Financial Aid Representative

Academy of Art University•San Francisco, CA

6d•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 and student accounts. This is an on-site position in San Francisco, offering the opportunity to work with aspiring artists in a dynamic environment.

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 in a customer-focused manner; counsel students as needed to help 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; apply federal, state, and institutional regulations to determine and certify student eligibility.
Assist with collections and communications about student accounts; counsel students on resolving debt and answer account questions.
Track financial aid documents, including FAFSA, Entrance Counseling, Stafford/Plus promissory notes, award notifications, loan manifesting, and Exit Counseling.
Keep students informed about the status of their financial aid files and refunds.
Run periodic reports to identify students with incomplete financial aid files and contact those students.
Check NSLDS and COD to determine whether students previously attended college.
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.