Student Financial Services Counselor

Job Summary

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a Student Financial Services Counselor to join the Student Financial Services (SFS) Department. This department is committed to working with students and parents to reach the shared goal of preparing and educating creative individuals who aspire to make a meaningful contribution to our world. The SFS staff work to help students and their families seek, obtain, and make the best use of all resources available to help finance the costs of attending RISD. 

With a demonstrated commitment to centering inclusivity, diversity and equity in executing key responsibilities,  the Student Financial Services Counselor will  act as the main contact person for Student Financial Services by assisting visitors, managing the SFS email and receiving incoming calls for Student Financial Services. The SFS Counselor will counsel students and families in regards to their student accounts, financial aid availability, eligibility and funding, as well as application procedures, award processing, expenditures and money management. The SFS Counselor will administer various student account related functions including, but not limited to, payment processing and completing outreach regarding outstanding balances.

We seek a culturally competent candidate who will thrive in a campus environment that is committed to advancing the principles of social equity and inclusion, environmental and climate justice, and equal access to resources and opportunities. 

Essential Functions:

Counsel and assist current and prospective students and families in all areas of financing their RISD education (financial aid, student accounts, student employment). 

Process, audit and reconcile student account receivables. Complete outreach to resolve student account receivable balances. 

With an in-depth understanding of Title IV regulations, review, determine and verify student scholarship eligibility. Track, process and record outside scholarships, including interactions with various organizations. Create invoices, submit and confirm payment for third party invoicing. 

Maintain the receivables for RISD Travel Programs, Global and Domestic, working closely with the Office of the Registrar and RISD Global. Complete financial rankings to assist in the award of Global scholarships.

Create student statements, specialty 1098-T tax forms and Canadian Tax forms by request.

Participate in Student Financial Services programs and contribute and distribute communication materials including, but not limited to, financial literacy sessions, loan exit counseling, graduation and orientation and recruitment events.

Maintain knowledge of current federal, state and institutional guidelines and regulations related to student financial services. Attend state and regional trainings, on-line learning courses, and professional network groups. Evaluate and apply learnings as appropriate to RISD Student Financial Services processes and services. 

Communicate Student Financial Services policies and procedures to all constituents, internal and external, in clear, timely and customer friendly ways. 

Process departmental invoices to Accounts Payable as needed.

Place orders for office/staff supplies and materials as needed.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Experience:

Ability to work with and help foster a diverse and inclusive culture. 

Excellent communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills. 

Thorough knowledge of Title IV regulations and programs. 

Strong computer skills including MS Word, Excel, student information databases, and Internet or web-based applications. 

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Minimum three years of financial aid or student financial services experience. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Workday Student experience.