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Financial Aid Team Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Financial Aid Counselor

Chicago, IL

$50K - $52K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

Supports the Financial Aid Team by assuming and completing other responsibilities as required. * Provides good customer service to families and students seeking financial aid advice. * Oversees all ...

Must have a team-centered approach, excellent customer service skills, and ability to multitask to ... financial aid in a higher education environment. Banner and Oracle HR/Finance experience is a plus.

Financial Aid Assistant

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$51K - $56K/yr

In this position you will be part of the Financial Aid team and support the administration of financial aid programs, assisting students and parents in determining need and eligibility for various ...

Showing results 41-60

Financial Aid Team Lead information

See salary details

$27.5K

$89.9K

$186.5K

How much do financial aid team lead jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for financial aid team lead in the United States is $89,912.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,000.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a financial aid team lead do?

A Financial Aid Team Lead oversees a team of financial aid advisors and staff, ensuring that students receive accurate information and support regarding financial aid applications, eligibility, and disbursements. They manage daily operations, provide training, resolve complex student cases, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. Additionally, they may analyze processes to improve efficiency and customer service within the financial aid office.

How does a financial aid team lead typically collaborate with other departments within a college or university?

A Financial Aid Team Lead regularly coordinates with Admissions, Student Accounts, and Registrar’s offices to ensure seamless student support throughout the enrollment and financial aid process. This collaboration involves sharing updates on policy changes, synchronizing deadlines, and resolving student issues that cross departmental lines. As a Team Lead, you may also participate in cross-functional meetings to improve workflows and student experiences. Effective communication and relationship-building with other departments are essential to the success of both the financial aid team and the broader student services division.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a financial aid team lead, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Financial Aid Team Lead, you need in-depth knowledge of financial aid regulations, experience in higher education administration, and often a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with student information systems (such as Banner or PeopleSoft), federal and state aid processing platforms, and relevant certifications (like NASFAA credentials) are highly valuable. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication skills help motivate teams and ensure accurate, student-centered service. These skills and qualifications are essential to maintain compliance, deliver high-quality support to students, and lead teams effectively in a complex regulatory environment.

What is the difference between Financial Aid Team Lead vs Financial Aid Specialist?

AspectFinancial Aid Team LeadFinancial Aid Specialist
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's degree, relevant certificationsAssociate's or Bachelor's degree, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentSupervisory role within financial aid office, team managementDirect student interaction, processing aid applications
Employer & Industry UsageColleges, universities, educational institutionsColleges, universities, educational institutions
Common Search & ComparisonLeadership, management, team coordinationApplication processing, student advising

The main difference between a Financial Aid Team Lead and a Financial Aid Specialist lies in their responsibilities. The Team Lead oversees the financial aid team, manages processes, and ensures compliance, while the Specialist focuses on assisting students with applications and providing guidance. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and leadership duties.

More about Financial Aid Team Lead jobs
Infographic showing various Financial Aid Team Lead job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,912 per year, or $43.2 per hour.

Assistant Director, MBA Financial Aid

Harvard University

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Harvard University rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard Business School?

Harvard Business School, located on a 40-acre campus in Boston, was founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University. It is among the world's most trusted sources of management education and thought leadership. For more than a century, the School's faculty has combined a passion for teaching with rigorous research conducted alongside practitioners at world-leading organizations to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. Through a dynamic ecosystem of research, learning, and entrepreneurship that includes MBA, Doctoral, Executive Education, and Online programs, as well as numerous initiatives, centers, institutes, and labs, Harvard Business School fosters bold new ideas and collaborative learning networks that shape the future of business.

Job Description

Job Summary: 

Join our Financial Aid team and make a meaningful impact on MBA students' educational journeys. Reporting to the Director, Financial Aid, you'll help students navigate financial aid options, ensure accurate and timely aid packaging, and support our commitment to making an HBS education accessible and affordable. You'll serve as a trusted resource to students, colleagues, and partners across Harvard, balancing detailed analytical work with strong customer service. If you thrive in a collaborative environment where operational excellence and student support go hand-in-hand, we'd love to have you join us.


Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Counseling & Awarding

  • Conduct institutional need analysis and package financial aid awards for a caseload of second-year MBA students.
  • Review requests for additional aid, exercising professional judgment and communicating decisions and guidance to students.
  • Package complementary fellowships for continuing students.
  • Manage financial aid administration for Independent Field Courses.
  • Counsel students on financial aid policies and procedures. 
  • Make presentations to students or new admits as required.

Operations, Compliance & Reporting

  • Support financial aid compliance and operations by assisting with audits, reporting, quality assurance initiatives, and adherence to federal, state, and institutional regulations.
  • Support federal loan processing and related operations, serving as a key resource and backup for loan administration activities.
  • Manage and process stipends for all MBA students.
  • Analyze and assess reports in the HU Student Financial Services (SFS) system and HBS systems and take appropriate action related to compliance and reporting.
  • Collaborate with SFS on annual fund mapping.

Technology, Systems & Process Improvement

  • Manage all financial aid-related SLATE communications and system tools.
  • Collaborate across the financial aid team to identify process improvements, implement technology solutions, and enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.
  • Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
  • Other Duties as assigned.
Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
  • Minimum of 5 years' relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

  • Prior experience with Technolutions Slate and PowerFAIDS (or similar systems) strongly preferred. 
  • Excellent organizational, communications, writing, interpersonal, and customer service skills.  
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and contribute as member of team.
  • Capacity to handle complex and confidential information with discretion.
  • Proven project and/or program management skills.
  • Demonstrated facility with technology.
Additional Information
  • Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
  • Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
  • Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Credit
  • Other Information:
    • This is a hybrid position which we consider to be a combination of remote and onsite work at our Boston, MA based campus. HBS expects all staff to be onsite a minimum of 3 days per week and departments provide onsite coverage Monday - Friday. Specific hours and days onsite will be determined by business needs and are subject to change with appropriate advanced notice.
    • We may conduct candidate interviews virtually (phone and/or via Zoom) and/or in-person for this role.
    • A cover letter is required to be considered for this opportunity.

#LI-MM1

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University's Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

  • Generous paid time off including parental leave 
  • Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
  • Retirement plans with university contributions 
  • Wellbeing and mental health resources 
  • Support for families and caregivers 
  • Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
  • Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.


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