Financial Aid Representative

Academy of Art University • San Francisco, CA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Academy of Art University is seeking an experienced, full-time Student Financial Services Representative to support new, continuing, and international students. The role communicates with students in person, by phone, email, and virtually, and provides customer-focused guidance on financial aid, student accounts, and funding obligations. This is an on-site position in San Francisco.

Requirements

• At least one year of financial aid experience.
• Passion for student success and higher education.
• Empathetic, patient, and positive approach.
• Excellent phone and written communication skills.
• Excellent time-management and organizational skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a portfolio of continuing students through the financial process.
• Answer student questions and anticipate financial concerns; counsel students as needed to ensure financial obligations are honored.
• Analyze and evaluate student financial need and review funding sources, including Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Pell Grant, Direct Loans, Cal Grant, private loans, and other financial aid programs.
• Inform and advise students and parents about financial aid program eligibility and responsibilities; explain policies, application procedures, and funding availability.
• Review required documentation and package awards according to established guidelines; interpret and apply federal, state, and institutional regulations to determine and certify student eligibility.
• Assist with collections and communications regarding student accounts.
• Counsel students on resolving debt and answer questions about their accounts.
• Track financial aid documents, including FAFSA, entrance counseling, Stafford/Plus promissory notes, award notifications, loan manifesting, and exit counseling.
• Keep students informed about their financial aid files and refund status.
• Run periodic reports before and during the term to identify students with incomplete financial aid files, and contact those students.
• Check NSLDS and COD to determine whether students previously attended college.
• Inform and advise students about VA benefit eligibility, explain policies, and discuss documentation required for certification.
• Work with other departments to contact continuing students who have not completed financial aid files, have not applied for aid, or have gaps between financial aid and total costs.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• 401(k) options
• Paid vacation, with 15 days' accrual at the start and accrual based on years of service
• Paid holidays
• Paid sick leave
• Commuter benefit program
• Opportunity for full-time employees to take one undergraduate course tuition-free each semester

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed