FWS Student Assistant - Financial Aid

The New School; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 23,419 - 26,174; Part time

Job summary

The New School in Chicago seeks Federal Work-Study Student Assistants to support students with the financial aid application process. This position will involve responding to inquiries, assisting with submissions, and managing virtual meetings.

Candidates should be detail-oriented and possess excellent communication skills. The hourly rate ranges from $17.00 to $19.00 and the role allows for hybrid work on campus and remotely.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a professional office setting.
• Friendly and kind demeanor.
• Strong understanding of The New School's programs.

Responsibilities

• Respond to inquiries from students and families about financial aid.
• Assist with financial aid application process.
• Manage virtual and in-person meetings.

Skills

Customer service

Verbal communication

Written communication

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office proficiency

Job description

Reporting to the Associate Director of Financial Aid, the Federal Work‑Study Student Assistants will work collaboratively with other colleagues within Enrollment Management to guide students and their families through the financial aid application process and their status regarding financial aid. The Financial Aid Student Assistant will act as a first responder for the financial aid office, providing welcoming, courteous, prompt, and accurate information, as well as providing support with data collection, research, and reporting. Students in this position must have received a Federal Work‑Study award.

Responsibilities

• Respond to phone calls and emails from prospective/returning students and their families, providing friendly, accurate, and timely information about their financial aid.
• Develop knowledge of the different colleges within the new school, degree programs, and majors.
• Assist students with the application process, providing information on application deadlines and requirements.
• Escalate calls and email inquiries appropriately.
• Provide prospective/returning students and families with Financial Aid information.
• Assist newly/returning admitted students and appropriately triage inquiries within the FA department and to other university departments (admissions, student accounts, registrar, open campus, housing).
• Provide research support on various operations projects.
• Light filing, distribution of emails, and forms to financial aid representatives.
• Additional projects and ad hoc reports as needed.
• Assist in managing our Virtual Zoom Meeting Room and in‑person traffic.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a professional office setting.
• Customer service and visitor experience are a must.
• Interest in higher education and office experience a plus.
• Friendly and kind demeanor, attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong understanding of The New School’s programs.
• Familiarity with campus (i.e., offices, computer centers, location of departments, etc.).
• Ability to manage in a diverse population.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks.
• Must be able to work a minimum of 10‑15 hours per week on campus.
• This is a Federal Work‑Study position. Only apply if you are eligible for Federal Work‑Study and you have a copy of your FWS award letter.

Compensation & Work Mode

• Hourly Rate: $17.00‑$19.00.
• Work Mode: Hybrid/Split – Employees hired for this position have regularly scheduled, consistent percentage of time on campus and also work some of the time remotely.

The New School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.