Pierce College
Director of Financial Aid
SALARY
$97,014.00 - $120,030.00 Annually
LOCATION
Pierce College District, WA
JOB TYPE
Full Time
JOB NUMBER
A2417
DIVISION
Learning & Student Success
OPENING DATE
08/27/2024
CLOSING DATE
9/17/2024 5:00 PM Pacific
Position Summary
The mission of Pierce College is to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world. The Pierce College District is committed to being an anti-racist institution; to truly be anti-racist we must work deliberately to eliminate barriers that have prevented the most promising and capable students from entering and thriving in college.
The District Director of Financial Aid serves as the chief administrator for student financial aid services. This role provides vision, leadership, management and strategic direction for student financial aid programs and oversees the direct delivery of financial aid services to students.
The Director is responsible for system operations and must use independent judgment and discretion to interpret federal and state regulations, and college policies, ensuring compliance. This position actively supports and engages in Pierce College’s equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts to provide access, support, and success for our diverse community of learners. Additionally, the Director engages in Pierce College's goal of becoming an anti-racist institution.
The District Director of Financial Aid collaborates across the district with all facets of the college and reports directly to the Dean of Student Services.
About the District
Named as a Top 5 Finalist and a Rising Star for the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, Pierce College Fort Steilacoom was recognized for exceptional achievements in student learning, certificate and degree completion while in community college and after transferring to a four-year institution, employment and earnings rates after graduation, and access for and success of minority and low-income students. Pierce College District was named as a Top 10 finalist for the 2021 Aspen Prize and a Top 25 for 2023. Pierce is also one of 30 original AACC Guided Pathways colleges and one of first five College Spark Washington pathways colleges. We have bold goals to have all students on a career pathway to increase completion rates for all students and to close achievement gaps by 2027.
Pierce College at Fort Steilacoom
Located on a beautiful 140-acre site adjacent to a 340-acre community, recreational park, and Waughop Lake. Want a feel for our District, take a peek with aerial campus views!
Pierce College at Puyallup
Located on an expansive site with 125-acres of wooded land including modern facilities and beautiful hideaways.
Pierce College at JBLM
Located at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord military sites, serving many of our military and active duty families serving our country.
Our colleges enjoy a strong presence in the communities in which they serve and participate in numerous partnerships with business, community, government, and educational organizations.
Essential Functions
The District Director of Financial Aid will be responsible for the following, but not limited to:
Leadership & Supervision
Foster an environment of integrity, teamwork and collaboration within the Financial Aid Office and across departments campus-wide that builds trust and credibility.
Ensure effectiveness and efficiency of all department services to provide excellent student-centered service; maintain an office environment that is welcoming and friendly to students, one which promotes discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive information.
Support staff and triage complex situations and questions, providing daily guidance.
Exercise professional judgment in making financial aid decisions in order to promote student success and access.
Mitigate and resolve student concerns and appeals.
Keep college administration appraised of impending legislation and/or other matters affecting the college and programs/services offered.
Strategically plan and establish equity goals for the direction of the department and implement strategies to serve minoritized and under-served students.
Hire, supervise, and evaluate employees and provide training opportunities.
Develop and maintain department budgets; approve expenditures and requisitions.
Prepare reports and analytical materials to illustrate objectives, activities, and facilitate strategic planning.
Financial Aid Administration
Provide leadership and supervision in the equitable administration of all financial aid programs, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies.
Develop, implement, and evaluate policies and procedures which are in compliance with federal and state regulations; monitor compliance to ensure exception-free financial aid audits and program reviews.
Track, update, and implement annual changes in federal and state regulations and policies.
Develop and direct financial aid strategies within the framework of federal and state regulations and college policies that are consistent with the enrollment management objectives of the college, supporting student recruitment and retention.
Determine student eligibility for financial aid, package awards, coordinate disbursement of funds, and monitor academic progress of recipients; exercise professional judgment in determining student financial aid eligibility and student success.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to create communications for incoming and continuing students and families, addressing financial aid processes, deadlines, and promoting proactive financial literacy with particular attention to the goal of equity and inclusion in access to affordable higher education.
Technology and Compliance Reporting
Annually prepare or oversee the submission of documentation for reports to the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, Washington Student Achievement Council, Department of Education, and others as required for participation in federal and state financial aid programs. Reports include, but are not limited to: Fiscal Operations/Application Report, Unit Record Reports, WA College Grant, College Bound Scholarship, and State Work Study.
Compile statistics and reports regarding all student aid programs.
Manage the retention of all financial aid records and student financial aid files.
Manage the federal and state software systems and employee access; maintain and implement annual updates.
Integrate available technology to enhance financial aid processes and improve service to students.
Provide technical expertise to install, enter, and maintain institutional information into the financial aid software system to ensure that student aid is delivered in an accurate and timely manner.
Fund Management
Provide administration (award and reconciliation) and budget authority for financial aid budgets including but not limited to: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Work Study, Washington College Grant, Scholarships, College Bound, Institutional Fund, and the Loan program.
Serve as a liaison with the Business Office, collaborating on account management, billings, disbursement, reconciliation, reports, and related matters.
Establish awarding targets based on federal, state and local financial aid allocations and ensure financial aid expenditures are within allowable maximums; maintain auditable records for all programs and activities of the office.
Review and update financial aid consumer information, student budgets, and student forms on a yearly basis; update web pages.
Campus/Community Involvement and Professional Development
Work collaboratively with Student Services leadership to ensure effective delivery of services and facilitate Guided Pathways, student support, and retention, specifically of our most marginalized students.
Organize workshops and other informational activities for new student orientations, college fairs, high schools, and community organizations.
Ensure financial aid information is provided to incoming and continuing students that leverages financial literacy to support retention.
Participate in the governance and committee work of the college district in order to advance our collective equity work and the mission of the department.
Represent the college in the community; participate in state financial aid organizations and attend financial aid workshops/conferences.
Maintain liaisons with local high schools to conduct outreach with emphasis placed on providing financial information pertaining to college enrollment.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education Required
Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Higher Education Administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
Experience Required
Three (3) years or more of direct financial aid experience.
Two (2) years or more of supervision experience.
Demonstrated experience working with automated financial aid computer software and database systems.
Proficiency in all areas of Title IV programs and compliance with federal, state and institutional requirements.
Excellent leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Demonstrated experience providing culturally responsive services and assistance.
Demonstrated experience building relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Required Competencies
Ability to nurture employee growth and success through constructive feedback, instruction, and encouragement; ability to create a positive team environment where all staff are motivated to do their best; fosters the development of a common vision and fully participate in creating a unified team that gets results.
Ability to think in terms of desired outcomes, not just reactive, quick solutions; ability to translate theory into sustainable action; ability to discuss and project the aspects and impacts of issues and decisions; ensures decisions are aligned with strategic direction of the college.
Adheres to high standards of integrity and honesty; demonstrates support for the organization's commitment to public service; efficiently, effectively, and appropriately uses state resources; complies with laws, rules, policies and procedures; builds personal work habits that allow for retention of ethical standards in the face of deadlines, student requests, and other professional and personal factors.
Demonstrates appreciation of student needs, attitudes and concerns; provides a positive student success environment; actively engages in service, quality assessments, and follow-up; demonstrates ability to interpret student needs and provide student-specific solutions.
Special Requirements
The successful candidate must consent to and pass a criminal background check after a conditional offer of employment.
Candidates must not be in default on any student loans.
Application Process
To be considered for this position, applicants must
Meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.
Complete the online application profile and apply for the specific job opening at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr.
Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement. (Cover Letter)
Upload (attach) detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience.(Résumé)
Transcripts are not required in order to apply for this position; however, if you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to bring copies of unofficial transcripts showing completion of the required level of education and/or coursework.
PLEASE NOTE: Certain positions require specific levels of educational attainment such as a post-secondary degree, licensures or certifications. In order to evaluate applicant materials to determine if the minimum qualifications are met, information regarding your education and experience should be included in your application materials. Applications without transcripts attached, may receive notification that their application materials are incomplete. If you receive a notice and information has been provided elsewhere in your applications materials, please disregard. (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required upon hire). (Transcripts)
Upload (attach) a list of at least three (3) professional references with names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. One of which must be your current or most recent supervisor. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted. (References)
Provide a response to the following question. (Supplemental Question)
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTION: The College’s goal is to support all students and to achieve racial and social equity in pursuit of mission. If you were selected for this position, how would you contribute to and support this goal? Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words.
Please Note
To ensure consideration, application materials should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.
All correspondence regarding your application status will be sent to the email address associated with your SCHOOLJOBS.COM account. Please make sure to check your spam folder periodically, in the case of an automated, incorrect delivery.
Terms of Employment
This is a full-time administrative - exempt position. The primary work location will be at Pierce College, Fort Steilacoom campus. Frequent travel to Pierce College campuses or other sites may occur. Standard work hours are between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, with occasional evening and weekend hours required. This position requires regular and consistent attendance.
Salary & Benefits
The salary range for this position is $97,014.00 to $120,030.00 annually. The salary will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and related experience. Typically, new hires start no higher than $101,057.00/year, based on Pierce College's Administrative/Exempt Compensation Plan.
Your paycheck is just part of the total compensation package. There is an outstanding benefits package which is worth an additional value equivalent to about 30% of your salary. A comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long- term disability insurance plans; vacation, sick and personal leave; reduced tuition; and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our Benefits and Leave website at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr- benefits.
Physical Work Environment
This position works indoors in an office environment.
Reasonable Accommodation
Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the application and employment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. Requests should be made to the District Human Resources Office by calling 253-964-7342. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.
Screening & Interview Process
Only those candidates who have complied with the application process and meet the required qualifications will be considered. Following the review of application materials, the most qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Check the email account you used for the application process for communication regarding the status of your application. Application materials submitted to Pierce College are the property of the College and will not be returned.
Please Note
This is a competitive selection process. Your application materials will be reviewed and evaluated based on the minimum qualifications listed for the position. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the District's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 4 to 6 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include written, oral and performance examinations, and final interviews.
Conditions of Employment
Pierce College is a “fully vaccinated campus” under the state’s higher education guidance, which means that COVID-19 vaccination is highly encouraged for all employees and students.
Prior to the start of employment, the finalist for this position will be subject to a criminal background check as a condition of employment. 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.
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Conditional offer letters will be accompanied by a declaration and authorization to release information form to be completed by the applicant. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law RCW 28B.112.080.
An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the District to sponsor an H-1B visa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.
Pierce College has adopted a Drug Free Workplace policy. As a condition of employment, employees must agree to abide by the requirements established in that policy.
Equal Opportunity
The Pierce College District is an equal opportunity employer. The Board of Trustees and Pierce College District are committed to providing equal opportunity and will not discriminate in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices. Decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal.
For more information about this position or assistance regarding your application, please contact the Human Resources office at: jobs@pierce.ctc.edu.
Questions regarding equal employment opportunities or discrimination may be directed to the following:
Sean Cooke
Title IX Coordinator
(253) 840-8472
Davi Kallman
ADACO / Section 504 Coordinator
(253) 912-3715
Deena Forsythe
Interim Vice President for Human Resources
(253) 964-6586
Paula Henson-Williams
District Affirmative Action Officer
(253) 864-3229
Agency
Pierce College
Address
9401 Farwest Drive SW
Lakewood, Washington, 98498
Phone
253.964.7342
Website
https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr
Director of Financial Aid Supplemental Questionnaire
QUESTION 1
The College's goal is to support all students and to achieve racial and social equity in pursuit of mission. If you were selected for this position, how would you contribute to and support this goal? Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words.
Required Question
