Financial Aid Specialist

About the role

As a Financial Aid Specialist you’ll manage a large caseload of students and serve as a key touchpoint in their enrollment journey. This high‑impact, student‑facing role helps students understand and complete the financial aid process, providing empathetic guidance through complex paperwork, funding options, and difficult information.

Key responsibilities

• Guide students through the full financial aid process, including FAFSA completion, verification, packaging, and disbursement steps.
• Calculate aid packages, generate offer letters using financial systems, and explain them clearly to students.
• Navigate emotionally complex conversations such as aid barriers, Pell eligibility, and payment plans while maintaining trust and empathy.
• Stay organized across systems, trackers, and notes while managing 200–500+ students, prioritizing outreach via phone, text, and email.
• Collaborate closely with Admissions Counselors, Onboarding Specialists, and Success Coaches to create a smooth, unified student experience.
• Stay current on changing policies and procedures, adapting workflows quickly and contributing to team knowledge.

Required profile

• Clear, confident communicator, especially over the phone.
• Ability to build rapport quickly, even in brief or virtual interactions.
• Skill at breaking down complex topics into simple, empowering language.
• Comfort navigating emotionally sensitive conversations with clarity, care, and professionalism.
• Resourceful and proactive, asking smart questions and taking initiative.
• Ability to manage time and workflow independently using calendars, trackers, and tools.
• Deep care for helping students succeed and motivation by meaningful outcomes.
• Team‑oriented, contributing actively to shared goals and knowledge building.
• Thrives in fast‑paced, evolving environments and adapts quickly to shifting priorities.

Required skills

• FAFSA
• ISIR review
• Title IV policies
• CRM tools

What we offer

• Base salary range $47,000 – $56,000 plus equity grant.
• Medical insurance with free dental and vision coverage.
• Hybrid work schedule (remote Monday & Friday, in‑office Tuesday‑Thursday).
• 401(k) match.
• Fertility benefits via Carrot.
• Flexible time away and paid holidays.
• Opportunity to make a direct impact on student success.