Financial Aid Counselor/Program Coordinator

The Beach • Long Beach, CA

11d

About The Position

Join the vibrant community at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)! Located just three miles from the Pacific Ocean, CSULB offers an inspiring workplace and an exceptional Southern California lifestyle. Our 322-acre campus—one of the largest in the CSU system—serves more than 42,000 students and is known for its commitment to student success, innovation, and impactful academic and research initiatives. As a member of the CSULB community, you’ll experience a dynamic environment filled with cultural landmarks, collaborative energy, and opportunities to make a meaningful difference. Work-life balance thrives here. Long Beach blends coastal relaxation with urban vibrancy, offering miles of beaches, year-round sunshine, a thriving arts and food scene, and convenient access to both Los Angeles and Orange County. It’s an ideal place to grow your career while enjoying everything Southern California has to offer. Job Summary The Financial Aid Counselor/Program Coordinator performs a variety of processing and specialized financial aid functions to facilitate administration of financial aid programs and delivery of funds to students in support of access and student success. Activities include determining eligibility; awarding aid; facilitating problem solving with students and parents; and making professional judgment decisions regarding student aid eligibility. The counselor provides leadership and program oversight over an assigned area of specialty; adjudicates appeals; and provides training to other staff. Furthermore, the incumbent provides services that are equitable, inclusive, and culturally sensitive to enhance the quality of campus life. This position uses a student-centered and equity-minded approach in all communication and service efforts, whether in-person, via phone or through written correspondence.

Requirements

• The ideal candidate will possess strong knowledge of financial aid programs, policies, and regulations, along with the ability to interpret and apply complex federal, state, and institutional guidelines.
• Because financial aid rules evolve frequently—with federal updates occurring every few years, state regulations shifting annually, and institutional processes changing even more often—the candidate must stay current with all regulatory and technical changes.
• They should be skilled in analyzing financial aid policies, using online student information systems, and applying increasingly complex computer system tools.
• This role also requires the ability to evaluate how these changes impact student awards and to manage specialized programs that may require additional training or expertise.
• Equally important, the ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional customer service and communication skills.
• They must handle sensitive situations with professionalism, empathy, and confidentiality—particularly when balancing a family’s perceived financial need with available aid.
• The candidate should be confident presenting to diverse groups, representing the department with authority while remaining calm and supportive under pressure.
• Strong time‑management skills are essential, as counselors must meet multiple deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Additionally, the candidate should excel in teamwork, maintain clear documentation of responsibilities, and uphold data integrity by following approved processes and testing procedures.
• Ability to communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community.
• Ability to follow all university policies, procedures, and guidelines including but not limited to safety, civility, information security, and non-discrimination policies and procedures.
• Ability to contribute to a positive university experience for each and every student and assist in achieving the university's commitment to a "vision of excellence."
• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration, or a job-related field and two years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas required.

Responsibilities

• Counseling and Outreach: Promote an environment of collaboration and service excellence by providing a broad range of student and family-facing financial aid services, including counseling and outreach activities.
• Processing, Evaluation, Program Oversight: Provide leadership; program management; and serve as liaison for a programmatic area of specialization. Facilitate access and student success through a multitude of processing activities; providing decision-making support in complex situations; evaluating special circumstances; and exercising professional judgment.
• Knowledge and Continual Learning: Remain current with constantly evolving financial aid regulations (federal, state, institutional) and emerging trends and best practices in delivering service excellence.
• Contribute to the overall success of the Financial Aid Office and Enrollment Services through ad-hoc assignments.

Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off : Up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group and/or service), 14 paid holidays, and 12 sick days annually with unlimited accrual.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage : A variety of medical, dental, and vision plans to suit your needs.
• Retirement Plans : Participation in CalPERS defined benefit plan and access to voluntary savings plans like 403(b), 401(k), and 457.
• Educational Benefits : Tuition fee waivers for employees and eligible dependents.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) : Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.
• Additional Perks : Access to wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and various insurance options including life, disability, and pet insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level