Assistant Director of Financial Aid- Seattle Promise

Assistant Director of Financial Aid- Seattle Promise Seattle Colleges District is looking to hire an Assistant Director of Financial Aid- Seattle Promise in the Financial Aid Department. Salary Range for this position is $70,488 to $97,340 annually (depending on experience). Opportunity is open until filled, first review of materials will begin May 4 th , 2026. Position Summary Are you passionate about supporting young adults achieve their educational goals? Are you looking to work with a high-performing team whose measure of success is their students achievements? If yes, we invite you to consider joining the Seattle Colleges District Financial Aid team at an equity-focused, open-access three-college district. Seattle Promise is an innovative college access and success program designed to serve recent high school graduates. This position will serve as a liaison between the Seattle Promise Program and all three campus Financial Aid Offices. Our Financial Aid teams deliver 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. The Assistant Director of Financial Aid for Seattle Promise reports to the Executive Director of Financial Aid for Seattle Colleges and leads the district efforts in establishing program level policies and procedures that adhere to requirements of the Seattle Promise Program and all Financial Aid regulations. This position will assist cross-teams to address workflow and work volume as it relates to the daily operations and serving prospective and enrolled students in the program. The Assistant Director is responsible for working with each college and program leadership to support students in meeting milestones and aids in the work of the Seattle Promise Specialists to complete work within established deadlines. Through assessment and evaluation, this position will provide recommended alternative courses of action that are equitable, efficient, and focused on continuous improvement. This position will work closely with Seattle Colleges Campus and District Financial Aid Directors, serve as a member of the Leadership Team, and collaborate with stakeholders across the district. This position may supervise full-time staff and/or interns and/or student workers as appropriate and necessary. This position will work to serve all students in the Seattle Promise Program. This position is funded by the City of Seattle's Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy, which is fully funded through June 30, 2032. 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 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. Great Medical, Dental, and Retirement plans Paid Sick and Vacation Leave 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 cover letter addressing how your background intersects with the job Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a regular basis. The employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas. Seattle Colleges is unable to extend post-completion optional practical training (OPT) to F-1 students who receive STEM degrees. What you will be working on 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 Teams at each Seattle College (North, Central, and South) and district to build inclusive practices that remove barriers for students while maintaining compliance with Seattle Promise Program requirements. In collaboration with the district processing team director, responsible for supervising and leading file review and awarding of financial aid funds for Seattle Promise applicants. Manage the application milestones, student eligibility determination, and financial aid appeal processes. Work with the Seattle Promise and Financial Aid teams to ensure prompt and compassionate service is provided to eligible students. Analyze and improve processes used to monitor program eligibility based upon application data, milestone completion, and academic progress requirements Support strategic communication to Seattle Promise students to support milestone achievement in collaboration with Communications Department partners. Manage outreach efforts to students and families regarding FAFSA/WASFA/financial aid file completion in collaboration with college and Seattle Promise leadership and staff Participate in planning, coordination, and facilitation of Readiness Academy and Campus Connect programs that result in a similar student experience at all three colleges Make strategic decisions in collaboration with Seattle Promise leadership and campus financial aid leadership to increase the number of Seattle Promise students completing their FAFSA/WASFA/financial aid record at Seattle Colleges. Participate in the development of program priorities as a member of the Seattle Promise team, including but not limited to developing and maintaining programming to build campus and community involvement with Seattle Promise. Evening or weekend work may be required. 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 posting. What you bring as a candidate (Any Equivalent Combination of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education and Experience) Relevant earned Bachelor's Degree Three (3) or more years of experience with financial aid awarding, file review, reconciliation, and program oversight. Demonstrated commitment to serving a diverse population of students and a history of working to remove barriers for historically marginalized communities and students Demonstrated Knowledge Of 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 Demonstrated Ability To 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 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 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, hair texture or protective hairstyles, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, 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 accommodations 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 'cyber bullying.' 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr