Hi, I’m
Ivonnely Rafael
Bronx,New York
Summary
Experienced financial aid leader with 15 years in higher education. Specializing in institutional aid awarding, strategic fund management, cross-departmental collaboration, and student engagement. Skilled at simplifying complex financial aid policies through clear, empathetic communication. Dedicated to creating inclusive, accessible financial support systems that align with institutional goals for student success, retention, and equity. Bilingual in Spanish.
Overview
18
years of professional experience
Work History
The New School
Associate Director of Verification and Campus-Based Programs
05.2022 - Current
Job overview
- Maintained Assistant Director responsibilities
- Oversee HEOP and Parsons Scholar programs
- Ensure full compliance with federal and state regulations across Title IV and campus-based aid programs.
- Prior to the 2425 aid year, led and managed verification, cflag’s and special circumstances training
- Supervise a team of 3 to 5 staff, overseeing processing functions and team development.
- Maintain and update policies related to professional judgment, SAP, and verification procedures.
- Serve as a primary resource for complex case reviews, student appeals, and DOE guidance interpretation.
- Act as a Secondary Destination Point Administrator for SAIG enrollment
- Manage NYS Aid for the Foster Youth Care Program & ETV
- Part of the reconciliation process of SEOG
- Implemented weekly trainings for staff
- Assisted with the Development of the One Stop Department by being part of their hiring committee, training their team and meeting with the One Stop Director bi-weekly.
- Plan, create and deliver institutional and high school financial aid presentations and events.
- Part of The New Queue Slate implementation, a new platform for students and staff to coordinate Financial Aid appointments
- Oversee the packaging of aid for the UN Study Abroad, International Field and Parsons Summer Intensive programs
- Completed a Manager Cohort course with Human Resources
The New School
Assistant Director
05.2015 - 05.2022
Job overview
- Managed New York State aid programs (TAP, APTS, SAP) and several institutional and external grants.
- Trained and supervised financial aid counselors and Federal Work-Study students.
- Supported verification and Pell processing and coordinated closely with Admissions and Student Accounts.
- Participated in the University appeals review committee and led student-focused financial literacy initiatives.
- Created and delivered financial aid training presentations and coordinated staff development retreats.
- Office supply manager
- Secondary to the Pell and SAP process
The New School
Financial Aid Counselor
06.2014 - 05.2015
Job overview
- Counseled students on financial aid eligibility, packaging, and loan options.
- Processed verification files, professional judgments, and consortium agreements.
- Conducted training sessions for the Student Contact Center.
- Maintained accurate reconciliation of aid disbursements and compliance documentation.
Anthem Institute
Financial Aid Counselor
06.2007 - 02.2013
Job overview
- Provided one-on-one financial aid counseling to students and parents.
- Processed R2T4 calculations and loan certifications.
- Verified ISIRS and conducted entrance and exit loan counseling sessions.
- Utilized CampusVue for award generation and aid disbursement tracking.
- Contacted students for past due payments and managed the cash payments
Education
Medgar Evers CollegeBrooklyn, NY
from Psychology
05-2014
Skills
- Systems: Banner, EdConnect, CampusVue, Tableau, Workday, Starfish, Perceptive & Dynamic forms
- Databases: NSLDS, COD, CPS, HESC, IFAP, NASFAA, SAVE, ElmSelect, UNCF, VSAC, QLESS, Slate, Gilman & GoAnywhere portal
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
Timeline
Associate Director of Verification and Campus-Based Programs
The New School
05.2022 - Current
Assistant Director
The New School
05.2015 - 05.2022
Financial Aid Counselor
The New School
06.2014 - 05.2015
Financial Aid Counselor
Anthem Institute
06.2007 - 02.2013
Medgar Evers College
from Psychology
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