Artcenter

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Assistant Director, Financial Aid (FWS)

Location
Pasadena, CA, US
Employment type
Full-time
Last seen
Aug 7, 2026

About the role

About ArtCenter Founded in 1930 and located in Pasadena, California, ArtCenter College of Design is a global leader in art and design education and has had an international reputation for its rigorous, transdisciplinary curriculum, faculty of professionals, strong ties to industry, and commitment to socially responsible design. ArtCenter is a private nonprofit fully accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Every position at ArtCenter plays an important part in carrying out the cultural values, goals, strategic vision, and mission of the College. This includes upholding and cultivating an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Job Summary Every position at ArtCenter plays an important part in carrying out the cultural values, goals, strategic vision, and mission of the College. This includes upholding and cultivating an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Reporting to the Director of Operations this position will counsel students and families on the financial aid process, determining eligibility, and awarding federal, state, and institutional aid. The incumbent will be responsible for managing the Federal Work Study Program and may assist with awarding and other programs as assigned. This is a full-time position with a schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. The position is eligible for flexible scheduling and can be performed, remotely, hybrid with a minimum of 3 days on site or required as a condition of employment, subject to change depending on the staffing needs of the office. Essential Functions Financial Aid Advising and Compliance — 50% Counsel students and parents regarding federal, state, institutional and privately funded programs; explain student financial aid policies, procedures and processes; evaluate student situations and requests regarding financial aid awards; advise students on the timely completion of financial aid applications Manage assigned financial programs as distributed among office staff Assist in scholarship and award process including adjustments and revisions; advise students regarding standards of satisfactory academic progress, address problems and other matters pertaining to continued eligibility; respond to telephone calls, correspondence and email messages Assist at special on-campus admissions and financial aid activities Provide counseling on budgeting, aggregate loan limits, debt management, bankruptcy and default resolution as it applies to financial aid; offer assistance and provide initial admission, accounting and registration information Ensure compliance on federal and state regulations Process all forms in accordance with State and Federal regulations and Institutional policies and procedures; complete and maintain required documentation in the student financial aid file Operations — 30% Manage assigned financial programs as distributed among office staff Process all forms in accordance with State and Federal regulations and Institutional policies and procedures; complete and maintain required documentation in the student financial aid file Primary administrator for Federal Work study program: Monitor and verify eligibility requirements for Federal Work study per Department of Education regulations Maintain position descriptions and authorize students to work in Federal Work-Study positions Develop, communicate, and cross train staff on student employment guidelines and process Collaborate with Payroll regarding student eligibility and monitor student biweekly earnings Interface with Human Resources Office to process required paperwork to add students to the payroll system Set and adjust pay rates and end dates Reporting and Compliance — 15% Ensure compliance on federal and state regulations Generate reports and meaningful data as needed Other Duties — 5% Serve on educational or institutional committees as appropriate Maintain memberships and active involvement in applicable professional organizations Assist at special on-campus admissions and financial aid activities including Orientation Other duties as assigned