Academic and Finance Counselor I

Accountabilities

• • Provide personalized, student-centered academic and financial guidance, clearly explaining institutional policies, financial aid requirements, Title IV regulations, and available resources.
  • Manage an assigned student caseload through proactive communication, coaching, outreach, and follow-up to help learners remain engaged and progress toward graduation.
  • Support student financial matters, including accounts receivable, document collection, payments, financial aid processes, and voucher collection and submission.
  • Monitor academic progress and identify at-risk students, developing appropriate solutions, referrals, and interventions to support successful program completion.
  • Communicate with students through phone, email, video, SMS, live chat, and other digital channels while maintaining a professional, responsive, and empathetic approach.
  • Handle escalated concerns and challenging situations, using active listening, sound judgment, and de-escalation techniques to turn issues into effective solutions.
  • Navigate multiple systems, databases, reports, and internal resources to maintain accurate information and deliver consistent student support.
  • Coordinate with academic, financial, and other internal teams to facilitate referrals and create a connected student experience.
  • Develop and execute outreach and communication strategies designed to strengthen student engagement, satisfaction, persistence, and achievement.
  • Contribute ideas, departmental initiatives, special projects, and process improvements while staying informed about organizational updates and changes.

  Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree preferred, with at least 3 years of relevant experience in recruiting, advising, student services, retention, academic counseling, marketing, educational services, customer service, or a related field.
  • Experience working in a fast-paced, student- or customer-focused environment, ideally within higher education, online education, or a technology-enabled setting.
  • Academic advising, course enrollment, online student support, financial aid, Title IV, or experience interpreting and applying federal regulations is strongly preferred.
  • Strong understanding of academic and business practices in an online learning environment, with the ability to learn and apply organizational policies and procedures.
  • Excellent communication, active listening, interpersonal, and public-speaking skills, with the ability to adapt communication style to different audiences and sensitive situations.
  • Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships, motivate students, resolve concerns professionally, and provide a consistently high level of customer service.
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to think creatively, work independently, prioritize competing demands, and know when to escalate an issue.
  • Comfortable using technology and multiple digital platforms, including databases, internet-based systems, SMS, live chat, email, and word-processing tools.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint.
  • Dependable, flexible, collaborative, receptive to feedback, and comfortable adapting to change in a dynamic remote environment.
  • Must be eligible to receive access to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).

  Benefits

  • Compensation: $21.63–$24.04 per hour, with final pay determined by experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and location.
  • Work arrangement: Full-time, fully remote position based in the United States.
  • Healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision coverage options.
  • Retirement: 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching.
  • Time off: Paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).
  • Professional development: Free education benefits and opportunities designed to support career growth and continued learning.
  • Total rewards: A comprehensive benefits package focused on employee well-being and the needs of the whole person and their family.