Financial Aid Officer

Center Education Group; New York (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Center Education Group is seeking a Financial Aid Officer to support the Assistant Director of Financial Aid in administering programs and counseling students on funding options. You will manage student files, process applications, and ensure timely follow-up while upholding regulations.

The role emphasizes individualized counseling, accurate record-keeping, and collaboration with Admissions, Student Accounts, and Services to enhance student success and streamline operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years in financial aid, student services, or related field.
• Experience in higher education is preferred.
• Ability to explain complex financial aid information clearly and accurately.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional customer service to prospective and current students and families.
• Offer individualized financial aid counseling on eligibility and funding options.
• Manage assigned student financial aid files with timely follow-up and accuracy.
• Assist students with FAFSA and other required applications.
• Explain cost of attendance, awards, grants, and loan options clearly.
• Guide private loan applications and responsible borrowing practices.
• Support awarding, verification, loan certification, and disbursement processes.
• Ensure accurate collection and maintenance of financial aid documentation.
• Assist with loan entrance/exit counseling and repayment resources.
• Respond to student inquiries with timely, accurate information and resolutions.
• Maintain knowledge of federal/state regulations and institutional policies through ongoing training.
• Collaborate with Admissions, Student Accounts, and other departments to support student success.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and student services.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organization

Multitasking

Problem-solving

Discretion/confidentiality

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Student Information System (SIS)

Job description

Position Summary

The Financial Aid Officer supports the Assistant Director of Financial Aid in the administration of financial aid programs and services, providing individualized financial aid counseling, managing assigned student files, and processing activities. This student-focused role serves as a primary resource for prospective and current students, helping them understand available funding options, complete financial aid requirements, and navigate the financial aid process.

The Financial Aid Officer is responsible for delivering exceptional customer service, maintaining accurate student records, ensuring timely processing and follow-up, and resolving outstanding financial aid requirements in accordance with applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional customer service to prospective and current students, families, and campus partners throughout the financial aid process.
• Offer individualized financial aid counseling, helping students understand their eligibility, available funding options, and financial responsibilities.
• Manage assigned student financial aid files, ensuring accurate processing, timely follow-up, and resolution of outstanding requirements.
• Assist students with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other required financial aid applications.
• Clearly explain the cost of attendance, financial aid awards, grants, scholarships, federal student loans, private loans, and alternative financing options.
• Guide students through the private loan application process, including responsible borrowing practices and repayment obligations.
• Assist with financial aid awarding, verification, loan certification, disbursement processing, and related compliance activities.
• Ensure required financial aid documentation is accurately collected, reviewed, and maintained in accordance with applicable regulations and institutional policies.
• Assist students with federal loan entrance and exit counseling requirements and provide guidance on available repayment resources.
• Respond promptly and professionally to student inquiries, ensuring accurate information, timely follow-up, and effective resolution of concerns.
• Maintain current knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, institutional policies, and applicable systems through ongoing training and professional development.
• Work collaboratively with departmental colleagues in Admissions, Student Accounts, Student Services and Academia to support student success and efficient departmental operations.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial aid processes, enhance student services, and increase departmental efficiency.

Education Requirements

• Associate degree required.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in financial aid, higher education, student services, customer service, or a related field.

Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills, with a strong commitment to student success.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex financial aid information clearly and effectively.
• Strong relationship-building, active listening, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Professionalism, empathy, patience, and sound judgment when assisting students and addressing sensitive financial matters.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn and effectively use student information and financial aid management systems.
• Understanding of federal and state financial aid regulations, policies, and compliance requirements preferred.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, student-focused environment.
• Adaptability to changing regulations, institutional procedures, and departmental priorities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive student information appropriately.

Preferred Qualities

• Genuine passion for helping students achieve their educational and professional goals.
• Positive, approachable, and solutions-oriented attitude.
• Commitment to delivering an outstanding student experience.
• Initiative, accountability, and willingness to contribute to departmental improvements.

Working Conditions

• Position is primarily performed in a professional, campus-based office environment with regular in-person interaction with prospective and current students, families, and staff.
• Requires extended periods of computer use, telephone communication, and administrative work.
• Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple student inquiries, deadlines, and competing priorities.
• May experience increased workloads during peak enrollment periods, financial aid application cycles, and regulatory reporting deadlines.
• Requires flexibility to accommodate departmental needs, including occasional schedule adjustments or additional hours as necessary.
• Must maintain professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality when handling sensitive student and financial information.
• Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, consistent with applicable law.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.