Financial Aid Counselor I

Location: On-Campus at Life University – 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta, GA 30060

About Us

Since 1974, Life University has been a trailblazer in postsecondary education, seeking individuals eager to join our team dedicated to shaping the future of health and wellness education. Situated in Marietta, Georgia, our university’s campus provides a nurturing, yet dynamic environment for academic and personal growth. We are a specialized institution focused on vitalistic education in the fields of healthcare, business administration, and the social sciences, providing a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees alongside our flagship Doctor of Chiropractic program. As we continue our mission to empower students and pioneer innovative approaches to vitalistic education, we are actively seeking passionate professionals to join us in our commitment to excellence.

Service Lasting Purpose

At Life University, our mission extends beyond education—we strive to embody a Lasting Purpose: To Give, To Do, To Love, To Serve—out of your own abundance. Life University’s guiding principle is to live an inner-directed life, recognizing that the willingness and desire to serve your community and your fellow human beings are just as important as academic pursuits. This philosophy drives our commitment to our students, staff, and the broader community, inspiring us to make meaningful contributions to the world through the transformative power of education and service. We believe that everyone has unique gifts, and as a member of the global community, it is our duty to share those gifts generously, living by the principle of giving, doing, loving, and serving out of abundance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Life University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide consideration for employment to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.

Financial Aid Counselor I - Job Description

Life University is looking for a dynamic and progressive individual to serve as the Financial Aid Counselor I. This role performs general aspects of financial aid administration under the supervision of the Director of Financial Aid and more senior staff. This individual assists students/families with the application process, reviews eligibility, advises students on process and programs, provides input to the creation and implementation of policies and procedures, and assists with regular office activities.

Responsibilities

1. Provide direct financial aid services to current and prospective students including financial aid application review, packaging of financial aid awards and financial aid counseling.
2. Facilitate student success by counseling students on related financial literacy topics such as personal budget management, loan repayment, and other guidance which may affect student academic performance and continued eligibility for assistance.
3. Assist with overall management of financial aid programs including federal, state, and institutional grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.
4. Through an extensive list of daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports, complete timely review of student records to confirm financial aid eligibility and revise financial aid awards, ensuring that all aid (loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study) is properly awarded within federal, state and institutional guidelines.
5. Oversee completion of student information and documentation collection.
6. Make independent adjustments to a student’s financial aid record within federal and state regulations and the use of professional judgment.
7. Represent the Financial Aid Department at orientation, recruitment events, and department presentations.
8. Work collaboratively with Student Advocates, Student Accounts, Registrar, Enrollment, and other University constituents.
9. Maintain confidentiality of student records.
10. Participate in professional training and development opportunities as provided and serve as a member of the SAP Appeal Committee, and other committees as needed.
11. Participates in University activities and committees that support the mission and initiatives of the University.
12. Assumes additional responsibilities and performs special projects as needed or directed.
13. Handles confidential information with discretion and independent judgment.
14. Exhibits student centeredness in performance of all job duties.
15. Treats all others with respect; understands the impact of culture/background on the behavior of others; respects differences among the Life community and demonstrates inclusive behavior.
16. Anticipates, listens to, understands, and responds to customer needs.  Delivers work products and services to customers in a way that reflects positively upon the department and the University.

Requirements

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education; OR the combination of an Associate's degree from an accredited institution of higher education AND three years of related experience.
2. Demonstrated track record of delivering superior customer service.
3. Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, etc.) and data management.
4. Must be, and remain, in good standing with personal Title IV loans.    

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics

1. Ability to manage multiple and ever-changing priorities under established time constraints and in a professional manner.
2. Motivated, organized, detailed oriented, strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and willingness to assist as needed in functions that support the mission and initiative of the University.
3. Demonstrated commitment to student success and quality customer service delivery working within a diverse environment and interacting with students, faculty, staff, and visitors from different backgrounds daily.
4. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff members, campus departments, outside agencies, and students/families.
5. Team building and organizational skills.
6. High degree of initiative and independent judgment with the ability to perform duties independently with minimal supervision.
7. Well-developed analytical and problem-solving abilities and general accounting skills.
8. Demonstrate integrity and professionalism in appearance and demeanor; ability to share and impart knowledge and reasoning to others.
9. Excellent oral and written communication skills with a high comfort level with speaking before large groups is required, and an ability to effectively engage audiences through dynamic oral presentations is essential.