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 guidance and support to prospective and enrolled students and their families on all matters related to financial aid and student accounts. This role includes counseling on the financial aid application process, eligibility and award determinations, financing options, and managing account balances. The SFS Counselor communicates with students and families via email, phone, and in-person appointments; processes updates to financial aid applications; adjusts aid packages; and assists with the administration of federal, state, and institutional aid programs.

Student & Family Counseling (45%)

• Serve as a primary point of contact for inquiries related to financial aid and student accounts via phone, email, mail, and in-person visits.
• Counsel students and families on the financial aid process, including FAFSA completion, verification, loan steps, eligibility, and award interpretation.
• Provide information on federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.
• Exercise professional judgment in reviewing special circumstances affecting aid eligibility and independence overrides.
• Assist students with account-related questions including billing, payments, holds, and refunds.

New York State Grant & Scholarship Administration (25%)

• Process all New York State grants and scholarships, including application review, award determination, and aid repackaging.
• Import NYS 529 disbursement files and review high school completion requirements.
• Stay current on changes in state regulations and software updates.
• Test and verify database updates to ensure accurate processing.

Financial Aid Application Processing (10%)

• Review and evaluate financial aid applications for undergraduate, graduate, part-time, and full-time students.
• Determine aid eligibility and prepare complete financial aid awards.

Federal Pell Grant & TEACH Grant Processing (5%)

• Administer Federal Pell Grant and TEACH Grant programs, including eligibility determination and renewal monitoring.
• Monitor federal regulatory and software updates.
• Test and validate system changes related to federal aid processing.

Federal Work Study Processing (5%)

• Complete annual setup, processing, and reconciliation of Federal Work Study funds.

Additional Responsibilities (10%)

• Provide front desk coverage as needed.
• Conduct Title IV verification processes.
• Present financial aid information at campus programs, high schools, and community events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education / Experience

Bachelor’s degree or one to five years of relevant work experience required. Experience in student services or financial aid preferred. Familiarity with Banner or similar student information systems.

Competencies / Skills

• Strong commitment to customer service with a positive, calm, and professional demeanor
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Regular sitting, standing, walking.
• Extended periods of computer use.
• Dexterity for data entry.
• Typical multi-person office noise levels.

Supervision of Employees

None

Work Environment

General campus environment with frequent interaction with students and families.

Equipment to be Used

• Standard office equipment (telephone, calculator, copier, printer).
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Banner and third-party financial aid/accounting software; internet-based systems.

Job Type
Full-time

Work Hours

Exempt position
* 35 hours per week, 12 months per year
Some weekends and evenings

Minimum Number of References Requested
0

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: $62,500.00 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 Number: S00788P

Desired Start Date: 04/06/2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Tagged as: Employment