CAP Financial Aid Project Manager

The mission of Success Academy is to reimagine public education. From the classroom to the halls of government, this means finding profoundly different approaches to how we structure, implement and support learning. We re-conceive every aspect of school design, from writing rigorous new curricula to drawing regularly on the advances in technology and business that are transforming every sector except education.

Over the past decade, Success Academy has grown faster than any charter network in the nation, building a vibrant network of 59 elementary, middle and high schools. Our over 20,000 children – mostly poor and minority – are out-performing students at top city and suburban schools across New York State. Within the next decade, our goals are even more ambitious, bringing transformational change here and across the country. 

Within this mission, the College Access & Preparedness (CAP) team ensures that every scholar is not only admitted and attends the best fit, most affordable, 4-year college/university, but will thrive in their new environment. For the past eight years, Success Academy has achieved 100% college acceptance to four-year institutions, with 75% of our graduates accepted to Selective colleges and Highly Selective colleges. As we rapidly scale to serve more high schools and graduating classes, CAP must operate within disciplined execution, strong data systems, and AI-enabled processes that ensure accuracy, efficiency, and visibility across all areas of work. 

Within our College Access & Preparedness Program, we are hiring a Financial Aid Manager to serve as the primary point of contact for scholars and families across all aspects of financial aid, college financing, and affordability. The Financial Aid Manager guides families through the full process, ensures colleges and other external entities receive complete and accurate information, and helps each scholar understand their options and make an informed, financially sustainable college choice.

Financial Aid Managers are family-facing advisors and high-expectation operators responsible for ensuring scholars complete all financial aid and college affordability requirements accurately, on time, and with a clear understanding of how each decision affects their college options. They guide scholars and families through FAFSA, TAP, CSS Profile, verification, institutional financial aid forms, scholarships, loans, appeals, and other required processes.

This role requires persistent follow-through, sound judgment, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to manage a high-volume caseload. Financial Aid Managers must be analytical and resourceful, able to interpret complex financial information, identify discrepancies and affordability risks, and determine the appropriate course of action. They communicate with confidence and credibility when working with families, college financial aid offices, and external organizations to resolve issues and advocate for scholars when appropriate.

Financial Aid Managers use a centralized digital platform for managing scholar deliverables, documentation, deadlines, and progress across the full college application and financial aid process. They also use dashboards and AI-enabled tools to track progress, strengthen accuracy, efficiency, and follow-through. They partner closely with CAP Associates, School-Based Leaders, and CAP Leadership to ensure financial aid work is fully integrated into college-list planning, applications, commitments, and enrollment.

Financial Aid Managers adhere to school-based policies and procedures and participate in applicable school routines. They also provide coverage for CAP Associates, stepping into classrooms and other scholar-facing instruction as needed to maintain continuity and keep scholars on track.

• Guide scholars and families through FAFSA, TAP, CSS Profile, verification, and institutional financial aid requirements.
• Deliver structured financial aid lessons and workshops that build clarity and ownership.
• Meet with families to review award letters, explain aid types, and support affordability planning.
• Communicate proactively with families and School Leaders to ensure alignment and timely intervention.

• Analyze financial aid packages with precision, identifying discrepancies, risks, and affordability concerns.
• Support affordability decision‑making by providing clear comparisons and sustainability assessments.
• Manage financial aid appeals when appropriate, ensuring strong documentation, compelling and accurate communication, and persistent follow-through.
• Maintain high quality standards across all financial aid deliverables and documentation.

• Execute a sequenced financial aid calendar with accuracy and urgency.
• Track all deliverables in real time using dashboards and CAP’s centralized digital platform.
• Manage a high‑volume workflow with disciplined organization and strong follow‑through.
• Document all interactions to ensure accuracy, transparency, and audit‑ready records.

• Partner with School-Based Leaders to align on scholar needs and intervention plans.
• Collaborate with CAP Associates to integrate financial aid deliverables into the broader college application process.
• Provide classroom coverage for CAP Associates as needed, maintaining routines, clarity, and instructional quality.
• Maintain continuity across college and financial aid deliverables when providing coverage.

• Use AI‑enabled tools to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability across financial aid processes.
• Refine workflows as AI capabilities expand, ensuring deliverables are drafted and reviewed with strong judgment.
• Share insights and trends to strengthen consistency and improve scholar outcomes.

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 3–5 years of experience in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment involving complex case management, family or client support, advising, operations, or other deadline-driven work.
• Direct experience in financial aid, college access, college advising, student services, or a related field is preferred.
• Knowledge of FAFSA, TAP, CSS Profile, verification, institutional financial aid requirements, scholarships, loans, and financial aid appeals is strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex information, identify discrepancies and risks, and determine appropriate next steps.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a high-volume caseload or workflow, maintain persistent follow-through, and meet non-negotiable deadlines.
• Strong communication and relationship-management skills, with the ability to explain complex and sensitive information clearly and confidently.
• Resourceful problem solver who can navigate ambiguity, resolve issues, and advocate professionally with external organizations.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and maintain complete and accurate records.
• Proficiency using digital platforms, dashboards, and AI-enabled tools to manage workflows, monitor progress, and strengthen accuracy and efficiency.
• Ability to deliver lessons, facilitate workshops, and provide classroom or scholar-facing coverage with clarity and confidence.
• Maturity, discretion, and sound judgment when handling confidential information and high-stakes family decisions.
• Self-starter with a strong bias toward action who thrives in fast-paced, high-expectation environments.
• Mission-driven, with a commitment to expanding college access and supporting financially sustainable college outcomes.