Financial Aid Counselor – Graduate Online Programs at William & Mary in Posting Location

Job description

Job Requisition: JR102105 Financial Aid Counselor – Graduate Online Programs (Open) Job Posting Title: Financial Aid Counselor – Graduate Online Programs Department: CC00252 WM001 | PROV | WMSI | Financial Aid Office Job Family: Staff - Academic Program Administration Worker Sub-Type: Regular (benefited) Job Requisition Primary Location: Blow Memorial Hall Primary Job Posting Location: Posting Location - William & Mary Job Description Summary: William & Mary seeks a Financial Aid Counselor for Graduate Online Programs, providing specialized financial aid advising and support to prospective and current graduate students enrolled in online programs. This role focuses on counseling students through federal, state, institutional, and private aid processes while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and delivering high-quality, student-centered service in a virtual environment. This role requires a strong commitment to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment, actively contributing to team cohesion and the overall effectiveness of the office. It also calls for a consistent growth-mindset and the ability to serve as a constructive, positive, solutions-oriented presence within the workplace. This position plays a key role in modeling workplace standards, promoting mutual respect, and ensuring that all interactions with staff, leadership, students, and parents reflect William & Mary’s core values of excellence, integrity, respect, and service towards a productive office culture. Key Responsibilities: • Serve as the primary financial aid contact for graduate students enrolled in online programs. • Advise students on eligibility, application processes, and timelines for federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid, including loans, grants, scholarships, and employer tuition benefits. • Provide clear guidance on FAFSA completion, verification, cost of attendance, satisfactory academic progress (SAP), and loan borrowing limits specific to graduate-level funding. • Counsel students on responsible borrowing, loan repayment options, and financial planning for graduate education. • Process and review financial aid applications, awards, adjustments, and revisions in accordance with institutional policies and federal regulations. • Communicate with students via email, phone, video conferencing, and student portals, delivering timely and accurate information in a fully online service model. • Collaborate with admissions, student services, bursar, and online program leadership to support enrollment, retention, and student success. • Maintain accurate student records and documentation within the student information system and financial aid management systems. • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and accrediting agency regulations related to Title IV and graduate financial aid programs. • Assist with audits, reporting, and compliance reviews related to online programs. • Stay current on changes to financial aid regulations, policies, and best practices, particularly as they impact graduate and online learners. • Participate in outreach efforts, webinars, orientations, and informational sessions for online graduate students. • Serve as the primary point of contact for all online program administrators and Student Success Coordinators (Everspring partners). • Perform additional duties as needed. Job Description: Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training. Experience in financial aid administration (typically 1-3 years). Working knowledge of federal Title IV financial aid programs, especially graduate-level loans (e.g., Direct Unsubsidized and Graduate PLUS Loans). Experience working with student information systems and financial aid management software. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial information clearly and compassionately. Ability to manage a high volume of students while maintain