FWS Student Assistant Specialist, Web UX and Content Creation

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: FWS Student Assistant Specialist, Web UX and Content Creation

Company: The New School

Location: No Campus Location, United States

Job Type: Part time

Category: Operations & Administration (with a focus on Web/Content Operations)

Date Posted: September 1, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the development and enhancement of the Understanding FAFSA website (v6), focusing on User Experience (UX) and content strategy for financial aid navigation.

• Assist in the administration and publication of weekly newsletters and social media content across platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram to disseminate financial aid information.

• Contribute to the creation of educational content, including research, writing, and development of "how-to" blogs and tools tailored for students, families, and educators.

• Collaborate with a student team and professional design staff to improve accessibility and understanding of complex financial aid processes, aiming to reduce college debt for first-generation students.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a student assistant role, it offers a significant opportunity to gain practical experience in operations within the higher education and non-profit sectors. The focus on UX, content creation, and digital communication aligns with core operations functions related to information management, user engagement, and process simplification. The role demands a blend of creative and analytical skills, essential for effective operations support.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the professional design team to implement features and content for the upcoming version 6 of the Understanding FAFSA website, including a new section dedicated to classroom materials for counselors and families.

• Manage and execute the publication schedule for a weekly email newsletter, ensuring timely and accurate distribution of financial aid updates and resources.

• Develop and schedule engaging content for social media channels (LinkedIn, Instagram) to increase reach and engagement with target audiences.

• Conduct research to inform the creation of website content, blog posts, and digital tools designed to simplify complex financial aid information for students, families, and educators.

• Assist in writing and editing short "how-to" articles, guides, and other web content that makes financial aid accessible and understandable.

• Work directly with student and counselor audiences to gather feedback and co-develop new publications or digital products that enhance college financing education.

• Support administrative tasks related to content management, website updates, and project coordination under the guidance of the Project Director.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a direct contribution to the operational efficiency of the Higher Education Affordability Project by improving the accessibility and clarity of financial aid information. This involves managing digital assets, executing communication strategies, and contributing to product development (educational materials), all of which are critical operational functions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently enrolled as a full-time student at The New School.

• Must possess a Federal Work-Study (FWS) award. Applicants without a visible FWS allocation on their award letter are encouraged to inquire with the financial aid office. Experience:

• Demonstrated interest and experience in web design, UX/UI principles, social media marketing, or content production.

• A passion for learning new skills and contributing to a collaborative team environment focused on educational outreach. Required Skills:

• Web & UX Design Fundamentals: Basic understanding of web design principles, user experience (UX) best practices, and content layout.

• Content Creation & Writing: Ability to research, write, and edit clear, concise, and engaging content for digital platforms, including blogs and newsletters.

• Social Media Management: Experience with managing and creating content for platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram, understanding engagement strategies.

• Organizational Skills: Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain organized records.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively as part of a student team and collaborate with professional staff.

• Communication Skills: Clear verbal and written communication abilities for conveying information and gathering feedback.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) for website updates.

• Basic graphic design skills for creating visual assets for web and social media.

• Experience in educational outreach or non-profit sector support.

• Understanding of financial aid processes or higher education systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience and skills requirements are tailored for an entry-level student role, emphasizing practical application and a willingness to learn. For operations-minded candidates, highlighting experience in process documentation, data organization, or project coordination, even in academic settings, would be beneficial. The focus on improving a complex process (financial aid navigation) is a key operational challenge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Web Content Samples: Examples of web pages, blog posts, or articles demonstrating clear communication and user-focused design.

• UX/UI Design Examples: Mockups, wireframes, or case studies illustrating thoughtful approaches to user flow and website navigation, even if conceptual.

• Social Media Campaign Examples: Posts, graphics, or short campaigns created for platforms like LinkedIn or Instagram, showcasing engagement strategies.

• Written Content Samples: Any research papers, reports, or creative writing pieces that demonstrate strong writing and analytical skills.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is not expected at this level, candidates should be prepared to discuss how they would approach organizing content, managing a publication schedule, or tracking social media engagement metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is crucial for showcasing practical skills in content creation and digital communication. Candidates should select pieces that demonstrate their ability to translate complex information into accessible formats, a core operational competency in information dissemination and user support. Highlighting any projects where they improved a process or system, however small, would be advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Federal Work-Study (FWS) Award: This position is funded through the FWS program, providing financial assistance for education.

• Flexible Scheduling: 10-15 hours per week with flexibility around the semester schedule, accommodating academic commitments.

• Professional Development: Opportunity to gain hands-on experience in web UX, content creation, social media management, and non-profit operations.

• Networking Opportunities: Work closely with a professional design team and the Director of the Higher Education Affordability Project.

• Impactful Work: Contribute to a mission-driven project aimed at helping students and families navigate financial aid and reduce college debt.

• Potential for Continued Employment: Possibility of transitioning to a New School Student Employment position if grant funding becomes available.

Working Hours: 10-15 hours per week, with flexibility to align with the academic semester schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly rate of $21/hr is competitive for student employment roles, especially in New York City. The primary benefit is the practical experience gained in a mission-critical area of higher education operations. The flexibility in working hours is a key operational consideration for students balancing academics and work.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education, Non-profit, Technology/Digital Media

Company Size: Approximately 9,000 students, with numerous colleges and departments. The specific project team is likely small and highly collaborative.

Founded: 1919, The New School is a historic institution known for its progressive and interdisciplinary approach to education and its commitment to social impact.

Team Structure:

• The student assistants will report directly to the Director of CNYCA’s Higher Education Affordability Project.

• They will work as part of a student team, collaborating on various aspects of the website and outreach efforts.

• The team includes professional design staff and editorial support, providing mentorship and guidance. Methodology:

• User-Centered Design: The project prioritizes understanding and testing materials with students and counselors to ensure clarity and accessibility in financial aid information.

• Data-Driven Content Strategy: The website and newsletter aim to provide clear, actionable information, driven by the need to help users navigate complex systems.

• Iterative Development: The website undergoes version updates (e.g., V6), indicating an iterative approach to improvement based on user feedback and evolving needs.

Company Website: https://www.newschool.edu/

Project Website: https://understandingfafsa.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The New School's culture emphasizes innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and social impact. This project aligns with those values by focusing on making higher education more accessible through clear financial aid guidance. For operations professionals, this means working in an environment that values creative problem-solving and direct impact on user success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Student Assistant. This role serves as a foundational experience in digital operations, content management, and user engagement within a non-profit/educational context.

Reporting Structure: Direct reporting to the Director of the Higher Education Affordability Project, with daily guidance from the professional design and editorial team.

Operations Impact: The role directly contributes to the operational goal of simplifying the financial aid process for students and families. Success means increased user understanding, better engagement with resources, and potentially reduced college debt. This impact is measurable through website analytics, newsletter engagement, and social media reach.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in web UX/UI, content strategy, digital marketing, and project coordination.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a strong portfolio of work demonstrating real-world application of design, writing, and social media skills.

• Industry Exposure: Gain insight into the operations of higher education institutions and non-profit organizations focused on social impact.

• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance from experienced professionals in design, editorial, and project management.

• Potential Advancement: Opportunity to transition to a paid Student Employment role if grant funding permits, indicating potential for increased responsibilities and duration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is an excellent stepping stone for students interested in operations, particularly in areas like GTM operations (content marketing, user onboarding), marketing operations, or even product operations focused on user education. The growth path emphasizes practical skill acquisition and demonstrable impact, key for future operations roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. While the position is remote-friendly, the option for occasional in-person team meetings is available, suggesting a desire for collaborative, face-to-face interaction when feasible.

Office Location(s): The official location is listed as "No Campus Location" in the United States, with the derived timezone being America/Chicago. This indicates a remote-first approach with potential for local meetups if team members are geographically concentrated.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Work: The primary work environment will be remote, requiring self-discipline and effective time management.

• Collaborative Tools: Expect to use digital tools for communication, project management, and content collaboration.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with a student team and professional staff via virtual meetings and potentially occasional in-person gatherings.

• Resource Access: Access to project-specific resources, website analytics, and editorial guidelines will be provided.

Work Schedule: The 10-15 hours per week are flexible and can be arranged around the student's academic schedule, allowing for a balance between study and work responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role, with a strong remote component, is typical for modern operations roles and offers flexibility. The emphasis on occasional in-person meetings suggests a culture that values both independent work and team cohesion, a common balance in operations teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Focus on your Federal Work-Study award verification, cover letter, resume, and portfolio/work samples.

• Cover Letter: Clearly articulate your interest in the project's mission and specify which roles (web UX, content creation, social media) you are most eager to contribute to.

• Portfolio Presentation: Be prepared to discuss your submitted work samples, explaining your process, design choices, and the impact of your contributions.

• Team/Director Interview: Likely to assess your understanding of the project's goals, your collaborative spirit, and your enthusiasm for learning and contributing. Questions may focus on problem-solving scenarios related to simplifying complex information.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest pieces that best align with the job description (web content, UX concepts, social media posts).

• Showcase Process: For each piece, briefly explain the problem you were solving, your approach, the tools used, and the outcome or intended impact.

• Highlight Relevance: Emphasize how your skills can directly benefit the Understanding FAFSA project in making financial aid information more accessible.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any past projects had measurable results (e.g., increased engagement, improved user feedback), highlight them.

Challenge Preparation:

• While a formal "challenge" might not be part of the interview, be ready to discuss hypothetical scenarios:

  • "How would you explain a complex financial aid term like 'cost of attendance' to a high school student?"

  • "What are three key elements of a user-friendly financial aid website?"

  • "How would you design a social media post to encourage students to start their FAFSA application early?"

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes demonstrating practical skills and alignment with the project's mission. For operations candidates, framing their portfolio and interview responses around problem-solving, efficiency, and user support will be highly effective. The lack of a formal "case study" suggests a focus on foundational skills and enthusiasm.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Website Platform: Likely a Content Management System (CMS) such as WordPress or similar, for website development and content updates.

• Design Software: Potentially Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) or free alternatives like Figma, Canva, for graphic design and mockups.

• Social Media Management Tools: Platforms like Hootsuite, Buffer, or native scheduling tools for LinkedIn and Instagram.

• Communication Tools: Email, Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar for team communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Website Analytics: Google Analytics or similar tools to track website traffic, user behavior, and content performance.

• Social Media Analytics: Native analytics within LinkedIn and Instagram to monitor engagement, reach, and follower growth.

CRM & Automation:

• Email Marketing Platform: For managing and distributing the weekly newsletter (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact).

• Project Management Tools: Potentially Trello, Asana, or similar for task management within the student team.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools may not be explicitly required, familiarity with common CMS platforms, design software, social media management tools, and basic analytics is highly advantageous for this role. Proficiency in these areas demonstrates a foundational understanding of digital operations and content management systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Accessibility & Clarity: A core value is making complex information (financial aid) easy to understand and accessible to all students, especially first-generation individuals.

• User-Centricity: The project actively involves its target audience (students, counselors) in the design and testing process, ensuring materials meet real needs.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Students are expected to work together and with professional staff, fostering a supportive and shared-contribution environment.

• Impact & Mission-Driven: The work is directly tied to a social mission of reducing college debt and improving educational access, providing a strong sense of purpose.

• Continuous Improvement: The iterative development of the website (v6) signifies a commitment to ongoing enhancement and adaptation.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Students will collaborate with a diverse team including designers, content creators, and project leadership.

• Feedback Loops: A culture of seeking and incorporating feedback from target audiences and team members is integral to the project's success.

• Knowledge Sharing: Students are encouraged to learn from each other and from the professional team, contributing to a shared learning environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture is built around a shared mission and a collaborative, user-focused approach. For operations professionals, this means understanding how user needs and a clear mission drive operational priorities and how effective collaboration is key to achieving project goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Simplifying Complexity: The primary challenge is translating highly complex financial aid regulations and processes into simple, actionable language and intuitive digital experiences.

• Audience Engagement: Reaching and effectively engaging first-generation students and college access counselors who may have limited prior knowledge of financial aid systems.

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong team cohesion and productivity while working in a hybrid/remote environment.

• Balancing Academic and Work Demands: Effectively managing time and priorities between academic coursework and the 10-15 hours of work per week.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Digital Operations Skills: Gaining practical experience in web content management, UX/UI principles, social media strategy, and digital analytics.

• Non-Profit Sector Insight: Understanding the operational challenges and opportunities within higher education and mission-driven organizations.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Learning to manage tasks, timelines, and deliverables within a project context.

• Communication & Presentation Skills: Developing the ability to articulate ideas, present work, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in operations roles focused on user education and process simplification. Overcoming them requires strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills, all of which are transferable to broader operations functions. The growth opportunities focus on building a robust skillset valuable for future roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Mission Alignment: "Why are you interested in helping students navigate financial aid, and what excites you about the Understanding FAFSA project's mission?" (Prepare to speak about the importance of accessible education and financial literacy.)

• Problem-Solving: "Describe a time you had to explain a complex topic to someone who wasn't familiar with it. How did you approach it, and what was the result?" (Focus on clarity, audience adaptation, and successful communication.)

• Collaboration: "How do you approach working as part of a team, especially when collaborating remotely or with individuals from different backgrounds?" (Highlight your teamwork skills, communication style, and willingness to contribute.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Understanding the Project: "What are your initial thoughts on the Understanding FAFSA website, and what areas do you think could be improved from a UX or content perspective?" (Demonstrate you've visited the site and thought critically about it.)

• Role Interest: "Which of the student assistant roles (web UX, content creation, social media) do you feel best suits your skills and interests, and why?" (Align your strengths with the specific responsibilities.)

• Learning Approach: "How do you typically approach learning new software or skills for a project?" (Showcase your proactive learning attitude and resourcefulness.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each portfolio piece, explain the context, your specific contribution, the tools used, and the outcome or intended impact in under 2 minutes.

• Focus on Relevance: Clearly connect your work samples to the needs of the Understanding FAFSA project. For example, if presenting a blog post, explain how it demonstrates your ability to simplify complex information.

• Demonstrate UX Thinking: If presenting web design mockups, articulate your user-centered design process and how your design improves usability.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, content strategy, or how you would handle specific project tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating enthusiasm for the mission, practical skills relevant to digital operations, and a collaborative mindset. For operations candidates, framing answers around process improvement, user efficiency, and clear communication will resonate well.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through The New School's Workday portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio includes examples that highlight your skills in web content, UX/UI concepts, and social media engagement. Tailor your selection to showcase how you can contribute to simplifying financial aid information.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly list your relevant experience, skills, and any academic projects that demonstrate your capabilities in design, writing, or digital communication. Use keywords from the job description.

• Cover Letter Crafting: Write a compelling cover letter that articulates your passion for the project's mission, specifies your preferred role(s), and explains why your Federal Work-Study award makes you an ideal candidate.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with The New School's mission and values, and thoroughly explore the Understanding FAFSA website (https://understandingfafsa.org/) to understand its goals and target audience.

• Prepare Portfolio Walkthrough: Practice presenting your portfolio pieces, focusing on clear, concise explanations of your process and impact, ready for a potential interview discussion.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.