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Seattle Colleges

Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Seattle Colleges, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127


Opportunity Description

About Us

We are a district of three distinct colleges - North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and South Seattle College - and five specialty training centers. This makes us the largest and most diverse community college district in the state of Washington, where we are leaders in change and innovation.

As a Seattle Colleges employee, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the passionate work of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion as we work against systemic racism. Additionally, you will gain the rewarding experience of contributing to the success of an open-access institution that prepares students for life and work, fostering a diverse, engaged, and dynamic community.

Seattle Colleges staff and faculty also enjoy professional development opportunities and enrichment experiences in areas of their choice, including committee, workgroup, and affinity group opportunities.

Position Summary

Salary for this position is $60,897/yr. - $84,096/yr. (DOE)

Position open until filled/Initial review of application materials will begin on 9/16/2024

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

The Financial Aid Office at North Seattle College delivers high quality service to students, prospective students, and college partners. We are committed to creating an accessible, supportive environment and an educational experience that recognizes equity, justice, and cultural humility as integral components of academic excellence. We are committed to minimizing financial barriers to support students in achieving their educational goals. In addition, we provide detailed professional caring services to students with regard for individual circumstances. We respect the dignity of individuals and the privacy of confidential information. Our team works to ensure we are committed to the pursuit of equitable student learning outcomes for our diverse students. Candidates who can contribute to these values are encouraged to apply and identify their strengths in these areas. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, immigrant, LGBTQIA+, and other historically marginalized candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Under the supervision of the Director of Financial Aid & Veterans Services, the Assistant Director of Financial Aid will be responsible for assisting the Director and assume full responsibility and authority in the absence of the Director. The Assistant Director must have working knowledge of all the duties and functions of the Director. This position will work with the team ensuring prompt and compassionate service is provided to individuals who contact the office for assistance. The Assistant Director is responsible for managing outreach efforts to students and families, requiring effective management of the webpages, publications, social media, and presentations.

This position may supervise Classified, Temporary, Student, and Work Study employees.

This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement with representation by AFT-SPS Pro-Staff.

This is a full-time position scheduled to work 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday 8:00AM to 5:00PM. The schedule may vary depending on program needs. May be required to work evenings and weekends as needed.

As a Seattle Colleges employee, you will enjoy competitive compensation as well as all the benefits as a Washington State Employee. To learn more about our excellent benefits offerings please see our benefits overview here: Seattle Colleges Employment Benefits

Application Procedures

Attach current resume

Attach cover letter addressing how your background intersects with the job

Required application materials must be completed and submitted online

Notice to Applicants

Please note that Seattle Colleges has moved to holding interviews virtually using video conference options such as Zoom or Teams. As such, if you are selected for an interview, please be prepared to hold your interview virtually.

What you will be working on:

Primary contact for staff, students, and parents regarding Direct Loan Program and other loan programs. Coordinate program utilization with the campus community, the US Department of Education, and District accounting staff. Resolve origination and disbursement edits. Work with staff, students, and parents to resolve issues with loan applications, promissory notes, credit checks, repayment options, and aid disbursements.

Train, supervise, and evaluate front counter/customer service personnel. Maintain front counter staffing; work front counter as needed.

Integrate federal, state, outside agency regulations, and other institutional administrative policies into the financial aid office’s day-to-day operational needs.

Train staff on the use of Department of Education systems (COD, NSLDS, Studentloans.gov, Nsight, etc.) to view status of students’ and parents’ Direct Loan applications and promissory notes, loan repayment calculators, and options for loan deferment, forbearance, forgiveness, and repayment plans, SAVE system to resolve ISIR flags, & the Unusual Action process.

Represent the College and the office to appropriate agencies, organizations, and the community; develop and present financial aid workshops for various audiences.

Serve as an advocate for individuals of historically oppressed communities, by supporting and enhancing a sense of belonging and success for students from traditionally marginalized populations with inclusive practices and a strong customer service model.

Collaborate with the Financial Aid Team to build inclusive practices that remove barriers for students while maintaining compliance with all financial aid regulations, federal, state, and institutional.

Perform all other duties of an Assistant Director:

This description is not intended to cover every aspect of this job; we are a team that works together to meet the needs of those we serve, and every member of the team is expected to contribute, even beyond the specific responsibilities listed in this description.

What you bring as a candidate

(Any Equivalent Combination of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education and Experience):

Relevant earned Bachelors Degree

Three (3) or more years of experience with financial aid awarding, file review, reconciliation, and program oversight.

Experience leading programs, initiatives, staff, trainings, etc.

Demonstrated commitment to serving a diverse population of students and a history of working to remove barriers for historically marginalized communities and students

Financial aid programs, regulations, and rules pertaining to the exercise of professional judgment

Federal and state resources available for training and compliance, including network of financial aid associations and annual conferences

Systems used for processing, communicating, and overseeing student eligibility

Financial aid processing dates that determine when tasks must be completed

Understand, interpret and apply complex federal regulations, and conduct research

Evaluate individual staff members need for training

Think critically, be proactive, and take initiative

Provide positive and constructive feedback to staff

Communicate clearly, collaboratively, and consistently

Meet deadlines and prioritize time-sensitive work

Work evenings and weekends as needed

Physical Requirements:

The Position

Typically works in an office environment and uses a computer, telephone and other office equipment as needed to perform duties. The noise level in the work environment is typical of that of an office.

Encounters frequent interruptions throughout the workday.

Regularly required to provide 1:1 support, present to small groups, and work at a computer exercising repetitive hand motion with or without reasonable accommodation.

Ability to perform range of physical motions, exerting up to 25 pounds; lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds; standing, walking, sitting for long periods of time, kneeling, squatting, and stooping; and traversing up and down stairs.

Notice of Non-Discrimination Statement

Seattle Colleges is committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity for all its students, employees, and applicants in education, employment, services and contracts, and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, age, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, status as an honorably discharged veteran or disabled veteran or military status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability. In addition, reasonable accommodation will be made for known physical or mental limitations for all otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Further, Seattle Colleges is committed to ensure that all employees and students work and learn in an environment that fosters mutual respect and professionalism, free from all forms of bullying behaviors, including cyberbullying.

Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the Director of Legal Compliance: 1500 Harvard Avenue Seattle, WA 98122-3803 (206) 934-3873 compliance@seattlecolleges.edu

Background Check Statement

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. In addition to the background check, candidates will complete Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Form WA HB2327 as required.

Seattle Colleges is committed to recruiting dedicated faculty and employees who together create a welcoming academic climate that reflects the diverse backgrounds of our community, including ethnicity, national origin, religion, race, gender, gender identity, age, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, disability, political status, and sexual orientation.

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