CAP Financial Aid Project Manager

Success Academy Charter Schools•New York, NY

16d•$70,000 - $80,000

About The Position

Success Academy is a rapidly growing network of public charter schools in New York, expanding to Florida, dedicated to providing a rigorous, whole-child education. The College Access & Preparedness (CAP) team ensures scholars are admitted to and thrive in suitable, affordable four-year colleges. With a 100% college acceptance rate and 75% of graduates accepted to selective institutions, the CAP team is scaling its operations through disciplined execution, robust data systems, and AI-enabled processes. The Financial Aid Manager will be the primary point of contact for scholars and families regarding all aspects of financial aid, college financing, and affordability, guiding them through the entire process to ensure informed and financially sustainable college choices.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
3–5 years of experience in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment involving complex case management, family or client support, advising, operations, or other deadline-driven work.
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex information, identify discrepancies and risks, and determine appropriate next steps.
Demonstrated ability to manage a high-volume caseload or workflow, maintain persistent follow-through, and meet non-negotiable deadlines.
Strong communication and relationship-management skills, with the ability to explain complex and sensitive information clearly and confidently.
Resourceful problem solver who can navigate ambiguity, resolve issues, and advocate professionally with external organizations.
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and maintain complete and accurate records.
Proficiency using digital platforms, dashboards, and AI-enabled tools to manage workflows, monitor progress, and strengthen accuracy and efficiency.
Ability to deliver lessons, facilitate workshops, and provide classroom or scholar-facing coverage with clarity and confidence.
Maturity, discretion, and sound judgment when handling confidential information and high-stakes family decisions.
Self-starter with a strong bias toward action who thrives in fast-paced, high-expectation environments.
Mission-driven, with a commitment to expanding college access and supporting financially sustainable college outcomes.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience in financial aid, college access, college advising, student services, or a related field is preferred.
Knowledge of FAFSA, TAP, CSS Profile, verification, institutional financial aid requirements, scholarships, loans, and financial aid appeals is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Guide scholars and families through FAFSA, TAP, CSS Profile, verification, and institutional financial aid requirements.
Deliver structured financial aid lessons and workshops that build clarity and ownership.
Meet with families to review award letters, explain aid types, and support affordability planning.
Communicate proactively with families and School Leaders to ensure alignment and timely intervention.
Analyze financial aid packages with precision, identifying discrepancies, risks, and affordability concerns.
Support affordability decision‑making by providing clear comparisons and sustainability assessments.
Manage financial aid appeals when appropriate, ensuring strong documentation, compelling and accurate communication, and persistent follow-through.
Maintain high quality standards across all financial aid deliverables and documentation.
Execute a sequenced financial aid calendar with accuracy and urgency.
Track all deliverables in real time using dashboards and CAP’s centralized digital platform.
Manage a high‑volume workflow with disciplined organization and strong follow‑through.
Document all interactions to ensure accuracy, transparency, and audit‑ready records.
Partner with School-Based Leaders to align on scholar needs and intervention plans.
Collaborate with CAP Associates to integrate financial aid deliverables into the broader college application process.
Provide classroom coverage for CAP Associates as needed, maintaining routines, clarity, and instructional quality.
Maintain continuity across college and financial aid deliverables when providing coverage.
Use AI‑enabled tools to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability across financial aid processes.
Refine workflows as AI capabilities expand, ensuring deliverables are drafted and reviewed with strong judgment.
Share insights and trends to strengthen consistency and improve scholar outcomes.