Financial Aid Advisor chez School of Visual Arts

JOB TITLE:     Financial Aid Advisor

JOB POSTED:  September 5, 2025

DEPARTMENT:  Financial Aid

REPORTS TO:     Associate Director of Operations

SCHEDULE: Full Time, Exempt. M-F; 9 am - 5 pm, Hybrid*** 

COMPENSATION: $65,000/year

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Under the supervision of the Associate Director of Operations, the Financial Aid Advisor is responsible for assisting students and parents regarding financial aid.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Advise students and parents on eligibility requirements for federal, state, and institutional aid
• Review financial aid applications; perform needs analysis in order to determine need for both undergraduate and graduate students
• Assist students in estimating their educational expenses, calculating their needs for the year, and preparing a financial aid plan
• Ensure compliance with all financial aid policies, procedures, and regulations when reviewing financial aid applications
• Interact with various college offices and outside entities to resolve conflicts, expedite processing, and access information
• Responsible for processing applications, administering, and managing all financial aid programs, including Federal, State, and Institutional aid programs. This includes but is not limited to:
  • Loan Entrance and Exit Counseling
  • Federal Pell Grant and SEOG Grant reconciliation 
  • Work Study Reconciliation, including processing time sheets
  • New York State TAP Grant Reconciliation 
  • Reconcile federal student loan proceeds
  • Certify private education loans 
• Perform application verification, conflict resolution, and use professional judgment as needed
• Represent the office during promotional events (Open Houses, Orientation, Workshops, Accepted Students Day, etc.)
• Assist the director and associate director on special projects
• Advise and assist support staff and student assistants when necessary
• Work evening and weekend hours as necessary
• Travel to meetings, training sessions, and conferences as required
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s degree required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION:

• Bachelor's degree preferred 
• 3-4 years of financial aid experience strongly preferred
• Familiarity with Datatel software preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

• Knowledge of Title IV programs and regulations
• Knowledge of all applicable financial aid regulations
• Knowledge of Microsoft applications and computer skills
• Skill in operating a personal computer and related equipment.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication 
• Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing and attention to detail
• Ability to multitask and work independently
• Ability to implement quality customer service strategies
• Ability to provide customer service.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to lead cross-functional and departmental project teams.
• Ability to develop and maintain knowledge in assigned specialized areas.
• Ability to conduct research, identifying and analyzing trends, including root cause analysis.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to resolve problems or situations requiring the exercise of good judgment.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with students, employees and the public

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OR WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The regular work schedule is 9 am-5 pm EST, Monday through Friday.  
• May be required to work additional hours outside of the regular work schedule.
• Willingness to work outside designated office hours as needed for events
• ***Employees must work fully on-site while on a 90-day probationary period upon hiring.  After the probationary period, a hybrid (work remotely) schedule may be assigned contingent on business needs.  
• While working remotely, you will be required to maintain the same hours of work as would be performed in the office; follow the department's procedures in completing assigned job tasks; and be available during the employee’s working hours via the department's established communication methods (i.e., Google chat, Slack, phone, etc).
• Ability to carry and lift objects up to 10-20 lbs., such as files or office equipment
• Proficiency in typing, using a mouse, and handling office equipment. 

WORKING AT SVA:

The School of Visual Arts has been a leader in the education of artists, designers, and creative professionals for more than seven decades. With a faculty of distinguished working professionals, a dynamic curriculum, and an emphasis on critical thinking, SVA is a catalyst for innovation and social responsibility. Comprising over 7,000 students at its Manhattan campus and over 41,000 alumni from 128 countries, SVA also represents one of the most influential artistic communities in the world. For more information about the College's 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Click here to learn what it's like to work at SVA.

The School of Visual Arts is an equal opportunity employer. Diversity and inclusion a core principles of the College. SVA enjoys a community that represents a significant number of historically underrepresented communities, ethnic and religious backgrounds, gender identities, diverse abilities, and foreign countries, and all are encouraged to apply.