Financial Aid Specialist

Campus • Full-time • Hybrid in Manhattan, New York, United States • $55,000 - $64,400 / year • 6h ago

Fast Facts

Join the Financial Aid team at Campus as a Financial Aid Specialist where you will guide students through the financial aid process, using empathy and clear communication to support their educational journey.

Responsibilities: Manage a caseload of 200-500+ students, assist in FAFSA completion, explain funding options, and navigate complex financial aid conversations.

Skills: Strong communication and relationship-building skills, ability to handle sensitive conversations, and proficiency in navigating financial aid systems and tools.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree preferred; experience in student-facing or customer support roles is a plus.

Location: In-office attendance required three days a week in Manhattan, NY with remote work options on Mondays and Fridays.

Compensation: $55000 - $64400 / Annually

Job Description

About the Team

At Campus, the Financial Aid team helps students access the resources they need to pursue life-changing education. We support students from the moment they file a FAFSA through to final aid disbursement, walking with them through every question, form, and curveball along the way.

We’re not just processing forms - we’re educators, advocates and communicators. Our team blends empathy with precision, thriving on helping students move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling confident and supported.

About the Role

As a Financial Aid Specialist, you’ll manage a large caseload of students and serve as a key touchpoint in their enrollment journey. This is a high-impact, student-facing role responsible for helping students understand and complete the financial aid process. You’ll use empathetic guidance to help them complete complex paperwork, explain funding options, and deliver difficult information with warmth and clarity. You’ll balance detailed, policy-driven work with deeply human conversations, and you’ll do it all in a fast-paced, collaborative environment that’ll require you to be flexible, adaptable, and proactive

This is a great role for someone who’s part analyst, part communicator and is eager to contribute to a high-growth startup and team.

You’re excited about this opportunity because you will…

Guide students through the full financial aid process, including FAFSA completion, verification, packaging, and disbursement steps
Calculate aid packages, generate offer letters using financial systems, and explain them clearly to students
Navigate emotionally complex conversations such as aid barriers and denials, Pell eligibility, and payment plans while maintaining student trust and empathy
Stay organized across systems, trackers, and notes while managing 200–500+ students, and prioritizing persistent outreach and responsiveness through phone, text, and email.
Collaborate closely with Admissions Counselors (ACs), Onboarding Specialists (OSes), and Success Coaches (SCs) to create a smooth, unified student experience across departments
Stay current on changing policies and procedures, adapting workflows quickly and contributing to teamwide knowledge

We’re Excited About You Because You…

Are a clear, confident communicator, especially over the phone
Build rapport and relationships quickly, even in brief or virtual interactions, so that students see you as a trusted guide
Know how to break down complex topics into simple, empowering language while also explaining the why behind specific asks
Are comfortable navigating emotionally sensitive conversations (e.g. aid denials, family instability, housing concerns) with clarity, care, and professionalism
Are resourceful and proactive. You ask smart questions, seek out answers, and take initiative without waiting to be told
Can manage your time and workflow independently, using calendars, trackers, and tools to stay organized and effective
Care deeply about helping students succeed and are motivated by meaningful outcomes
Value teamwork and contribute actively to shared goals, knowledge building, and team learning
Thrive in fast-paced, evolving environments and can adapt quickly to shifting priorities or processes

Required:

Strong communication, relationship-building, and documentation skills
Ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt to new systems quickly
Comfortable having tough conversations with empathy and professionalism
Positivity and a growth mindset
Bachelor's degree
This role requires in-office attendance three days per week (Tuesday–Thursday) as an essential function to support student engagement, coaching, and team collaboration. Remote work is available on Monday and Friday, but in-office presence on the designated days is necessary for the performance of this role.

Nice to Have:

Familiarity with financial aid systems (e.g., FAFSA, ISIR review, Title IV policies)
Experience in a student-facing, customer support, or process-heavy role
Comfort using CRM tools, communication platforms, and trackers
Background in fast-paced or startup environments

What you’ll get:

A compensation package that includes a base salary ($55,000 - $64,400) + equity grant
Actual compensation within the pay range will be decided based on factors including, but not limited to, skills, prior relevant experience, and specific work location. For roles that are available to be filled remotely, base salary will be localized.
Medical Insurance + free Dental and Vision Insurance
401(k) match
Fertility benefits via Carrot
Hybrid work schedule (Mon & Fri remote; Tues-Thurs in-office)
Flexible Time Away + paid holidays
In-office lunches for our New York office
Social events - happy hours, birthday celebrations, holiday parties, & more!
Opportunity to make an impact – you’ll be an integral player in bringing our vision to life

Where we’re located: Manhattan, NY (Tribeca)

At this time, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship or immigration support for this position. Candidates must have current and ongoing authorization to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.

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Campus celebrates and embraces diversity and is committed to building a team that represents a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and skills. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, political affiliation, veteran status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.