Financial Aid Programs Lead — Student-Centered & Compliant

University of Southern California; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 84,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Southern California’s Office of Financial Aid seeks an experienced Financial Aid Program Manager I to lead a team, manage day-to-day operations, and ensure compliance with all applicable policies. You will supervise staff, resolve complex student cases, and partner with campus and external stakeholders to deliver accurate, student-centered services.

The role emphasizes operational leadership, data-driven improvements, and effective communication to support access and affordability

Qualifications

• Strong analytical, assessment, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines while maintaining accuracy.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience resolving conflicts and communicating sensitive or complex information.
• Ability to develop and monitor budgets and financial activity.
• Experience working with recordkeeping, reporting, or data-management systems.
• Strong organizational, planning, scheduling, and project-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with students, families, staff, faculty, university leadership, and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial aid packaging, processing, and related operational activities.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, institutional, and university policies; interpret policies for staff.
• Counsel students, applicants, and families regarding eligibility and awards.
• Develop budgets and monitor financial activity for the assigned program.
• Coordinate data-management systems and generate operational reports.
• Collaborate with campus partners and external entities to improve services.

Skills

Analytical abilities

Prioritization

Written communication

Interpersonal communication

Budgeting

Data management

Project management

Collaboration with stakeholders

Education

Master’s degree

Tools

Student Information Systems

Financial aid systems

CRM platforms

Job description

University of Southern California’s Office of Financial Aid seeks an experienced Financial Aid Program Manager I to lead a team, manage day-to-day operations, and ensure compliance with all applicable policies. You will supervise staff, resolve complex student cases, and partner with campus and external stakeholders to deliver accurate, student-centered services.

The role emphasizes operational leadership, data-driven improvements, and effective communication to support access and affordability