Founded in 1971 in Long Island City, Queens, LaGuardia Community College is one of seven community colleges of the City University of New York (CUNY). LaGuardia offers more than sixty associate degree programs and more than fifty workforce training, ESOL, GED, and pre-college programs. In 2023, LaGuardia served approximately 24,000 students. More than one-third of LaGuardia?s degree-seeking students are born outside the United States; they come from 136 countries and speak 43 heritage languages. Sixty percent are first-generation college students.
Virtually all LaGuardia students are ethnic minorities (89 percent), 58 percent are women, 27 percent are over the age of 25. Forty-six percent of associate degree students are Hispanic. Upon graduation most students transfer to four-year colleges, typically in CUNY, to complete their baccalaureate degrees. Graduates of career programs such as Nursing, Computer Technology, and Veterinary Technology enter the workforce. LaGuardia ranked fifth among U.S. community colleges in economic mobility - moving low-income students into the middle class and beyond - in studies by Stanford University (2017) and the Brookings Institution (2020). Please visit www.laguardia.edu to learn more.
Under the supervision of the Senior Director of Enrollment Management and Student Financial Services this position serves as the college?s TAP Certifying Officer for New York State aid programs.
In addition to the CUNY Title Overview, the Financial Aid Manager?s duties include but are not limited to the following:
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;
Notifying students of aid requirements to maintain eligibility for all NYS aid programs (e.g., Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), Part-Time TAP, Excelsior, TAP Workforce, etc.);
Provide program updates, and conduct staff training in regards to state aid eligibility as needed.
Advise students of the academic appeal, and waiver process in accordance with state aid academic progress standards.
Verify students enrollment, payments processed, and evaluation of transfer credits if applicable.
Ensure students courses are applicable to their major.
Work with external offices e.g., Testing, Admissions, and Registrar to ensure students High School credentials, residency, and tuition charges are accurate.
Work with the Veterans Certifying Officer, and the Bursar to ensure state aid payments are accurately posted to the appropriate students accounts, and awards are not duplicated.
Ensure staff assisting with the programs abide by all NYS HESC policies and procedures.
Process monthly HESC award rosters.
Provide monthly reports to supervisor, and colleagues.
Prepare end of term reports, and assist in CUNY Internal Audits as needed.
Respond to inquiries from CUNY, NYS, and the campus community as appropriate.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree and six years' related experience required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience with CUNYFirst, NYSHESC Certification System, CUNY Degree Works, CUNY Financial Aid Certification Systems.
Knowledgeable of all New York State aid programs, requirements and system processes.
Knowledgeable of Microsoft suite.
Excellent oral, and written communication skills.
CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW
Plans, develops and implements financial aid policies and processes in accordance with Federal, State and University standards.
Manages financial aid activities and represents the office at on-campus and off-campus meetings and forums
Manages day-to day administrative and systems operations for optimal efficiency and customer service; manages special processes such as Return of Title IV Aid
Provides comprehensive financial counseling to parents and students
Implements all necessary processes to support financial aid application, awarding and delivery cycles
Oversees the coordination of financial aid activities with those of other College and University offices
Implements and maintains web based services
Performs related duties as assigned.
Job Title Name: Financial Aid Manager
CUNY TITLE
Higher Education Associate
FLSA
Exempt
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
$74,249 - $105,816
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 www.cuny.edu, 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
February 20th, 2026
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.
LaGuardia Community College, located in Long Island City, Queens, educates more than 50,000 New Yorkers annually through degree, certificate, and continuing education programs. Our guiding principle, "Dare To Do More", reflects our belief in the transformative power of education—not just for individuals, but for our community and our country—creating pathways for achievement and safeguarding the middle class. LaGuardia is a national voice on behalf of community colleges, where half of all US college students study. Part of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his championing the underserved. Since our doors opened in 1971, our programs regularly become national models for pushing boundaries to give people of all backgrounds access to a high quality, affordable college education. We invite you to join us in imagining what our students, our community, and our country can become. Visit www.LaGuardia.edu to learn more.