Financial Aid Manager — AI-Driven College Access

Success Academy Charter Schools; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits program

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Success Academy Charter Schools seeks a Financial Aid Manager to guide scholars and families through FAFSA, TAP, CSS Profile, and funding options. The role oversees award letters, affordability planning, and required documentation, with a focus on accuracy and student success.

You will manage a high-volume caseload, leverage AI-enabled workflows and dashboards, and collaborate with CAP Associates and School Leaders to align financial aid with college-list planning and enrollment.

Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

Skills

Financial Aid

Analytical Skills

Communication

Time Management

Problem Solving

High-volume caseload

Tools

AI-enabled tools

Job description

Success Academy Charter Schools seeks a Financial Aid Manager to guide scholars and families through FAFSA, TAP, CSS Profile, and funding options. The role oversees award letters, affordability planning, and required documentation, with a focus on accuracy and student success.

You will manage a high-volume caseload, leverage AI-enabled workflows and dashboards, and collaborate with CAP Associates and School Leaders to align financial aid with college-list planning and enrollment.