Financial Aid Specialist

POSITION DETAILS

Under the directions from the Financial Aid Manager, the Financial Aid Specialist will be responsible for determining students' eligibility for the New York State Opportunity Program (NYSOP) grant, and the New York State Tuition Assistance (TAP) Workforce Program grants. Keep abreast of financial aid regulations, policies, and procedures for federal, state and institutional aid, and assist in the day-to-day administrative tasks for the programs.

The Financial Aid Specialist will, in addition to the CUNY Title Overview, perform the following:

• Perform functions required for the compliance and administration of the New York State Opportunity Promise (NYSOP)Grant for approved degree programs including tracking students
• Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards;
• Perform functions required for the compliance and administration of the New York State Aid TAP Workforce approved programs for non-degree eligible students;
• Identify and analyze data and take appropriate action to resolve issues in the processing and administering of the NYS grants;
• Assist in the certification and reconciliation of awards;
• Provide of various management reports;
• Conduct internal quality control reviews and assessments to review compliance with state, and university policies and procedures;
• Update appropriate databases as needed;
• Represent the department on and off- campus as requested;
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree and four years' related experience required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working in higher education.
• Experience with CUNYFirst system or PeopleSoft, including running queries.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs and regulations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Schedule must remain flexible during peak periods. Evening hours required.

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

Administers and supervises financial aid programs and operations.


- Reviews contracts, disbursements, tuition and fees; validates student eligibility for various programs


- Administers, monitors and troubleshoots CUNY financial aid systems as well as Federal and NY State systems in order to ensure integrity of student databases and timely and accurate delivery of funds


- Assists CUNY staff, applicants, and students/families with advice on financial aid issues and eligibility


- May review and reconcile student payroll processing


- Represents the Financial Aid function at Admissions events; works with academic departments as well as Bursar, Registrar, Admissions and Computing offices to assure staff understand and implement financial aid processes correctly


- Assists in the development and evaluation of Admissions processes


- Prepares documentation, instructions, and materials in various media to support financial aid activities


- Performs related duties as assigned.


Job Title Name: Financial Aid Specialist


CUNY TITLE

Higher Education Assistant


FLSA

Exempt


COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

$70,815 - $82,663

Salary commensurate with education and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

HOW TO APPLY

Visit access the employment page, log in or create a new user account, and search for this vacancy using the Job ID or Title. Select "Apply Now" and provide the requested information.

Candidates should provide a resume and cover letter.


CLOSING DATE

Open until filled. Resume review will begin after May 15th, 2026 (Updated).

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional


EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.