Department Contact: McKenna Garcia, 575-527-7550, mcgarcia@dacc.nmsu.edu

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: DACC, a responsive, accessible, comprehensive, learning-centered community college that provides education opportunities to a diverse community of learners is inviting candidates to apply for the following vacant position:

Position Details

Position Title: Financial Aid Counselor II

College/Division: DACC Dona Ana CC

Department: 941660-DACC FINANCIAL AID SVCS

Location: Doña Ana Community College

Offsite Location (if applicable): East Mesa Campus/Espina Campus/Sunland Park

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: $53,165.80 - $67,786.96 (Commensurate with qualifications.)

Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0

FLSA Status: Exempt

Bargaining Unit Announcement: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

Standard Work Schedule: Shift: Other Shift

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: Standard, M-F, 8-5, but will have occasional work beyond these hours depending on events, time of the year, or outreach commitments.

Job Duties and Responsibilities: The Financial Aid Advisor provides comprehensive guidance to prospective and current students and their families throughout the financial aid process. This role includes counseling on funding options, determining eligibility, awarding aid in compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, and supporting student success through financial literacy, outreach, and retention efforts.

Student Advising & Counseling:
• Advise students and families on financial aid programs, including federal, state, institutional, and private funding
• Assist with FAFSA completion, application requirements, deadlines, and dependency status
• Counsel students on satisfactory academic progress (SAP), including GPA and completion requirements
• Provide guidance on loan borrowing, repayment options, default prevention, and financial literacy
• Advise students on the financial aid impact of dropping or withdrawing from courses
• Develop academic plans for students not meeting SAP standards
• Counsel students on financial responsibility and refer to additional resources (e.g., WIOA, emergency aid, DVR)

Financial Aid Processing & Compliance:
• Review, verify, and package financial aid applications based on eligibility and enrollment
• Perform need analysis, income and cost of attendance adjustments, and resolve over-awards
• Exercise professional judgment in evaluating special and unusual circumstances
• Process appeals and prepare cases for committee review
• Review and approve loan requests, including prorations and aggregate limits
• Monitor and award specialized aid programs (e.g., Pell, waivers, summer crossover)
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations

Outreach & Student Engagement:
• Conduct financial aid presentations, workshops, and FAFSA completion events on and off campus
• Provide in-person loan counseling and entrance counseling sessions
• Serve as a resource for high school counselors and community partners
• Participate in new student orientation and recruitment activities
• Respond to student inquiries and provide timely support via multiple communication channels

Data Management & Systems:
• Utilize systems such as Banner, Cognos, NSLDS, COD, BDMS, and Quick Connect
• Maintain accurate student records and documentation
• Perform data analysis, reporting, and file troubleshooting
• Track and report outcomes for counseling sessions and default prevention efforts

Compliance, Training & Program Support:
• Stay current on financial aid regulations through ongoing training
• Assist in developing and updating policies, procedures, and training materials
• Participate in audits, reporting, and accreditation-related activities
• Collaborate with campus departments to resolve operational issues
• Support departmental operations, including coverage for front-line services

Student Success & Retention Support:
• Monitor academic progress and early alert systems (e.g., Quick Connect)
• Communicate with students regarding appeal conditions and progress requirements
• Support retention initiatives through proactive advising and intervention

Supervisory Duties:
• Provide guidance and training to staff and student employees
• Assist in overseeing workflow and ensuring compliance with policies and procedures

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience: 
Associate's Degree + 4 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree + 2 years of relevant experience.

Equivalent Qualifications: 

Preferred Qualifications: 
Preferred experience in financial aid or higher ed.
Preferred Spanish speaker.

Special Certification/Licensure: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.