About Job

Position Title

Student Financial Services Counselor

Overview

St. John Fisher University is an independent, liberal arts institution that provides a transformative education to approximately 3,800 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students each year. Across its five Schools, Fisher offers nearly 40 majors in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, business, education, and nursing; 11 pre-professional programs; and master’s and doctoral programs in business, nursing, education, pharmacy, and public health. The University’s residential campus boasts a robust living and learning community and a successful intercollegiate athletics program. Fisher is a community where all are welcome, regardless of religious or cultural background.

The University continues to honor its founders, the Congregation of St. Basil, by embracing their motto, “Teach Me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge.” We are located in Pittsford, N.Y., seven miles outside of the city of Rochester. The campus is situated on 164 park-like acres—a beautiful setting for a warm, friendly campus community.

Job Responsibilities

The Student Financial Services (SFS) Counselor provides information to prospective and enrolled students and families related to financial aid and student accounts. This includes counseling on the financial aid process, aid eligibility, financing options, and resolving account balances. The SFS Counselor responds to inquiries via email, phone, and in person appointments. The SFS counselor reviews application changes and adjusts aid packages as needed. The Student Financial Services (SFS) Counselor also provides support to grant and scholarship processing.

Counseling students and families. (45%)

Answer financial aid and student accounts inquiries (via phone, email, mail, in person).
Counsel students/parents/families on the financial aid application process, provide explanations of financial aid awards, eligibility and need determination, and payment options. Assist with completion of Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), verification, and loan steps.
Answer questions related to Federal, State, and Institutional financial aid programs.
Exercise professional judgement through the review and evaluation of requests for additional financial assistance due to special circumstances, changes in financial situation, and requests for independence overrides.
Assist students with various questions regarding their account including, but not limited to billing, payments, holds, and refunds.

Processes all New York State grants and scholarship. This includes reviewing applications, determining awards, repackaging student aid awards as necessary, and reconciling program expenditures. Imports NYS 529 disbursement files. Reviews high school completion requirement. Keep up to date with changes in state regulations and software to ensure efficient processing. Test and verifies all database releases are in place and working properly for processing. Reconciles programs monthly. (25%)

Review, evaluate, and process financial aid applications. Make decisions on aid eligibility and compile financial aid awards for new and returning students – undergraduate, graduate, part-time and full-time. (10%)

Processes all Federal Pell Grants and the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant. This includes determining TEACH Grant eligibility and monitoring renewal eligibility. Keep up to date with changes in federal regulations and software to ensure efficient processing. Test and verifies all database releases are in place and working properly for processing. (5%)

Complete new year set up, process, and reconcile Federal Work Study Program. (5%)

Additional duties: 10%

Front desk coverage
Title IV Verification
Present financial aid information to prospective families, high school audiences, and at community sponsored financial aid events
Other duties as assigned

Education / Experience

Bachelor’s degree or a minimum of one to five years of relevant work experience required. Student services or financial aid experience preferred. Banner software knowledge a plus.

Competencies / Skills

Strong commitment to customer service, a positive attitude, and calm demeanor
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Professional demeanor
Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, Power Point)
Strong organizational and time management skills
Attention to detail and accuracy
Team Player

Supervision of Employees

None

Work Environment

General campus community – including students and parents

Equipment to be Used

General office equipment, including telephone, calculator, copier, and printer.
Networked personal computer utilizing programs including:
MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, Power Point)
Ellucian Banner (data warehouse for all functional areas across campus), Third party software, Internet functionality.

Job Type

Full-time

Work Hours

35 hours/week. Weekend and evening work at times.

Special Conditions for Eligibility

Minimum Number of References Requested

EEO Statement

It is the policy of St. John Fisher University to provide Equal Employment Opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment in accordance with the applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in each locality in which the University has employees.

The University does not discriminate against applicants or employees in hiring, promotion, termination or the terms and conditions of employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sex, perceived sex, gender identity, gender expression, the status of being transgender, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, marital status, military status, veteran status, predisposing genetic, characteristics or genetic information, arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Title IX Coordinator is the designated University official with primary responsibility for coordinating compliance with Title IX and related federal and state laws. The Title IX Coordinator, Meg Flaherty, Ph.D., can be reached by phone (585-385-8232), email (titleix@sjfc.edutitleix@sjfc.edu>), in-person in Campus Center 209, or outside of business hours by contacting the Office of Safety and Security (585-385-8111).

Work Location

3690 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14618

FLSA

Exempt

Salary / Hourly Range

$60,500.00 per year

Notes

The salary range for this role is set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to internal equity, qualifications, experience, and education. The above hiring range is one component of the University’s competitive Total Rewards package which can be viewed here

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number

S00744P

Desired Start Date

08/18/2025

Open Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicant