service orientation skills.
• Advanced ability to assess processes and implement improvements. Excellent interpersonal skills. Strong social perceptiveness abilities.
• Advanced proficiency with standard office software as well as internet and email applications. Thorough knowledge of common University specific computer application programs.
• Experience using complex databases; ability to define specifications for database programming. Proficiency manipulating and analyzing large volumes of data. Advanced knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs.
• Advanced problem identification, critical thinking, and problem solving skills; judgment and decision-making ability.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
• 7-9 years of directly related professional experience

Preferred:

• Experience using student aid management systems and/or student billing systems

Special Conditions:

• Occasional/seasonal nights and weekends required.
• Must complete and pass a US Department of Justice background check.
• Hybrid position. On-site availability is a requirement. On-site days to be determined.

Conditions of Employment:

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:

• Background Check and Live Scan
• Employment Misconduct*
• Legal Right to work in the United States
• Vaccination Policies
• Smoking and Tobacco Policy
• Drug Free Environment

*Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.

• California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
• E-Verify
• Pre-Placement Health Evaluation

Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php

Closing Statement:

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or eec@uci.edu.