Financial Aid Counselor

FINANCIAL AID COUNSELOR

Bridgewater College is seeking a student-focused, service-oriented Financial Aid Counselor to help students and families navigate the financial aid process. This role combines one-on-one guidance with important financial aid operations, helping students understand their options, complete required steps, and access the resources they need to pursue a college education.

If you enjoy helping people, solving problems, and keeping details organized, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in students' lives while contributing to a collaborative Financial Aid team.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Counsel prospective and current students and their families on the financial aid process, FAFSA completion, and available loan options.
• Provide clear, timely responses to financial aid questions and help resolve issues that may affect a student's aid eligibility.
• Conduct proactive outreach to student borrowers who may be at risk of loan default, helping them understand repayment options and available resources.
• Represent the Office of Financial Aid at admissions events, open houses, financial aid nights, and new student orientation.
• Manage Financial Aid Processing
• Complete FAFSA verification and assist students with resolving rejected FAFSA submissions.
• Package and award financial aid for incoming first-year and transfer students.
• Process, review, and certify private education loans.
• Organize documentation for Special Circumstances and Dependency Override appeals for review by the Director.
• Assist with the awarding of endowed scholarships.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for incoming financial aid correspondence, including mail, email, and voicemail, ensuring documents are accurately indexed and routed to the appropriate team members.
• Coordinate Federal Work-Study
• Coordinate placements for students in off-campus Federal Work-Study (FWS) positions.
• Monitor and reconcile Federal Work-Study earnings for both on-campus and off-campus students.
• Help ensure work-study records and processes are accurate and up to date.
• Assist the Director and Associate Director with special projects, reports, and administrative initiatives.
• Collaborate with colleagues to support efficient office operations and a positive experience for students and families.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor's degree preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to work accurately with financial information and documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to explain information clearly and work effectively with students, families, and colleagues.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team.
• Positive, flexible approach to working with people and responding to individual circumstances.
• Results-oriented approach with the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and meet deadlines.
• Familiarity with Ellucian Colleague preferred.
• Experience in higher education preferred.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package to include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability plans and 403(b) retirement program
• Generous paid time off, in addition to several paid holidays
• Full tuition benefits for eligible dependents

GENERAL INFORMATION: Bridgewater College was founded in 1880 as a coeducational liberal arts college to serve the local community. Located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, just minutes outside of Harrisonburg and within driving distance of Charlottesville, Washington D.C., and Richmond, Bridgewater is home to a total student body of approximately 1,450 from 27 states and 19 countries. Bridgewater students study more than 60 majors and minors, in addition to four graduate programs and 10 pre-professional programs. Bridgewater College is an NCAA DIII school with approximately 40 percent of its students participating in intercollegiate athletics on 26 teams. To learn more about Bridgewater College, visit: bridgewater.edu

APPLY: Complete the online application.

DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Email humanresources@bridgewater.edu

COMMITMENT TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: Bridgewater College, an equal opportunity provider and employer, is a welcoming and vibrant workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Non-Discrimination Notice: https://www.bridgewater.edu/legal/non-discrimination-notice/

ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT AND ANNUAL FIRE SAFETY REPORT: The Bridgewater College Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report summarizes policies on campus security and personal safety, crime prevention, fire safety, and crime reporting, and includes crime and fire statistics for the past three years:https://bridgewater.app.box.com/s/4ma6tlh30y8cat9un192ugo3dm6n29y9

To request a printed copy, please call 540-828-5761

E-VERIFY AND RIGHT TO WORK:

https://bridgewater.box.com/s/479yflkelh9xjxi32ekzbre2wer5fsmz

https://bridgewater.box.com/s/zqyfln3uwpfebahz4drdc37afh4du3im

Bridgewater College has partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to obtain resources to enhance the College’s facilities, including the recent addition to and renovation of the College’s primary athletic facility. The College is posting the following Notice as required by federal law for organizations which benefit from the USDA’s funding program:

NOTICE

If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax at (202) 690-7442, or email at program.intake@usda.gov.