ABOUT RAMAPO COLLEGE:
Ramapo College of New Jersey (RCNJ) develops ethical leaders who serve as change agents across all sectors. The College’s unique interdisciplinary academic structure, its liberal arts core, its size (approximately 5,500 students), and its setting in the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains on the New Jersey/New York border provide an optimal environment for individualized, student-centered learning and leadership development. RCNJ’s designation as “New Jersey’s Public Liberal Arts College” by the State legislature is the foundation from which the College’s commitment to an accessible and transformative undergraduate and graduate education is realized.
Established in 1969, CondeNast Traveler named Ramapo one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America. The barrier-free campus occupies 300 acres and is home to 52 bachelor’s degree programs spanning the arts, business, data science, humanities, education, nursing, social work, social sciences, and the sciences. Ramapo College boasts an average student/faculty ratio of 16:1 and an average class size of 21; affording students the opportunity to develop close ties to the College’s exceptional faculty. In addition, the College offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work, and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Every degree program is designed and delivered through the collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts of student-centered faculty scholars and staff who are committed to serving the public good through the delivery of an academically rigorous, inclusive, and a transformative collegiate experience. Ramapo is ranked #1 among New Jersey public institutions by College Choice and is recognized as the State’s top college on the list of Best Disability Schools by Great Value Colleges. Further commendations include designation as a “Military Friendly College” in Victory Media’s Guide to Military Friendly Schools, and as a leading college by U.S. News & World Report, Kiplinger’s, Princeton Review, and Money Magazine, among others.
Examples of DutiesPOSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:
This is a full-time, AFT position, and days of work and hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. Note: This position is in the “NL” category of employment (non-fixed work week) An AFT- NL professional staff member or librarian who is required to work beyond 35 hours shall be compensated through compensatory time off. Compensatory time shall be earned for hours worked beyond the normal work week, or on an employee’s regular day off, if requested and approved by their supervisor.
SALARY: AFT U21 - Steps 1-5
$61k-$74k
Internal applicants salary will be determined by Union Contract Negotiations
JOB SUMMARY:
The Financial Aid Counselor advises parents and students on their financial aid application for State and Federal grants programs, Federal loans, alternative education loans and scholarships. The counseling includes but not limited to changes in student’s financial situation, enrollment requirements, qualifications for applying, requirements to maintain good standing, repayment options, rates, etc. The counselor also provides guidance to students and parents as to their eligibility and obligations in compliance with federal and state financial aid grants, loans and scholarships.
DUTIES:
Counsel parents and students regarding their financial aid application, financial aid package, federal and state requirements for different kinds of grants, and provide information and guidance in loan applications that will provide additional funding for the student education expenses. Assist student (parent) with the procedures in processing their loan of choice. Counsel and evaluate students’ request for early refund. Audit student financial aid records, financial aid eligibilities, grade levels, enrollment records, loan requirements, and verification completions to determine the students’ eligibility in receiving early refunds.Counsel students on how their aid package can be applied to tuition and fee payment and refund process.Counsel students who participate in the off campus study program and study aboard program about their financial aid and loan eligibility.Counsel students on the appropriateness of processing special conditions as “professional judgments” in order to receive financial aid grants.Implement, maintain, and support the electronic ELM loan certification system to ensure the timeliness and accuracy of all loan records. Provide the Office of Student Accounts with all loan disbursements, cancellation records, and authorization to refund lenders.Monitor loans in process. Re-evaluate students’ loans as to change of enrollment, housing, cost of attendance budget, etc. Guide students through reductions or cancellations of their Stafford Student Loans. Additional loans accommodated for summer sessions as requested.Certify Alternative Loan according to student’s cost of attendance and enrollment record.Reconcile alternative loan disbursements.Provide technical assistance to student in FAFSA application process.Provide technical assistance in answering TAG grant questions on HESAA website.Provide assistant to student in obtaining correct documents from IRS to comply with the Federal Income verification requirements.Review any adjustments to student accounts so they adhere to Federal regulations. Review the production and origination of the Promissory Note, return of records, and completion of process. Make any needed adjustments on Banner and/or EDE.Review student budgets after enrollment file “freeze” and adjust accordingly based on changes in enrollment (credits), housing, in-state/out of state status, etc.Calculate Federal Pro-Rata refund for students who graduate in the fall semester and adjust their Federal Stafford loans according to eligibility.Work closely with Office of Student Accounts to resolve problems of student accounts as related to financial aid grants, loans, scholarships and verification problems.Provide Director with necessary input on office procedures, problems, and over awards encountered in regular course of duties.Perform technical/professional duties as assigned.Reviews regular refund lists of financial aid students provided by the Office of Student Accounts to determine the students’ eligibility for a refund.Review student accounts as requested to post book advances.Attend graduate school open house, orientation as needed.Conducting loan management workshop for students when needed.Other duties as assigned by Director of Financial Aid.
REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION:
Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor’s degree supplemented by a Master’s degree in a field related to the position to be filled or equivalency as determined by the appointing authority.Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute required experience on a year-for-year basis (30 credit hours is considered one year of college.)
EXPERIENCE:
Two years of experience in financial aid, business services, or student counseling.Experience working with complex automated management systems preferred, particularly an information systems and preferably in a higher education environment, or equivalent.Working knowledge of Oracle, Microsoft Office Suite and HTML preferred.
Additional Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
This position requires analytical, problem-solving and communication skills. Ability to work efficiently in a team environment and with all levels of the organization in a collaborative way is required. Candidate must possess outstanding interpersonal skills, with a strong customer focus.
EEO Statement:
Ramapo College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Ramapo has a long history of advocating, advising, and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusiveness. Examples can be found in its mission statement, strategic plans, degree and course offerings, community outreach programs, and other diversity programs. Ramapo’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is infused across all facets of the College; where the environment is welcoming, dedicated to social justice, respectful of freedom of expression, focused on educating and having an ongoing conversation regarding cultural competence and the benefits and importance of diversity.
The SAME program allows candidates, who identify as having a significant disability, to apply for non-competitive and unclassified positions through a fast track hiring process. For more information about the SAME program and the Fast Track Hiring program, please go to https://www.nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml if you have any questions, please email, or call the contact as indicated on the job vacancy announcement.
Please send an email to jehlerma@ramapo.edu confirming you applied through the NJ SAME program.