Financial Aid Counselor III
(Student Services Professional III)

Compensation and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $5,540 - $5,700 per month

Full CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,540 - $7,893 per month

• This is a full-time, probationary, exempt position.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here.

Job Summary

Under general direction of the Director, the position performs complex student services professional work typically requiring the application of both knowledge and professional judgment in using the principles, techniques, standards, guides and professional skills characteristic of the financial aid programs. The position requires planning, interviewing and counseling techniques; professional judgment to recommend solutions to problems and changes in financial aid program procedures, acting as spokesperson within the areas of expertise. Provides professional and technical support to the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office. Frequent direct contact with a multi-ethnic campus population of students, faculty, staff, parents, members of the community, and affiliated student loan agencies. Maintains a thorough knowledge of the policies, procedures and regulations pertaining to financial aid programs. It also requires the use of professional judgment and the application of professional skills in a variety of situations.

Key Qualifications

• Responsible for recognizing specific financial aid program needs and developing approaches for possible implementation to meet those needs. 
• Analyze, interpret and apply financial aid program rules and regulations. 
• Responsible for the oversight, processing and reconciliation of a federal or state program(s).
• Ability to reason logically; collect, compile, analyze and evaluate data and make verbal or written presentations based on this data
• Advise students individually and in groups on routine matters where required
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, CSU administrators, student organizations, private and public agencies and others in committee work, and student advising and community contacts

To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.

Education and Experience

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration or a job-related field and two years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas or in a related field.
  • Additional specialized experience during which the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis
  • A master’s degree in a job-related field may be substituted for one year of the professional experience

Deadline & Application Instructions

Applications received by January 30, 2026 will be given full consideration by the search committee.

• Applications received after that date will be forwarded at the request of the Hiring Manager and/or search committee.

Please click “Apply Now” to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) their most recent resumé/vitae, 2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.

Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.

Equal Employment Opportunity Information

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.  Questions may be sent to hr@csufresno.edu.

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

This position may be a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This will require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within six (6) months of assuming office and every two (2) years thereafter.

Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.

Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. (e.g. H1-B Visas)