Program Specialist 2, Center for Leadership & Service - Budgets

Salary: $4,002.00 - $5,108.00 Monthly
Location : Highline College 2400 S 240th St Des Moines, WA
Job Type: CLASSIFIED
Job Number: 202604-PS2,CLS - Budgets
Division: STUDENT SERVICES
Opening Date: 04/13/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


General Summary


The posting will remain open until filled. Priority screening for applications received by May 7, 2026.


The Program Specialist 2 provides operational leadership and budget oversight for the Center for Leadership & Service (CLS) and is responsible for administering and monitoring the expenditure of Services and Activities (S&A) funds. This position supports program operations, coordinates financial processes, trains division managers, advises student leadership teams, and provides administrative and operational support to CLS and affiliated units.


This position is a classified full-time position, which is eligible for overtime. Schedule: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Salary Information : The salary range stated above reflects the starting step of Range 42 (Step C) and ending step (Step M) salary for this classified position and includes a 5% King County compensation provision. Based on salary placement of Step C, it will take 5 years to reach step L on the salary schedule, 11 years to reach step M on the salary schedule. This does not reflect any contractual changes, legislative mandated salary increases or Cost of Living Increases (COLA's) that may be approved in the future.

Essential Tasks

Reporting to the Center for Leadership & Service Director, this position will:
Service and Activities (S&A) Fee Budget Development, Management, and Training - 30%

• Coordinate the S&A committee development process, which includes student recruitment, applications, interviews, onboarding of student volunteers, and training for student committee members;
• Monitor the expenditure and usage of S&A funds and take corrective actions when needed;
• Purchase supplies, equipment, food, contracts, and other items for S&A-funded programs in accordance with institutional procedures;
• Provide guidance and support to the student ASHC Finance Director (S&A Budget Chair) in collaboration with the Center for Leadership and Service Director;
• Advise and train budget managers on appropriate usage of S&A fee and required documentation;
• Interpret, and implement institutional policies and procedures related to the program and budget;
• Oversee unit revenue cash management in accordance with college policy and develop procedures as necessary;
• Manage and update the S&A Fund website;
• Serve as liaison to the Budget office for the Center for Leadership and Service and Center for Cultural and Inclusive Excellence (CCIE).

Department administrative support and liaison - 35%

• Conduct operational and administrative training for professional staff and student employees;
• Serve as building liaison for Facilities, Auxiliary Services and Campus Safety for the HSU building;
• Maintain accurate and complete records for S&A contingency requests, transactions, and meeting minutes;
• Provide administrative and operational support to the Director of Center for Leadership & Service;
• Support departmental reporting, documentation, and workflow coordination;
• Perform special projects and related duties as assigned.

Student Supervision - 20%

• Conduct regular one-on-one and team meetings with student employees;
• Participate in hiring and personnel decisions involving student employees;
• Develop and implement training materials for Center student leaders;
• Monitor academic standing, progress, and GPA eligibility for Center student employees.

Unit Collaboration - 15%

• Coordinate bi-weekly meetings with CLS Director and Associate Dean of Student Life throughout S&A review and deliberation process;
• Participate in weekly department meetings, one-on-one meetings, and unit meetings;
• Represent the department on campus committees as assigned;
• Attend and provide support during Center events, programs, and conferences;
• Collaborate with Conferences Services, Purchasing, Contracts, Travel, Finance, and other departments across the college;
• Perform related duties and special projects to support CLS and CCIE initiatives.

Competencies:

• Communicate effectively (both written and verbal);
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace;
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds;
• Strong organizational and time-management skills;
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines;
• Analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to work independently and maintain confidentiality;
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with students, staff, and faculty.

Knowledge of:

• Fund accounting principles;
• Budget tracking and financial reporting;
• Techniques and practices directing the work of others.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Four years' experience in budgeting or accounting environment;

OR

• Associate's degree in social sciences, education, communications, business or related field; AND
• Two years' experience in budgeting or accounting environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

• Experience supporting diverse students and communities in a higher education environment;
• Experience working in Higher Education;
• Knowledge of Student Affairs framework, models, and pedagogies;
• Ability to communicate financial information in accessible terms to students, staff, and faculty.

Supplemental Information
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. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.

Founded in 1961, Highline College was the first community college to be established in King County and is one of 34 community and technical colleges. More than 350,000 alumni have graduated from Highline over the years. Nestled between Seattle and Tacoma, we are located on the traditional village sites of the Muckleshoot, Puyallup and many other Coast Salish tribes.

Highline prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and access for all students, staff, and faculty, which is evident in our Mission, Vision, and Values. We are proud to be one of the most diverse colleges in the state and stand committed to the well-being of our global community. Those who come to our college bring unique personal experiences, beliefs, and perspectives and make us better. We strive to provide and highlight resources to support our students, staff, and faculty by fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.


MISSION AND VISION

As an essential part of our , diversity, equity and inclusion are promoted and fostered in all aspects of college life.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Your online application must include the following to be considered complete:

1. A detailed resume that addresses the MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS of the position;

2. A letter of application/cover letter (two-page maximum, recommended) that addresses your ability to meet the QUALIFICATIONS, and KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES for the position.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• National Criminal Background Check may be required;
• This position is covered under the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA) bargaining agreement.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ONLINE AT:

NEED APPLICATION HELP?
Should you have any difficulties uploading your documents or navigating the application process, please contact NEOGOV Technical Support at View phone number on click.appcast.io, Monday - Friday 6:00 AM to 6:00PM Pacific Time.

HIGHLINE COLLEGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Highline College is an equal opportunity employer. The College is committed to enhancing the diversity of our faculty and staff, as well as our student population. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientations, and gender identity diversity. We strongly encourage applicants to apply without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legal protected status.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
The College complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants needing accommodations in the application process in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources office at View phone number on click.appcast.io. 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.

TITLE IX POLICY
Highline College complies with Title IX regulations. For details on our policies, see our website


The College appointing authorities reserve the right and may exercise the option to make an employment decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process.


NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

The college provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types).


The Title IX Coordinator, Danielle Slota, can be reached at View phone number on click.appcast.io or 2400 S. 240th St. Des Moines, WA 98198. Building 12, President's Office

For accessibility needs, Melanie Lawson, can be reached at View phone number on click.appcast.io or 2400 S. 240th St. Des Moines, WA 98198. Building 12, Human Resources.
The Vice President of Human Resources, Melanie Lawson, can be reached at View phone number on click.appcast.io or 2400 S. 240th St. Des Moines, WA 98198. Building 12, Human Resources.

You can receive this information in an alternate format by contacting View email address on click.appcast.io.
Benefits for full time employees are explained in detail on our page.
01


Do you have four years' experience in budgeting or accounting environment;ORAssociate's degree in social sciences, education, communications, business or related field; ANDTwo years' experience in budgeting or accounting environment?

• Yes
• No

02


I understand that to be consider for this position my application must be complete. Your online application must include the following to be considered complete:1. A detailed resume that addresses the MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS of the position;2. A letter of application/cover letter (two-page maximum, recommended) that addresses your ability to meet the QUALIFICATIONS, and KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES for the position.

• Yes
• No

Required Question