Financial Aid Counselor - Athletics & Scholarships

Candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; UNC cannot provide H-1B sponsorship at this time.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 11/06/2025.

Position Summary:

This position supports the Office of Financial Aid by serving as the primary administrator and liaison for all NCAA athletic aid programs and by assisting with the processing of private scholarships. The Financial Aid Counselor – Athletics & Scholarships ensures the accurate and compliant awarding, monitoring, and reconciliation of athletic scholarships while providing administrative and processing support for donor-funded and external scholarships. In addition to specialized aid administration, the Counselor provides direct financial aid advising to students and families, interprets complex institutional, state, and federal regulations, and collaborates with the Athletics Compliance Office, Bursar, Registrar, and other campus partners to maintain compliance and service excellence. The position contributes to the office’s student-centered mission by helping ensure that all communications and processes, particularly those involving student-athletes and scholarship recipients, are accurate, empathetic, and supportive of student success.

Job Duties:

Athletic Aid Administration – 55%
This position administers all aspects of NCAA athletic scholarships in coordination with the Athletics Department. The Counselor verifies eligibility and coordinates the awarding, renewal, or cancellation of athletic aid in compliance with NCAA, Big Sky Conference, and institutional policies. Each term, the Counselor reconciles athletic aid with Athletics Compliance and Accounting Services to ensure accuracy and prevent over-awards, maintaining all required documentation and preparing reports for NCAA audits and internal reviews. The role collaborates with coaches and compliance staff to confirm award adjustments and ensure timely processing and provides training and guidance to Athletics staff regarding financial aid procedures and compliance expectations.

Private Scholarship Support – 20%

The Counselor assists with the posting and reconciliation of private and donor-funded scholarships in coordination with the Assistant Director of Financial Aid – Scholarships. This includes communicating with Bursar to confirm fund deposits and accurate posting, maintaining records that support donor stewardship and timely correspondence, and identifying or reporting potential over-awards or conflicts between private scholarships and other aid sources. The Counselor also serves as a secondary contact for students and staff with questions related to private scholarships.

Financial Aid Advising – 15%

This position advises students and families on financial aid eligibility, application procedures, and award adjustments. The Counselor provides individualized guidance to student-athletes regarding satisfactory academic progress, renewal criteria, and responsible borrowing. The role exercises professional judgment consistent with federal and institutional policies when evaluating student circumstances, maintains thorough documentation, and ensures confidentiality in all communications.

Collaboration, Outreach, and Policy Development – 10%

The Counselor collaborates with Athletics Compliance, the Registrar, Bursar, and other campus offices to ensure consistent and compliant administration of aid. The position contributes to process improvement and staff training initiatives across the Office of Financial Aid, represents the office at recruitment, orientation, and outreach events—particularly those involving Athletics—and assists in developing and maintaining internal policies and procedures related to scholarship and compliance processes. Responsibilities and duties are subject to change based on the changing needs of the office.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BA Required

• The ideal candidate will bring at least one year of professional experience in financial aid administration.
• Experience should include exposure to federal, state, or institutional aid processes and a working knowledge of regulatory requirements and system operations.
• Prior experience supporting athletic or donor-funded scholarship programs, student advising, or financial aid counseling is also beneficial.
• Equivalent combinations of education and directly related experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• NASFAA credentials preferred but not required

Abilities:

• A foundational understanding of Title IV, NCAA, state, and institutional financial aid regulations, as well as the ability to interpret and apply complex policies with accuracy and sound judgment.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and reconciliation skills with close attention to detail are essential.
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain complex information to students, families, and campus partners.
• Bilingual communication skills, with Spanish/English preferred, are highly valued to effectively serve UNC’s diverse student population.
• Professionalism, empathy, and discretion are required when handling confidential or sensitive situations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and student information systems such as Banner or comparable platforms, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and contribute positively within a collaborative, student-centered environment.

Special Considerations:

• This position bridges Athletics and the Office of Financial Aid, requiring collaboration, accuracy, and a strong commitment to compliance and equitable service. Success depends on the Counselor’s ability to communicate clearly, build trust with students and campus partners, and uphold the integrity of institutional and NCAA aid programs while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

Benefits:
Benefits available include health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, as well as a selection of several defined contribution retirement plans for all full-time positions. Employees at UNC receive sick leave, and other leave options may be available based on position. Full-time employees are eligible to receive tuition waiver benefits, as well as dependents and spouses of UNC Employees who are employed at 0.5 FTE or above are eligible for undergraduate dependent tuition grants of up to 50%. These tuition grants will cover in-state tuition charges. Further requirements may exist. Other benefits may be available based on position.

About UNC
The University of Northern Colorado is a public doctoral/research institution located in Greeley, Colorado. UNC’s commitment to education began in 1889 and continues to be a transformational force for our students. Recognized as a top university for social mobility, UNC is proud to be a Hispanic Serving Institution and to serve more than 44%  of our undergraduates who are the first in their family to attend college.  UNC is also committed to providing our faculty and staff with the support they need to succeed as professionals, educators, and in life. Please visit UNC’s Career Hub,to learn more about UNC’s strategic plan, school programs, and employee benefits. Go Bears!

EEO Statement
The University of Northern Colorado offers an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the UNC community. In accordance with federal and state law, UNC prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. UNC also prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure UNC’s compliance with this policy.

ADA Accommodations
The University of Northern Colorado is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 970-351-2718 or human.resources@unco.edu. 

Background Check
Satisfactory completion of a background check, educational check, and authorization to work in the United States is required after a conditional offer of employment has been made. The successful candidate must submit original transcripts within one (1) month of hire.

This position is contingent on funding from the Colorado State Legislature, approval by the Board of Trustees, and subject to the policies and regulations of the University of Northern Colorado.

Clery Act
In compliance with the Clery Act, the most recent University of Northern Colorado Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online. A paper copy can be requested at the UNC Police Department. This report contains crime statistics and policy statements related to safety, conduct processes and Title IX investigations.