Scholarship Program Specialist

: Description:

Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) is seeking a passionate, driven individual with the desire to learn, grow, and excel in a culture that values every member of the team. DSF was named one of the Denver's Top Workplaces in 2024 (5 year recipient of Top Workplaces), a testament to our team and to our intentionality in co-creating a positive, inclusive work environment. In 2022, DSF was named one of the Best and Brightest Companies to work for by the National Association for Business Resources. When you join the DSF team, you will enjoy a supportive, and innovative environment where your work has a profound impact on the lives of students and their families.

As a nonprofit organization, DSF's mission is to inspire and empower DPS students to enroll in and graduate from postsecondary institutions of higher education, by providing the tools, knowledge, and financial resources essential for success. By embodying the core values of equity, innovation, leadership, learning, relationships, and integrity in everything we do, DSF strives to be a leader within the community. As we constantly seek to improve our services, we build strong relationships with college staff members, partners, students, team members and the broader community. We are committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, believing in the value and ability of all students and team members.

We seek candidates who will model, live, and reinforce DSF's mission and core values with colleagues, students, families, and the broader community. If you are passionate about the philosophy and mission of DSF, then we invite you to join us and help make college possible for Denver's students.

Job Summary

The Scholarship Program Specialist works as part of the DSF Program team to implement, maintain, and continually enhance the DSF Scholarship program and provide support for efforts in the area of student services. This position involves a range of responsibilities, including:

• Processing and awarding scholarships
• Providing phone, email, and text support to students pursuing higher education
• Coordinating a variety of communications efforts with students, college professionals, and staff
• Coordinating annual workshops to inform 12th grade scholarship applicants about the DSF scholarship
• Managing student data.

This is an office-based role and does not involve daily direct student contact.

Job Responsibilities

Communications (30% of overall time & effort)

• Provide individual telephone, text, and email support for students throughout scholarship application, selection, and awarding processes.
• Provide accurate, just-in-time information throughout the annual scholarship cycle to students and other audiences using a variety of tools and platforms, including: web, social media, mass email and text, video, printed collateral, phone calls.
• Ensure ongoing updates of scholarship-related content on the DSF website.
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications team to ensure engaging and impactful messaging and graphics for all student communications and resources and to ensure consistency between Scholarship and overall DSF messaging.
• Assist with outreach for major DSF events, special programming, and other engagement opportunities for students via email, text, and phone calls.

Scholarship Payment Processing and Partner Support (25%)

Process scholarship payments and student information submitted by online portal, email, and phone. Maintain a thorough understanding of DSF Scholarship Program Policy, DSF College Access, College Success, and Scholarship program implementation, along with financial aid processes, to:

• Coordinate with financial aid contacts to collect and accurately interpret student and scholarship eligibility information.
• Audit student data to determine scholarship status and appropriate award amounts and process scholarship payments and refunds.
• Establish and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with Offices of Financial Aid at DSF College Partners.
• Utilize scholarship policy and financial aid knowledge to clearly communicate DSF policies regarding student eligibility, disbursements, and data sharing to students, parents, Program team staff, and college partners.
• Deliver onboarding to DSF College Partner financial aid contacts to prepare them for the data sharing needed to administer the scholarship.
• Participate in the planning and delivery of bi-annual college partner meetings.

Data Management (20%)

Collaborate with the Director of Scholarships & Financial Aid and Scholarship Data Specialist to manage implementation of the Scholarship program by:

• Updating and maintaining student records in Salesforce.
• Reviewing and tracking forms and documents submitted by applicants.
• Continually reviewing student information for accuracy and suggesting systems improvements to ensure data integrity.
• Identifying technical and data issues in Salesforce and alerting the Scholarship and IT teams so that issues can be promptly addressed.
• Participating in testing of the scholarship application and other forms, student portal, and other systems.

Applicant Workshops (15%)

• Coordinate logistics, staffing, and content of presentation for in-person spring workshops for DSF applicants at all 15 Future Center high schools.
• Deliver content to ensure applicants understand DSF requirements and deadlines to maximize annual Scholar numbers.
• Conduct outreach to applicants to ensure appropriate students are invited and reminded to attend.
• Prepare outreach materials and work with College Advisors and other stakeholders to encourage applicants to attend.

Scholarship and Program Team (10%)

• Contribute to continual program improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to streamline application processes, develop and test new systems, and document those changes with specificity. Collaborate with DSF Program Team to investigate, develop and execute strategies to better inform and serve students.
• Assist in trainings for staff and other stakeholders, including community organizations and college partners, regarding the DSF Scholarship Program Policy and systems.
• Participate in financial aid trainings and provide support for students and families at FAFSA/CASFA completion workshops.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Required Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional attention to detail
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, including public speaking
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including at least one (1) year of experience working in Excel
• Ability to effectively analyze and solve problems through a systematic and logical approach
• Ability to work independently and proactively, as well as in a team environment
• Demonstrated ability and desire to quickly learn new software programs and other technology tools
• Ability to effectively manage numerous complex and varied routine tasks simultaneously with a focus on accuracy in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, remain flexible and adjust to changing priorities
• Ability to work with and demonstrate sensitivity to the educational needs of a diverse population
• Keen awareness of sensitive nature of work and the need for confidentiality
• Commitment to learning and incorporating principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Ability to travel around the Denver metro area for trainings and workshops, including changing locations in the course of a business day (an average of 2-3 times per month)

Preferred Skills and Abilities

• Proficiency in Salesforce or similar CRM, including at least one (1) year of experience working in Marketing Cloud, Mogli, or similar mass communications tool.
• Proficiency in Canva or similar online design and publishing platform.
• Experience working directly with high school and/or college students, especially first-generation and/or low income students.
• Knowledge of the financial aid application process and systems.
• Fluency in Spanish.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree and one (1) year of experience in nonprofit communications, administration, or program management or equivalent combination of education and experience.

This position is a hybrid role working three days onsite and two days remote.

Job posting will remain open until 04/18/25 and may be extended if additional time is needed to gather qualified applicants.

Denver Scholarship Foundation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Learn about DSF's commitment to Equity & Inclusion.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with $ for $ match of up to 5%
• Group health, dental, and vision insurance (low cost premium plans offered)
• Life Insurance that provides 2 Times Your Annual Salary
• Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Short Term Disability Supplement (Based on Years of Service)
• Paid holidays (includes Winter Break and Summer 1/2 Fridays in June and July) and 2 Floating holidays each year
• Trusted Time Off (unlimited vacation policy following 90 days)
• Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave (Based on Years of Service)
• ID Theft Protection and Will Preparation Assistance
• Legal and Financial Counseling
• Four Professional Wellness Sessions
• Employee Assistance Free and Confidential Counseling Services