Financial Aid Specialist – Part-Time

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Illinois.

📋 Description

• Act as the main financial aid advisor for HelloCollege families.

• Assist families in assessing their financial capabilities for college and refine students' college selections based on financial factors.

• Guide families through the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and specific financial aid applications from institutions.

• Evaluate and interpret financial aid award letters and net price calculations.

• Help families compare financial aid offers and identify opportunities for appeals or requests for additional assistance.

• Advise families on strategies for need-based and merit-based scholarships.

• Conduct virtual financial aid planning sessions with students and their parents.

• Establish positive, trusting, and enduring relationships with students and families.

• Keep precise and timely records of communications, deadlines, action items, and milestones in the HelloCollege portal.

• Facilitate up to four virtual workshops each month, including sessions on Paying for College and FAFSA/CSS Profile.

• Stay updated on changes to FAFSA and CSS Profile, financial aid policies, regulations, scholarship opportunities, and trends in higher education funding.

• Contribute to initiatives that generate referrals, testimonials, consultations, and online reviews.

• Engage in team meetings, knowledge-sharing sessions, shadowing, and mentoring opportunities.

• Foster a positive, collaborative company culture and support the ongoing growth of HelloCollege.

• Participate in additional projects as needed, including research, content creation, and blog contributions.

• Report directly to the Director of Counseling.

⛳️ Requirements

• Availability for part-time work with regular weekend hours required throughout the year.

• Evening availability is necessary.

• A Bachelor's degree is mandatory.

• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience is required.

• Professional experience in financial aid and/or finance is essential.

• Proven experience with the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and institutional financial aid processes is required.

• Experience advising families on financial aid at selective and highly selective colleges and universities is necessary.

• Strong understanding of federal and institutional financial aid policies, as well as need-based and merit-based aid and scholarship opportunities.

• Ability to work with families from diverse financial backgrounds while offering clear, objective, and non-judgmental guidance.

• Capability to connect effectively with students and parents from various academic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex financial concepts in a clear and accessible manner.

• Strong relationship-building and collaboration abilities.

• Outstanding organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple families, priorities, deadlines, and competing demands.

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Proficiency in Google Workspace, including Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

• Ability to quickly learn and effectively utilize new technology, software, and systems.

• Capability to work with families across multiple time zones and adjust availability as necessary.

• Ability to handle sensitive financial information with discretion, confidentiality, and professionalism.

• Experience in public speaking, presentations, or facilitating virtual events is a plus.

• Experience working with students with learning differences is also a plus.

🏝️ Benefits

• Work remotely from home.

• Flexible working hours may vary.

• Opportunities to participate in knowledge-sharing sessions, shadowing, and mentoring.

• Opportunities to contribute to research, content development, and blog projects.