Financial Aid Counselor – System Specialist

POSITION TITLE:

COMPENSATION RANGE: 55,000.00 – 59,800.00 USD per year

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Professional Administrative

DEPARTMENT: Office of Financial Aid

TARGET HIRE DATE: 8/3/2026

BENEFITS: UNC’s Career Hub

Candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; UNC cannot provide H-1B sponsorship at this time.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 07/15/2026

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Associate Director of Financial Aid, this position exists to provide high quality services to students and their families, and to educate them in financial opportunities available so they may achieve their academic goals. The position works with other campus departments to help recruit and retain students. The Office of Financial Aid distributes federal, state, institutional and private funds to all students who meet program eligibility requirements.

This position is one of a team of people who work to provide aid funds in a timely manner, but is specifically responsible for working with the OFA Associate Director within the Banner SIS to ensure that processing and compliance is accurate and timely, oversees the processing and reconciliation of Pell grant aid programs, and works the exception reports. This position, has general knowledge of most financial aid processes and a high level expertise within the Banner, Campus Logic and COD system to resolve issues related to the aid process.

The practice of empathy, community building, civility, recognition and exceptional customer service are key components of this position. The position, at times, will advise students, prospective students and parents concerning all forms of aid and the application process.

Job Duties:

Banner System Updates, Testing, and Problem Solving – 65% Essential Function

• Work with the Associate Director of Systems to update Banner for year roll, awarding and other system related items.
• Work with the Associate Director of Systems to test Banner releases and patches.
• Understand the Banner system to be able to resolve Banner related problems and issues.
• Look for and implement efficiencies within Banner for the betterment of the department.
• Create/update procedures related to the Banner roll, packaging, AppWorx runs, and other back end system processes.

Pell Grant Expert, Processing and Compliance – 10% Essential Function

• Working with the Associate Director to be a resource and expert in regard to Pell Grants and the on-going processes within the Banner System, Campus Logic and COD.
• Problem solve issues and questions in regard to the Pell Grant program.
• Reconciliation of Pell grant funds throughout the year.
• Works as liaison with Accounting staff for monitoring and finalizing reconciliation of accounts.
• Review and share with Directors/Staff changes and upcoming regulations in regard to Pell Grant.

Reports Monitoring for Accuracy and Quality Assurance – 15% Essential Function

• Work Insight and Banner reports related to ISIR loads and awarding. This includes overawards, exceptions to standard practices/processes, and other miscellaneous abnormalities.
• Look for patterns in which items may be either moved to a batch process or a current batch process can be manipulated to reduce the exceptions.

Office Leadership – 10% Essential Function

• Provide leadership to senior staff and counselor level positions within the office in order to maintain the highest standard of work ethic, customer service, dependability, accountability, and moral in the delivery of financial aid as it translates into a Student’s First focus.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• At least three years of professional experience in
  financial aid or related student service.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least three years of Student Information System (SIS) experience with preference given to candidates who also have one year of experience with Banner and/or Campus Logic.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret policies, resolve discrepancies, and manage complex processes requiring accuracy and sound judgment.
• Ability to analyze data and processes to look for ways to improve current processes within the financial aid office
  and be able to verbalize recommended efficiencies.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and cooperatively with others to achieve shared goals, contribute to a positive
  team environment.
• Demonstrated detail orientation with little or no errors on documents provided with excellent communication
  skills.

Application Instructions:

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit a resume and cover letter that address their qualifications and interest in the role.

Benefits:
Benefits available include health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, as well as a selection of several defined contribution retirement plans for all full-time positions. Employees at UNC receive sick leave, and other leave options may be available based on position. Full-time employees are eligible to receive tuition waiver benefits, as well as dependents and spouses of UNC Employees who are employed at 0.5 FTE or above are eligible for undergraduate dependent tuition grants of up to 50%. These tuition grants will cover in-state tuition charges. Further requirements may exist. Other benefits may be available based on position.

About UNC
The University of Northern Colorado is a public doctoral/research institution located in Greeley, Colorado. UNC’s commitment to education began in 1889 and continues to be a transformational force for our students. Recognized as a top university for social mobility, UNC is proud to be a Hispanic Serving Institution and to serve more than 44% of our undergraduates who are the first in their family to attend college. UNC is also committed to providing our faculty and staff with the support they need to succeed as professionals, educators, and in life. Please visit UNC’s Career Hub, to learn more about UNC’s strategic plan, school programs, and employee benefits. Go Bears!

EEO Statement
The University of Northern Colorado offers an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the UNC community. In accordance with federal and state law, UNC prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. UNC also prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure UNC’s compliance with this policy.

ADA Accommodations
The University of Northern Colorado is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 970-351-2718 or human.resources@unco.edu.

Background Check
Satisfactory completion of a background check, educational check, and authorization to work in the United States is required after a conditional offer of employment has been made. The successful candidate must submit original transcripts within one (1) month of hire.

This position is contingent on funding from the Colorado State Legislature, approval by the Board of Trustees, and subject to the policies and regulations of the University of Northern Colorado.

Clery Act
In compliance with the Clery Act, the most recent University of Northern Colorado Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online. A paper copy can be requested at the UNC Police Department. This report contains crime statistics and policy statements related to safety, conduct processes and Title IX investigations.

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