Senior Financial Aid Counselor - Middlesex Community College
Middlesex Community College (MCC) is one of the largest community colleges in the Commonwealth, employing people in full-time, part-time, faculty, professional, administrative, and support positions at campuses in both Lowell and Bedford, and online. We are focused on equity to transform lives and shape futures. MCC values equity and inclusion as the foundation for excellence, innovation, and success for our employees and students. MCC is committed to a policy of affirmative action, equal opportunity, equal education, non-discrimination, and diversity to provide a learning and working environment that values the diverse backgrounds of all students and employees. MCC strives for a faculty and staff that reflect its richly diverse community of students. Women, people of color, persons with disabilities and others are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applications for employment are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or veteran status. Middlesex Community College is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, genetic information, gender identity or sexual orientation in its programs and activities as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and college policies.The College prohibits sexual harassment, including sexual violence. Inquiries or complaints concerning discrimination, harassment, retaliation or sexual violence shall be referred to the College's Affirmative Action and/or Title IX Coordinator, the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission or the United States Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights.
Prospective employees are encouraged to review the College's Annual Safety & Security Report, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, which can be found on the disclosure page of the College's website at: https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/disclosurestatements/campsecrpt.aspx
Position Title: Senior Financial Aid Counselor - Middlesex Community College
Location: Bedford, MA Category: Full-time Staff Posted On: Fri Apr 10 2026 Job Description:
Title: Senior Financial Aid Counselor
Unit: Full-Time MCCC Professional Staff, Grade 04
Department: Financial Aid
Reports to: Associate Director of Financial Aid
Date: April 10, 2026
General Summary: Reporting to the Associate Director of Financial Aid, the Senior Financial Aid Counselor provides comprehensive financial aid services to MCC students and supports the Massachusetts Free Community College initiative. This position manages day-to-day financial aid operations, serves as the primary point of contact for the Bedford office, and responds to inquiries from students and families. Responsibilities include processing and reviewing FAFSA applications and supporting documentation; performing Title IV eligibility determinations, verification, professional judgment, and packaging; ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations; and supporting satisfactory academic progress (SAP) monitoring and Title IV reconciliation activities. The Senior Financial Aid Counselor also promotes the Massachusetts Free Community College program, supervises and trains part-time staff and student workers, and provides Banner system support as needed.
Duties and Responsibilities:
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Serve as a primary point of contact for the Massachusetts Free Community College program in Bedford and other locations as needed.
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Assist in the development, implementation, and daily operation of Financial Aid Office plans and strategies, supporting customer service goals and the effective delivery of services.
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Support the management of Financial Aid Office operations, including overseeing front desk activities and coordinating schedules for work-study students and part-time staff.
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Assist students and families with completing financial aid applications and required documentation; review, verify, and assess application files for eligibility and compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
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Determine types and amounts of financial aid awards based on established formulas and individual circumstances, and package and award aid to eligible students.
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Promote and support increased FAFSA completion rates through outreach, guidance, and follow-up.
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Respond to financial aid inquiries from prospective and enrolled students and families in person, by phone, and via email; resolve issues when possible or refer matters to appropriate staff.
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Clearly explain financial aid policies, procedures, and program requirements to applicants and families.
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Perform administrative and clerical duties related to department operations, including maintaining confidential student records; preparing correspondence, reports, rosters, forms, instructional materials, and publications; and processing documentation for internal and external agencies.
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Review and interpret financial aid-related materials such as student aid reports, applications, tax returns, benefit statements, degree audits, policies, regulations, and reference materials.
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Compose and prepare official correspondence and reports related to special circumstances, professional judgment decisions, and eligibility exceptions.
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Maintain comprehensive knowledge of all Financial Aid Office responsibilities and the financial aid programs administered by Middlesex Community College.
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Conduct financial aid workshops and presentations for students, families, community organizations, and area high schools; may require occasional evening or weekend hours.
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Participate in student recruitment and retention activities, including open houses, financial aid nights, and other outreach events.
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Assist with special projects, initiatives, and assignments as needed to support office operations.
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Work extended hours during peak processing periods or when the office remains open late.
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Perform other related duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:
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Master's degree in Education, Business Administration, or closely related field and two (2) years' experience and/or training involving college financial aid or enrollment, customer relations, or office administration or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. The Master's degree requirement may be substituted with a Bachelor's degree and equivalent related experience.
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Demonstrated understanding of, and commitment to, the community college mission and student population.
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Outstanding interpersonal, customer service, and verbal skills.
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Knowledge of using a Student Information System (SIS) or other student registration applications.
Problem solving skills and the ability to adapt to change.
Preferred Qualifications:
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Experience with Financial Aid Processes, FAFSA and Title IV Compliances
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Experience in Ellucian Banner
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Experience in Ellucian Degree Works or EAB Navigate
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Bilingual skills a plus.
Additional Information:
Salary Range: $66,406 is the starting salary with a Master's Degree; actual salary commensurate with academic background and experience. Employees of Middlesex Community College are considered employees of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and receive benefits, which include:
- High-quality and affordable health insurance through the Commonwealth's Group Insurance Commission (GIC)
- Competitive Dental and Vision Plans
- Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance programs
- Low-cost basic and optional life insurance
- Retirement Savings: State Employees' Pension or Optional Retirement Program (ORP) and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan or 403(b).
- 12 paid holidays per year and competitive Sick, Vacation, and Personal Time
- Tuition Benefits for employees and dependents at state colleges and universities
- Short-Term Disability and Extended Illness program participation options
- Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities
- Cell Phone Bill Discounts with Verizon and T-Mobile Cell Phone Carriers
- Access to the Commonwealth's Mass4You, employee assistance program
- Free employee parking on Bedford and Lowell campuses
- Eligibility towards Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Location: Bedford campus with occasional travel to Lowell as needed
Hours: 37.5 of hours per week, schedule to be determined upon hire.
Expected Start Date: June 2026
Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
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