Harvard University

Senior Counselor, Admissions and Financial Aid
Harvard Kennedy School
54838BR



Job Code
S0057P FSS Admissions Officer III

Job-Specific Responsibilities
The Admissions and Financial Aid Senior Counselor is a resource to assist admissions and financial aid counselors in assessing and resolving complex admissions and financial aid issues. The Senior Counselor independently performs and manages a variety of duties related to the integrated delivery of admissions and financial aid functions for Harvard Kennedy School master's degree programs. The Senior Counselor provides admission and financial aid counseling throughout the enrollment lifecycle for prospective and current students. The Senior Counselor should be service-oriented and is expected to incorporate the principles of Inclusive Excellence and Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging best practices to ensure a counseling approach that reflects cultural competency.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a key advisor to the Senior Director of Admissions and Financial Aid on the development and execution of the admissions and financial aid strategy
• Review applications for admission, evaluate, and make recommendations on the selection of candidates for admission
• Counsel and advise prospective students regarding admissions and financial aid application processes, financial planning and financial assistance, degree programs and other inquiries
• Assist with orienting, training, and professional development for admissions and financial aid counselors
• Serve as a senior colleague to assist admissions and financial counselors in resolving complex admissions and financial aid issues
• Develop and deliver dynamic and engaging presentations designed to promote the institution and attract a diverse and talented applicant pool
• Assist in planning and implementing recruitment and financial aid strategy to attract a diverse and talented applicant pool
• Assist in the execution of targeted marketing strategies to attract a diverse and talented applicant pool
• Provide data and analysis to assist leadership with setting the strategic direction of the admissions and financial aid functions
• Generate and use data and analysis to assist leadership to improve outreach and recruitment efforts
• Interpret and administer admissions and financial aid policies for internal and external audiences
• Develop and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with internal and external colleagues and constituents
• Represent the university at international, national, and local events
• Evaluate and analyze financial information submitted by applicants, ensuring data is accurate and complete
• Conduct needs analysis and prepare financial aid award packages for admitted and current students, keeping within federal, institutional, university, and school policies and procedures
• Verify and assess student eligibility for financial aid
• Monitor satisfactory academic progress of students for financial aid purposes in assigned caseload
• Provide robust financial literacy programming, including entrance and exit counseling to reduce bad debt and student loan default to students in assigned caseload
• Review, evaluate, and make recommendations on financial aid appeals
• Ensure compliance with federal, state and institutional financial aid requirements and auditing standards
• Ensure compliance with university admissions policies and procedures and applicable legal rules and regulations with respect to students' rights to privacy
• Contribute multimedia, digital, and social media content for admissions and financial aid purposes
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Harvard Kennedy School is hiring 2 Senior Counselors for Admissions and Financial Aid. You only need to apply to one of the open jobs (54838BR, 54837BR) to be considered for the 2 open positions.


Typical Core Duties

• Recruit, evaluate, and make recommendations on the selection of candidates for admission
• Counsel and advise prospective students regarding application process, degree programs and other inquiries; lead information and recruitment sessions
• Plan and manage and execute, domestic and international applicants; develop marketing strategies to attract applicants
• Develop presentations designed to promote the institution and attract potential students
• Assist in planning and implementing recruitment strategy to attract applicants
• Develop and analyze admissions reports and statistics; provide reports to management to assist with setting the strategic direction of the admissions function
• Develop relationships with university personnel, professional organizations, students, parents, alumni and secondary school staff
• Represent university as the spokesperson at high level admissions events and/or functions
• Ensure compliance with university admissions policies and procedures and applicable legal rules and regulations with respect to students' rights to privacy

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 5 years' relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Master's degree in relevant field preferred
• Knowledge of the NSLDS and NSC reporting
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills, Constituent Relationship Management system, social media platforms, and other technologies that support the enrollment management enterprise
• Advanced knowledge of admissions and financial aid best practices
• Ability to understand the use of data analytics and predictive modeling to enhance enrollment strategies
• Experience serving diverse student populations and a demonstrated commitment to racial justice, equity, and inclusion
• Ability to maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with internal and external colleagues and constituents
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to simplify and clarify complex processes, and the ability to develop rapport to discuss sensitive and personal information
• Ability to function effectively in a diverse team and service-oriented environment
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal), including the ability to deliver dynamic and engaging presentations to large and diverse audiences

Physical Requirements

• Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of time
• Lifting (approximately 20 to 30 pounds), bending, and other physical exertion

Additional Information

We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide Visa Sponsorship.
Harvard University requires pre-employment references and background checks.
Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.

Please note: During the current period of Covid-19 related restrictions, this position may start as a remote position, with transition to onsite in Cambridge, Massachusetts when the office reopens.
We continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 and lifting of restrictions. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility with our interview process. We will be conducting interviews virtually for selected candidates until further notice.

Salary Range: $69,100 - $116,100
Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower half of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity.

Harvard Kennedy School's Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

At Harvard Kennedy School, fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels they belong is a matter of basic fairness consistent with our core values as an institution. It is also essential to our mission of improving public policy and leadership-because recruiting the best people and creating an environment where they can thrive make us better at what we do, because we learn more from people with different perspectives, and because we work in diverse groups and serve diverse societies.
Learn more about Harvard Kennedy School's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
Harvard Kennedy School's mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. Our teaching, research, and engagement with practitioners focus on these priorities:

• Protecting security, freedom, and human rights
• Strengthening democracy
• Advancing social justice
• Increasing economic well-being
• Enhancing sustainability
• Improving public leadership and management

You can be part of this endeavor. Explore and learn more about Harvard Kennedy School.

Harvard offers a generous benefits package including:

• Time Off: 3- 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 11.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
• Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools.
• Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
• Wellness Options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation and complimentary health services.
  Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston.

Working Conditions

• Given current COVID-19- restrictions, the Admissions and Financial Senior Counselor may begin working remotely and later transition to working on campus in the HKS offices after they reopen.
• Work is performed in an office setting
• Travel will be required
• Will be required to occasionally work nights and weekends during peak seasons
• Please note: During the current period of Covid-19 related restrictions, this position may start as a remote position, with transition to onsite in Cambridge, Massachusetts when the office reopens

Job Function
Faculty & Student Services

Sub Unit
------------

Location
USA - MA - Cambridge

Department
Enrollment Services, Degree Programs and Student Affairs

Time Status
Full-time

Union
00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Salary Grade
057

Pre-Employment Screening
Criminal, Education, Identity

EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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