What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Coordinator position at State of Washington?
This recruitment is scheduled to close on March 12, 2025 but applicants should submit their application materials as early as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time.
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.
- Administer programs that help people access and pay for college.
- Advocate for the economic, social, and civic benefits of higher education.
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 of the desired/preferred qualification listed.
About the Division
The Student Financial Assistance (SFA) division is responsible for both policy and operations related to state and federal student financial aid and college access programs. The division manages need-based grant programs, competitive grant programs, maintains the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA), theWashBoard.org scholarship search site, and other activities.
About the Position
The Passport Program Coordinator plays a critical role in developing statewide coordination of scholarships and support services for underrepresented students, particularly those who have experienced foster care or are homeless without a parent or guardian. In addition, this position supports other programs within the Student Financial Assistance Division and provides guidance to a broad range of participants and their families, as well as the financial aid community and the public.
The Coordinator may collaborate with SETuP providers, community partners, tribes, educators, and students to increase awareness of program offerings for this vulnerable population. This role also includes fiscal responsibilities, such as processing payments, monitoring contractor reporting, and reviewing financial reports to support need-based financial aid programs.
Some of What You'll Be Doing Includes:
- Providing information and technical support to students, families, and financial aid administrators via phone and email
- Processing student award letters and addressing related inquiries
- Offering technical support to educators, tribes, social service providers, and state agencies
- Processing payments for need-based financial aid programs
- Collaborating on program reporting with partners such as DCYF and OSPI
- Monitoring monthly student eligibility data exchanges, as outlined in agency agreements
- Collecting and reviewing reports from contractors, highlighting trends for the Assistant Director
- Coordinating and supporting higher education institutions participating in state aid programs, with a focus on Passport to Careers
- Listening to virtual legislative hearings that impact Passport, SETuP, or other programs, as requested
- Assisting with monthly program expenditure and budget reviews
- Attending meetings, conferences, and workshops
- Participating in stakeholder and partner training development
- Processing program mail
- Maintaining the Program Coordinator desk manual and contributing to updates in the Passport to Careers Program Manual
Minimum Required Education and Experience
- Associate degree or at least two years of postsecondary coursework.
- Customer Service Experience: Four years of providing prompt, courteous, and detailed information to a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
Minimum Required Skills
- Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in Excel, Word, and Outlook, and experience working with web-based databases.
- Communication & Interpretation: Ability to multitask, interpret policies and procedures, and clearly convey rules and guidelines.
- Independent & Team Work: Proven record of working independently while contributing to team goals.
- Adaptability: Demonstrates openness to new ideas, willingness to learn, and readiness to adapt as priorities shift in a dynamic environment.
- Data Accuracy: Experience entering data accurately and efficiently.
- Commitment to supporting equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Commitment to supporting at-risk student populations.
Preferred/Desired Education, Experience and Competencies
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Prior experience serving at-risk and vulnerable populations.
- Bilingual.
- Career interest in student services, public administration, or business.
- Experience working with colleges, community-based organizations, and postsecondary institutions.
Application Procedures
To be considered for this position, you must possess the required qualification listed above. Find this job posting and complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov. which must include the following:
- 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.
- Resume. A detailed resume including all educational and professional experience.
- References. A list of names, titles, and current telephone numbers of three (3) 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?
For questions about this recruitment contact Karen Moton-Tate at Karenm@wsac.wa.gov or (360) 485-1138.
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 : $41,724 - $55,584
