PIERCE COLLEGE
A Community College District in Puyallup and Lakewood, Washington
invites applications for the position of:

Financial Aid Director

Financial Aid Administration

• Administrative oversight for accurate and effective disbursement of federal, state, institutional and non-institutional funds; ensure compliance with applicable regulations and policies.Plan, implement, monitor and evaluate systems for maximum utilization of funds in support of College mission.
• Provide leadership and supervision in the administration of all financial aid programs in compliance with federal, state and institutional regulations and policies.
• Develop and direct financial aid strategies within the framework of federal and state regulations that are consistent with the enrollment management objectives of the college, supporting student recruitment and retention.
• Plan, develop, implement and evaluate policies and procedures for delivery of services which are in compliance with federal and state regulations and which provide equitable access by student applicants.
• Determine student eligibility for financial aid; package awards, coordinate disbursement of funds and monitor academic progress of recipients.
• Use professional judgment in determining student financial aid eligibility and student success based on Satisfactory Academic Progress Petitions, Dependency Override Petitions, and other petitions.
• Work closely with all components of the college in the recruitment, retention and service of students.
• Maintain essential records and data to ensure accurate preparation and timely submission of Federal, State and local reports.
• Ensure financial aid expenditures are within allowable maximums; work closely with college business office to reconcile accounts; maintain auditable records for all programs and activities of the office.
• Monitor compliance with applicable laws, codes and regulations; ensure exception-free financial aid audits and program reviews by keeping abreast of and implementing all federal and state laws and regulations that pertain to the programs administered by the financial aid office.
• Track annual changes in federal and state regulations and policies; update policies and procedures, software processes and awards to ensure compliance.
• Advise college administration about changes in financial aid, impact to students, the college and the budget.
• Develop policies and consumer information materials, guidelines and handouts.
• Manage the federal software and access; maintain and implement annual updates.
• Maintain and update Policies and Procedures Manual. 

Leadership

• Strategically plan and establish goals for the direction of the department; ensure effectiveness and efficiency of all department services.
• Work collaboratively with Student Services leadership to ensure effective delivery of services and facilitate student support and retention.
• Conduct regularly scheduled staff meetings that provide training and communicate changes in rules and regulations, aid application procedures and communicate campus initiatives and goals.
• Supervise employees and provide training opportunities that will ensure staff remain current in applying federal and state regulations and institutional policies and procedures. 
• Review staffing needs; manage the successful hiring, supervision, evaluation and professional development of department staff.
• Assist staff with complex or problematic situations, questions, and daily guidance.
• Develop and maintain department budgets; review income/expense budget reports; approve expenditures and requisitions.
• Prepare reports and analytical materials to illustrate objectives, activities, and facilitate strategic planning.

Communication and Customer Service

• Provide customer service support regarding financial aid policies and procedures.
• Foster and maintain a supportive student-centered atmosphere that is sensitive and responsive to students.
• Integrate all available technology to streamline services and improve accuracy
• Function as the first level to which department complaints are addressed.
• Serve as an educator, enabling students to successfully complete their academic goals through the use of various funding sources.
• Provide consultation, resource and referral to campus community.
• Effectively communicate with parents, students, other college departments and community partners.
• Establish and maintain effective oral, written, print and electronic media communications for current and prospective students, parents, college personnel and the general public.

   Campus/Community Involvement and Professional Development

• Work collaboratively with other college functions and departments to maximize efficiencies and improve service.
• Participate in the governance and committee work of the college district in order to advance our collective work and the mission of the department
• Represent the college in the community; participate on campus and state financial aid organizations.
• Maintain liaisons with local high schools to conduct outreach with emphasis placed on providing financial information pertaining to college enrollment.
• Conduct workshops and other information activities for high schools, community groups, outside agencies, students, faculty and staff.
• Attend regional and state-wide financial aid workshops/conferences
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, Computer Operations or related field.

Required Experience:

• Three (3) years of progressively responsible financial aid experience in a higher education environment which includes management, reporting, administration and supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strong leadership in a dynamic, highly regulated, work environment.
• Knowledge of, and demonstrated ability to apply, complex federal and state regulations pertaining to financial aid, and ensuring compliance.
• Experience working with automated financial assistance management systems, computer software and databases.
• Demonstrated experience with communication and collaboration skills and ability to work effectively in a multicultural, diverse environment.
• Experience making presentations to diverse populations. 
• Proficiency with computer applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook, the Internet and databases.

Special Qualifications:

• 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.

To be considered for this position, applicants must include the following items in their application package (in order listed) and complete the online application profile at http://www.pierce.ctc.edu/dist/hr/.

• Letter of formal application that addresses how your experience and education qualifies you to perform the assigned responsibilities. (Cover Letter)
• Detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience. (Résumé)
• 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. Unofficial copies of all college and university transcripts must include degree received and confer date. International transcripts must include a foreign transcript evaluation. For a list of approved credential evaluation services visit: www.naces.org/members.htm. (Transcripts)
• A list of at least two professional references with names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted.(References)

Special Note: To ensure consideration, application materials should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.

Terms of Employment:

This is a full-time administrative exempt position. Scheduled hours may vary with occasional travel, and occasional evening and weekend work. Work is performed in an office setting.

Salary & Benefits:

The base salary for this position is $74,100.00 annually, dependent upon qualifications. However, 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.

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. The most desirable candidates will be contacted for an interview. Application materials submitted to Pierce College are the property of the College and will not be returned.

Conditions of Employment:

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 for all persons 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.

Questions regarding equal employment opportunities or discrimination may be directed to the following:

Vice President of Human Resources/Title IX Coordinator

9401 Farwest Drive SW

Lakewood, Washington 98498

(253) 964-6519

Paula Henson-Williams, District Affirmative Action Officer

(253) 864-3229

For more information or assistance regarding your application, contact Human Resources at: jobs@pierce.ctc.edu.