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Opportunity Description
Seattle Colleges is looking to hire a Director of Financial Aid Processing and Technology
Salary Range for this position is $82,348 to $113,719 annually.
Initial review of application materials will begin on 4.29.2024.
Position Summary
This position will oversee the financial aid file review processes, data integrity, and file transmission for federal and state aid programs. This position acts as the program liaison and consultant to processing and technology team, campus and district financial aid leaders and team. This position is responsible for independently providing technical assistance in transmitting, receiving, and resolving all data files with the U.S. Department of Education’s Electronic Data Exchange and Student Management System, ctcLink.
Supervision of team completing file review, verifications, document collection, and awarding federal and state aid. This role will ensure timely student financial aid file processing, compliance with federal and state awarding practices, and accessible technology resources for all financial aid applicants of the Seattle Colleges.
This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, primarily 8:30am – 5:00pm.
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. Which makes us the largest and most diverse community college district in the state of Washington, we are leaders in change and innovation.
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.
As a Seattle Colleges employee, you will gain access to a great benefits package including:
- Competitive Pay Rates
- Promotional Opportunities
- Great Medical, Dental, and Retirement plans
- Paid Sick and Vacation Leave
- Transportation benefits
- Tuition Waivers
- PEBB Wellness Plan
- Washington State Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
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.
Application Procedures:
- Attached current Resume
- Attached 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:
* Manages and oversees business processes and all financial aid information systems to ensure compliance is met with reporting and timelines, as it relates to ISIR processing and awarding of federal and state aid programs
* Responsible for addressing and resolving technical and programmatic issues with the U.S. Department of Education, State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, and our IT Department in order to ensure compliance with regulations pertaining to data retrieval, processing, and retention while providing technical assistance to other staff within the department.
* Oversee and inform patterns as it relates to suspected financial aid fraud case reviews. Responsible for submitting any required reports to US Department of Education or state agencies.
* Manages the maintenance and organization of archive data required for program review and compliance with the U.S. Department of Education and the Washington Student Achievement Council.
* Supervises quality control of financial aid operational processes and develops quality control reports
* Oversees the design and management of the ISIR load process and creates the document model for standard verification.¿
* Oversees testing for annual updates to processing.¿Responsible for coordinating the annual review and updates of all areas related to preparation for verification processing in the next aid year.
* Performs financial aid system data validation, integration, and acceptance testing where needed.
* Manage ctcLink Aid Year Rollover tasks, including district-wide checklist, service indicators, and other tracking/coding mechanisms to support the file review and reporting process
* Train other users to create queries using PeopleSoft Query and other Business Intelligence and data analysis tools to complete financial aid tasks
* Implement and test new software releases and ensure process documentation matches updates. Complete any setups, scheduled jobs, and run controls.
* Maintain expertise and up-to-date knowledge of all Federal and State regulations for financial aid programs so the department can plan and react positively to constantly changing Federal, State, and institutional regulations and guidance.
* Develop internal controls and quality assurance procedures for the program applicants.
* Assist in the preparation of documentation for State and Federal audits.¿
* Create and present training on relevant topics for all financial aid teams, as requested
* Develop documents and forms needed for the program. Ensure annual forms, webpages, public facing instructions are complete and clear for all student populations, including first generation students, BIPOC students, etc. Management of Financial Aid Processing and Technology Team
* Create, maintain, and update training materials for teams completing file review, financial aid customer service, financial aid outreach, and system navigation
* Directs policies, processes and supervises staff regarding federal regulations and compliance.
* Streamlines financial aid processes for optimization
* Hires, assigns, and evaluates staff. Oversees professional development activities. Ensures personnel maintain required certifications, qualifications, and current knowledge in the field
* Runs daily update reports after electronic data has been received and uploaded into the ctcLink system. Reviews and analyzes the reports to determine type and level of action required to update records and/or resolve discrepancies. Reviews data on the federal NSLDS system to determined default and overpayment information.
* Complete internal auditing samples of financial aid files to assess specific processes
* Functions as lead staff trainer for financial aid imaging system. Assists with ctcLink staff training.
* Completes all V4/V5 Federal Verification regulatory reporting
* Leads the development, implementation, and oversight of policies, procedures, and processes related to the delivery of federal and state student financial aid
* Responsible for keeping abreast of new federal and state initiatives and making recommendations regarding implementation; maintain auditable records of aid awards, aid adjustments, appeals requests and documentation, in accordance with state and federal regulations.
What you bring as a candidate:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:¿
* Excellent student-centered customer service, outstanding interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail
* Demonstrated commitment to serving a diverse population of students and a history of working to remove barriers for historically marginalized communities and students.
* Bachelor’s Degree
* Four (4) years of experience with student financial aid, student development services, or related field
* Experience interpreting policies/procedures based on government regulations
DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE OF:¿
* 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 financial aid eligibility
DEMONSTRATED ABILITY TO:¿
* Respectfully and effectively communicate and work with people from diverse backgrounds including racial, ethnic, religious, linguistic, gender, age, socio-economic, and sexual orientation, and with diverse physical and learning abilities.
* Understand and interpret detailed information and trouble shoot and problem solve academic and systems issues, with attention to detail.
* Understand, interpret and apply complex federal regulations, and conduct research
* Think critically, be proactive, and take initiative¿
* Communicate clearly, collaboratively, and consistently¿
* Meet deadlines and prioritize time-sensitive work¿
* Lead a team comprised of completed in-person, hybrid, and remote settings
* Work evenings and weekends
* Must not be in default on any student loans
Physical Demands and Disability Accommodation
Persons with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodation in all aspects of employment with Seattle Colleges. This includes, but is not limited to, recruitment, application, interviewing, hiring, training, termination, conditions of employment, and any other employer-supported activities. Applicants requesting accommodation should contact Human Resources.
OFFICE SETTING:
“Seattle Colleges follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides the following information as a guideline for applicants:
- Ability to operate office equipment, receive and interpret data, and prepare various materials
- Ability to exchange information with supervisor, lead, co-workers, and students
- Ability to provide 1:1 support, present to small groups, and work at a computer exercising repetitive hand motion
- Work is performed primarily in office settings with frequent interruptions and encounters noises typical of these settings “
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, the 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.
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 HB 2327 as required.