Director of Student Financial Assistance

This recruitment will remain open until a sufficient number of qualified candidates have applied. The first review of applications is expected to occur on 12/18/2024 and will be ongoing. It is in the applicant’s best interest to submit their application materials as early as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to decide at any time. This job posting may be closed at any time without notice.

Why work for the Washington Student Achievement Council?
 At the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), we are committed to increasing educational opportunities and attainment in Washington. We believe that every person living in the state of Washington should have access to educational opportunities and be encouraged to pursue education or training beyond high school.
 
 To achieve our mission, we:

• Lead statewide strategic planning to increase educational attainment. (See our Strategic Action Plan)
• Administer programs that help people access and pay for college.
• Advocate for the economic, social, and civic benefits of higher education.
• Learn more about the work of the Washington Student Achievement Council and our equity statement at www.wsac.wa.gov.

At WSAC
Our programs and policies work with diverse communities to eliminate barriers to people pursuing education beyond high school. As an employer, we strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a competitive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

• We offer flexible/alternative work schedules, wellness activities, and teleworking opportunities.
• Eligible employees who are new parents or legal guardians can bring their infant (six weeks to six months) when returning to work.
• Employees have access to tuition assistance and tuition waiver programs,
• If you have experience advocating for communities of color or others who are experiencing educational inequities—including those directly impacted by the criminal justice system; people who identify as queer, trans, lesbian, gay or bisexual; veterans; and people with disabilities—you are strongly encouraged to apply, even if you don’t meet all the desired/preferred qualifications listed.

Learn more about WSAC’s mission and our commitment to equity.  
Our Commitment to EquityAbout the Position

The Director of Financial Assistance will provide leadership and management of WA College Grant (WCG), College Bound (CB), and Passport to ensure that the programs align with state policies and support student access, affordability, and success. This individual will engage with legislative bodies, higher education institutions, and other stakeholders to advocate for and design policies that increase educational attainment. The Director is responsible for ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations and overseeing a team responsible for managing WCG, CB, Passport and other programs as designated.

Key Responsibilities include

1. Strategic Leadership:

• Direct WCG, CB, Passport and other designated programs to ensure policies and processes support educational access and affordability.
• Collaborate with agency senior leaders and stakeholders to support statewide strategies that promote educational attainment. 

2. Policy Development:

• Develop policies and procedures for WCG, CB, Passport and other designated that align with legislative mandates and the state’s higher education goals.
• Serve with other agency staff as the state's subject matter experts on financial aid, providing technical expertise to policymakers, higher education institutions, and other stakeholders.   

3. Program Oversight and Compliance:

• Oversee the administration and compliance of WCG, CB, Passport and other programs as designated.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, working closely with the assistant attorney general and other legal entities.
• Provide fiscal accountability for all programs under the division’s purview. 

4. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Partner with WSAC staff and external stakeholders, including higher education institutions, K12 entities, government agencies, and national organizations, to improve access to financial aid.
• Collaborate with other agency divisions to streamline processes and ensure alignment between financial aid and the state’s broader attainment strategies as set forth in the WSAC Strategic Action Plan.   

5. Data Management and Reporting:

• Present data and program results to stakeholders, including the Legislature and professional associations, using data visualizations, reports, and presentations.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of program outcomes and financial aid utilization. 

6. Supervision and Team Management:

• Lead and supervise a team including classified and exempt employees, ensuring staff development and performance management.
• Work with other agency staff to help provide technical training on the administration of financial aid programs to financial aid administrators, high school counselors, and other stakeholders. 

7. Budget and Fiscal Oversight:

• Oversee administrative and program budgets, forecasting costs, and ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Monitor expenditures and ensure fiscal compliance of WCG, CB and designated aid programs.

Minimum Education, Skills, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree.
• A demonstrated record of managerial success, execution of initiatives, collaboration across diverse populations, and commitment to access and inclusion.
• Ten years’ experience in financial aid administration or related work in post-secondary education.
• Three years of supervisory experience overseeing large teams and diverse programs.
• Experience in presentations and representing financial aid programs to external audiences.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience managing budgets, digital systems, and staff development.
• Expertise in financial aid regulations and compliance.
• Experience in program administration and managing large-scale funding programs.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Washington State statutes and financial aid programs.
• Experience working with the Washington or other state legislature related to higher education funding and financial aid policies.
• Experience working with national financial aid organizations like the National Association for State Student Grant Aid Programs.
• Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Public Policy, Student Services, or a related field.

Application Procedures
To be considered for this position, you must possess the required qualifications listed above. Find this job posting and complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov. which must include the following:
 

1. Letter of Application.  A letter of application that addresses how you meet the required education and experience described in this announcement. Applications with generic cover letters will be considered nonresponsive and may eliminate the application from further consideration.
2. Resume.  A detailed resume including all educational and professional experience.
3. References.  A list of names, titles, emails, and current telephone numbers of three (3) professional employment references.

Please Note: 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.
   
 QUESTIONS?
 If you have questions about this recruitment, contact Zach Takahashi at  (360) 485-1076 or ZachT@wsac.wa.gov.
 
EEO Statement
 The Washington Student Achievement Council is an equal opportunity employer.  We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all applicants and employees. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, and veterans are encouraged to apply. If you need accommodation in the application process or wish to receive this job announcement in an alternative format, please call 360.485.1138 or email HumanResources@wsac.wa.gov

Salary : $120,000 - $134,000