Job Description

We invite you to consider an exciting opportunity with the University of Southern Maine's Student Financial Services Department as a Financial Aid Counselor.


The Financial Aid Counselor has responsibility for assisting in the determination of student eligibility for financial aid programs through review of applications and other pertinent data for further processing, analysis, and packaging of awards. The counselor will practice and adhere to policies and procedures to assure that all new students interested in applying for financial aid are informed, advised, and supported in the process.


Student Financial Services at the University of Southern Maine is committed to assisting students and their families in finding the financial means to achieve educational goals. Our goal is to ensure that we help maximize the resources to ensure a successful educational and financial future.


This a full-time position on our Gorham Campus, with a starting annual salary of $45,301.


The University of Southern Maine offers highly competitive benefits for full-time and eligible part-time employees that includes (but is not limited to):


13 paid holidays plus earned vacation time and sick time. Health, dental and vision insurance. Low-cost short-term disability insurance and employer-paid long-term disability insurance. Employer-paid basic life insurance and supplemental life insurance. A tuition waiver program for employees and their spouse or dependent child(ren). A 403(b)-retirement plan with employer contribution. Free access to the METRO system, including the Husky Line with service between our Portland and Gorham campuses.
To learn more, please review the Benefits Information Summary .


The University of Southern Maine is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond. USM is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University .


The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates varied perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our dedication to academic excellence and the enrichment of our community.


We are dedicated to our Service Promise, Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness.

Required Qualifications:

Associate's degree. Two (2) years' experience, one (1) of which in a financial aid or similar setting, or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Must be in good standing with any federal education loans. Strong organizational skills. Ability to understand and interpret complex policies. Ability to perform duties accurately under pressure. Excellent written, oral and customer service skills mandatory.

How To Apply:

Click on the 'Apply Now' button below or visit our USM Careers Page and submit the following:


Cover Letter Resume/Curriculum Vitae Finalist candidates will be asked to provide a list of the names and contact information for references.
For full consideration please submit all required materials by

November 30, 2025.

We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.


Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

Clery Act:

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish, and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR), and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University's crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University's current campus security policies. View the University's Annual Security Report (PDF) . If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact our Public Safety Office at 207.780.5211.

EEO Statement:

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/ .