[Hiring] College Counselor - Financial Aid Specialist @Great Expectations College Prep

Role Description

We are seeking a detail-oriented, strategic, and highly dynamic Financial Aid Specialist to support students and families through the complex financial side of the college admissions process. This role is responsible for demystifying financial aid, optimizing affordability strategies, and guiding families toward informed decisions about paying for college.

Pending client availability, it is expected that counselors have the capacity to work with a minimum of 5 students per graduating class. This is a part-time position with excellent opportunities for growth (including full-time management roles); hours depend on client load and the scope of client work we receive.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a Top-50 institution required, background in finance, education, counseling, or related field preferred
• Experience in financial aid counseling, college counseling, or a related field
• Strong working knowledge of FAFSA, CSS Profile, and financial aid systems
• Experience interpreting financial aid award letters and advising on affordability
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust with families
• Ability to explain complex financial concepts in a clear, accessible way
• Demonstrated poise navigating high-pressure, high-expectation client environments
• Proven success working with a range of student engagement levels, from self-driven over-achievers to those requiring strategic re-engagement and motivational scaffolding
• Proficiency in using college counseling software, spreadsheets, and data management tools
• Dedicated, quiet workspace with reliable internet access for virtual sessions

Requirements

• Guide families through the full financial aid process, including FAFSA, CSS Profile, and institutional aid applications
• Help families understand Expected Family Contribution (EFC) / Student Aid Index (SAI) and how it impacts affordability
• Advise on need-based vs. merit-based aid strategies
• Identify relevant scholarship opportunities aligned with student profiles
• Support students in developing competitive scholarship applications (essays, resumes, positioning)
• Create and manage scholarship timelines and submission strategies
• Educate families on realistic scholarship expectations and trade-offs
• Translate complex financial concepts into clear, actionable guidance for families
• Lead workshops or webinars on financial aid and paying for college
• Proactively communicate updates, deadlines, and changes in financial aid policies
• Partner with college counselors to align financial strategy with admissions strategy
• Track deadlines and ensure timely submission of all financial aid materials
• Maintain organized documentation and communication across multiple clients

Benefits

• This is a part-time, hourly, non-exempt position with a rate of $90 to $110 per hour DOE
• Eligible employees can participate in certain benefits, including but not limited to:
• 401k plan with company match
• Paid time off
• Technology stipend
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Life insurance and LTD coverage
• Regular professional development courses
• Opportunities for growth, learning, and promotion

Company Description

We are looking for people who would like to call Great Expectations home for years to come, so if this position piques your interest, please send us a cover letter that demonstrates your creativity, personality, and general writing skills – please be yourself and use this opportunity to show us the real you!

NOTE: We are extremely dedicated to employee engagement and hiring for the long-term. To that end, our recruiting process includes two virtual meetings, an essay editing assignment, a personality assessment, and reference checks.