Assistant Director of Financial Advocacy

At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to over 9,000 students from over 100 countries, offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, including Parsons School of Design, The New School for Social Research, Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts, Parsons Paris, and the College of Performing Arts. Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward-thinking institutions in the world.

POSITION/ROLE OVERVIEW

The Assistant Director for Financial Advocacy (FA) reports to the Director of Student Support and Advocacy (SSA) and serves as a member of the department’s leadership team. The Assistant Director of FA shares in the comprehensive development, implementation, and evaluation of departmental priorities and daily office functions that meet the mission of Student Success and The New School. The Assistant Director will lead the design, execution, and assessment of proactive financial wellness strategies that support enrollment, reduce financial barriers, and strengthen student success outcomes. This position's primary responsibilities are focused on supporting student financial wellness, overseeing the university’s emergency fund, supporting case management efforts of the department, and serving on the university-wide behavioral intervention team (CARE Team). Additionally, the Assistant Director serves on-call for off-campus student emergencies for a campus population of 10,000 students. 

CORE CAPABILITIES, PRIMARY DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Support & Wellness

• Program Administration: Works collaboratively with campus partners to administer the New School Emergency Assistance Program and accompanying initiatives, and manages the budget for the Emergency Assistance Program.

• Student Advising: Provides individual financial support advising to students.

• Initiatives & Outreach: Leads financial wellness and scholarship initiatives and conducts outreach to eligible students.

• Training Coordination: Assists in the organization and coordination of university-wide training for faculty, staff and student leaders on financial wellness, financial literacy and student support services.

Student Support

• Case Management and Crisis Intervention: Serves as case manager and supports, advises, and advocates for students in distress, while utilizing university and community resources to meet their needs. Serves on the university’s behavioral threat assessment team (CARE Team).

• Resource Development: Supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of campus-wide resources that support students navigating critical situations impacting their academic and personal experience. This includes college transition issues, housing and food insecurity, financial wellness, identity development, discrimination, mental health, and sexual violence and harassment.

• Referral Network: Serves as a referral resource for students, parents, faculty, and staff.

• Campus Events: Participates in university-wide events, including residential hall openings, Orientation, Welcome Week, Family Weekend, and Commencement. 

On-call Responsibilities

• Participate in 24-hour on-call rotation with campus colleagues; university on-call responsibilities are expected 365 days of the year, and being on-call during holidays should be expected; high level of in-person response to mental health concerns; other student support situations should be expected.

• Consistent communication with senior leadership during crises or emergencies; maintain accurate incident reports using PAVE Software.

• Work with the Campus Safety, Student Health Services and Residential Education team to respond to critical incidents on campus; work with other departments to provide an appropriate response to crises.

• Maintain contact with parents and other constituencies as appropriate.

Leadership, Supervision & Operations

• Strategic Leadership: Serves as a member of the Student Support and Advocacy leadership team and assists in the development, implementation, and assessment of the department’s mission and priorities.

• Staff Supervision: Hires, trains, and supervises student staff.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and 2-4 years of work experience related to the position.

• Strong administrative, customer service, and interpersonal skills.

• Demonstrated intercultural competence and a continuing commitment to advance equity, inclusion, and social justice practices in support of a diverse community.

• Previous experience with student crisis response and/or service in an on-call capacity.

• Impeccable integrity and ability to handle complex, sensitive, and confidential issues.

• Keen understanding of issues facing college students and their parents.

• Ability to manage multiple collaborative projects and systems in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong problem-solving abilities. 

• Creativity, flexibility, and collaborative skills. 

• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

• Ability to navigate Banner, Stellic, Pave Suites, and other student information systems. 

WORK MODE

This position is primarily in-person and is based on campus to support effective in-person collaboration and engagement. #LI-ONSITE

Hybrid work arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the role and operational needs. Any such arrangement must be discussed and approved in advance by the appropriate division lead or their designee.

SALARY

$74,300

WHY JOIN US?

This is an extraordinary opportunity to work closely with a visionary leader and contribute meaningfully to a forward-thinking institution that’s reshaping the future of higher education. You’ll be at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation in a role that grows with your impact.

BENEFITS AT THE NEW SCHOOL

The New School is committed to supporting the well-being and success of our faculty and staff. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their eligible dependents. Highlights include:

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Financial Wellness 

• Retirement plan administered by TIAA

• Qualified Transportation Expense Plan

Work-Life Balance

• Paid vacation and sick leave, with accruals starting on your first day

• Paid holidays and floating holidays

• Workmode & Telework Policy (if applicable)

Professional Growth

• Career advancement and professional development opportunities

• Access to university programs, lectures, and events featuring world-renowned speakers and organizations

• Tuition waiver benefit for eligible employees and dependents

Additional Perks

• Employee discounts with local vendors and service providers

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.