Financial Aid Communications and Institutional Aid Awarding, Director

The New School was founded in 1919 by bold thinkers who believed education should push boundaries and challenge the status quo. Today, we’re looking for a like-minded leader to join our Financial Aid team—someone who is passionate about making financial aid clearer, more accessible, and more human for students and families.
 

As Financial Aid Communications and Institutional Aid Awarding, Director, you’ll help demystify the often-complex world of financial aid. You’ll turn policies, procedures, and numbers into plain language and actionable steps for students and families, helping them make informed decisions about how to fund their education. You'll lead with empathy, clarity, and strategy—ensuring every student feels seen, supported, and empowered.
 

Reporting to the Assistant Vice Provost for Financial Aid and Scholarships, this role oversees a large portfolio of institutional aid, including endowed and restricted funds, and plays a key part in shaping the service experience for all who apply for or receive financial aid. You'll also lead initiatives like Return-to-TNS and HEOP that support student success and help advance enrollment and retention goals.
 

As the bridge between the Financial Aid Office and the Development Office, you’ll ensure that donor-funded scholarships are awarded in ways that honor both student need and donor intent. You'll analyze service data and apply best practices to continuously improve how we connect with students—whether by phone, email, web, ZeeMee, or in person.
 

This is a great opportunity for someone who’s equally skilled at project management and people-centered communication. You might come from a development background, a student services office, or a financial aid team—but wherever you come from, you’re excited about helping students navigate their financial journey with confidence.
 

We're looking for someone who thrives both independently and as part of a collaborative team, and who is comfortable juggling projects, deadlines, and ever-evolving regulations. If you love creating systems that serve students better—and believe that clarity is a form of care—this role is for you.

The New School is committed to creating and maintaining an environment that upholds and advances diversity and inclusion across all areas of employment, education, and access to its educational, artistic, and cultural programs and activities. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who share our commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee the management and strategic allocation of university funds, including scholarships, grants, and stipends.

• Collaborate to enhance financial aid policies to enhance accessibility and affordability for students.

• Lead cross-departmental collaborations and administration to streamline processes related to restricted scholarships, HEOP, Parsons Scholars, and other financial aid initiatives.

• Coordinate financial aid communications, ensuring clarity and transparency for students, families, and stakeholders.

• Partner with Admissions to leverage restricted scholarships for recruitment and retention efforts.

• Counsel students on financial aid options, including return-to-school pathways, contributing to student enrollment and success.

• Oversee client services with a student-centered approach, ensuring accessibility and support for diverse student populations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS required, Masters preferred.

• Proven success in supervising teams, particularly in a high-touch service environment.

• Knowledge of current technologies and issues concerning financial aid in higher education.

• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a diverse team of professionals.

• Demonstrated record of success in development, service, project management, or other higher education role.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in higher education, financial aid, or non-profit experience is a plus.

• Knowledge of scholarship administration and compliance.

• Industry recognized project management or service credential such as (i.e. Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP) or Project Management Professional (PMP®)).

WORK MODE

• Hybrid - Employees hired for this position primarily work remotely with the occasional on-campus presence required with advanced notice. Employees in this role will also be expected to use their best judgment to be on campus when necessary in order to best fulfill the responsibilities of their job descriptions. 
   

SALARY RANGE

$90,000 - $100,000 annually