Student Financial Aid Manager

Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA) is looking for an experienced, energetic, and student-focused Student Financial Aid Manager to join our team as we continue to grow in Vancouver and expand our reach across Canada.

If you are passionate about helping students, building relationships, solving problems, and creating opportunities, this could be the right opportunity for you. And if you have a passion for good food and the culinary industry, even better!

The Opportunity

As the Student Financial Aid Manager, you will lead PICA's financial-aid services and help students navigate the financial side of their education.

You will work directly with students and families to understand their financial needs, identify funding opportunities, develop practical financial plans, and connect students with available government, community, scholarship, and third-party funding programs.

You will also work closely with Admissions, Student Services, and other areas of PICA to make the financial side of the student journey as simple, clear, and supportive as possible.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys working with people, building relationships, solving problems, and creating new opportunities. As PICA continues to grow, you will have the opportunity to build and improve our financial-aid processes, develop new funding relationships, and help shape the student experience.

We are looking for someone who is not simply a manager, but a leader and builder who wants to grow with the organization.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

Student Support & Financial Advising

- Provide ongoing, personalized financial-aid support to current and prospective PICA students.
- Meet one-on-one with students and families to understand their financial situation, concerns, and goals.
- Help students understand the cost of their education and develop realistic plans to fund their studies.
- Review students' previous loan and grant history to identify potential funding options.
- Explain eligibility requirements, policies, and application processes for provincial, federal, U.S., and other financial-assistance programs.
- Help students explore scholarships, government assistance, third-party funding, community programs, and other available resources.
- Develop payment plans and financial strategies for students experiencing financial challenges.
- Support students with loan repayment planning and default prevention.
- Identify and resolve complex financial-aid issues and work with government agencies and external organizations when necessary.
- Maintain clear and accurate records of student meetings, financial plans, applications, and decisions.




- When appropriate, connect students with organizations such as WorkBC and the Ministry of Social Development.

Financial Aid Program Management

- Lead and manage PICA's financial-aid function and ensure students receive timely, accurate, and helpful support.
- Manage and monitor government student loans, scholarships, third-party funding, sponsorships, community grants, WorkSafeBC programs, and other funding opportunities.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, funding organizations, community partners, and other external stakeholders.
- Identify new funding opportunities that can benefit PICA students.
- Develop and maintain processes and procedures that make financial-aid services efficient, accessible, and student-friendly.
- Monitor changes to government funding programs and communicate relevant updates to students and internal teams.
- Identify opportunities to improve policies and processes that may create unnecessary financial barriers for students.

Reporting & Administration

- Maintain accurate financial-aid records and documentation.
- Track and report on financial-aid activity, including student funding, scholarships, applications, payment plans, and other key measures.
- Prepare regular reports and statistics to support planning and decision-making.
- Monitor funding deadlines and ensure applications and required documentation are completed accurately and on time.
- Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive student financial information with professionalism and discretion.

Collaboration & Student Recruitment

- Work closely with Admissions, Student Services, and other PICA teams to provide students with a clear and coordinated financial plan.
- Support Admissions by providing financial-aid information and helping prospective students understand how they may fund their education.
- Respond to questions from prospective students, current students, families, high schools, and community partners.
- Participate in information sessions, presentations, open houses, and other PICA events.
- Build relationships with high schools, school districts, post-secondary institutions, employers, professional organizations, and community agencies to support students transitioning to post-secondary education.




- Represent PICA at community and industry events when appropriate.
- Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience

- Minimum 5 years of experience in financial aid, financial services, or a related field.
- Experience working with government funding, student loans, scholarships, grants, or other financial-assistance programs is strongly preferred.
- Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong customer-service mindset and the ability to build trust with students and families.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage confidential and sensitive financial information with discretion.
- Self-motivated, proactive, and results-oriented.
- Comfortable working independently while also being a collaborative team player.
- Strong digital literacy and proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM platforms.
- Ability to work effectively with students, faculty, staff, government agencies, and external stakeholders.
- Comfortable working in a multicultural environment.
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.
- Must be legally authorized to work in Canada.
- An interest in food, culinary arts, and hospitality is an asset.

What We're Looking For We are looking for someone who is:

A Leader – You know how to build, coach, motivate, and support a team while holding people accountable.

A Problem Solver – You enjoy finding solutions, navigating challenges, and helping students overcome financial obstacles.

A Builder – You see opportunities where others see challenges and are excited about helping PICA develop new funding opportunities and expand into new markets.

A Team Player – You understand that great results come from working together across the organization.

A People Person – You genuinely enjoy meeting people, listening to their needs, and helping students take the next step toward their education and careers.

A Food Lover – You don't need to be a chef, but an appreciation for food, culinary arts, and hospitality definitely helps!

Position Details

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits

- Extended health and dental care
- Life insurance
- Discounted food
- On-site parking

Food is our Passion. Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $65,000.00 per year

Perks

- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Vision care

Application question(s):
- How soon are you available to start with us if you are the right candidate?
- Do you have any experience as a Lead Admissions Advisor or Trainer?

Experience:
- Private College: 3 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Student Financial Aid Manager (Vancouver)
🏢 Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts
📍 Vancouver