Program Specialist - Financial Aid

Title: Program Specialist- Financial Aid

Location: Seattle United States

Job Description:

Job ID

15292

Location

Seattle Colleges District Off

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

 

Opportunity Description

Seattle Colleges is looking to hire two Program Specialists (PS3) in District Financial Aid-one position in Funds Management, and one in Compliance and Processing and Technology.

Salary Range for this position is $61,512 to $80,820 annually (depending on experience). 

Opportunity is open until filled, first review of materials will begin December 30th, 2025.  

Position Summary

Are you passionate about supporting student success through the effective management of financial aid programs? Have you contributed to the administration of Federal, State, or Institutional aid programs resulting in increased compliance, efficiency, and equitable access for students? If these questions resonate with you, then we invite you to consider joining our team, an equity-focused open-access college dedicated to helping all students achieve their academic and professional goals.

As a Financial Aid Program Specialist, you will be responsible for being a key member of the Funds Management and Compliance Team that manages, directs, and coordinates all aspects of assigned aid programs in order to ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional requirements while supporting students' financial needs.

In this role, you will work independently under general supervision with district-wide responsibility for one or more aid programs, oversee file transmissions to agencies, manage student allocations and eligibility, reconcile program funds, complete monthly and annual reporting, and serve as a consultant to campus financial aid teams. Additionally, you will support the Processing and Technology Team in reviewing and awarding financial aid files throughout the year. 

These positions are Full-time, working 40 hours per week. These positions are typically scheduled to work Monday through Friday 8:00AM to 5:00PM. The schedule may vary depending on program needs. May be required to work evenings and weekends as needed. 

These positions works a hybrid schedule of both remote and on-site work 

This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement with representation by WFSE.

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, and sexual orientation.

As a Seattle Colleges employee, you will gain access to a great benefits package including: 

• Competitive Pay Rates 
• Promotional Opportunities 
• Great Medical, Dental, and Retirement plans 
• Paid Sick and Vacation Leave 
• Transportation benefits 
• 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 current Resume
• Attached cover letter addressing how your background intersects with the job

Required application materials must be completed and submitted online

Notice to Applicants: 
Please note that Seattle Colleges has moved to holding interviews virtually using video conference options such as Zoom or Teams. As such, if you are selected for an interview, please be prepared to hold your interview virtually.

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:

• Manage one or more financial aid programs (Federal Loans, State Aid, Grants, Institutional Funds, Seattle Promise).
• Advise students, faculty, and staff on financial aid rules, regulations, and eligibility.
• Monitor federal, state, and local policy changes and keep the team informed of updates.
• Develop and maintain processes, policies, and training to ensure compliance with changing regulations.
• Lead program tasks such as Census Date processing, Return to Title IV (R2T4), disbursements, and aid adjustments.
• Prepare and reconcile monthly and annual reports (FISAP, WA State Aid, Seattle Promise, etc.).
• Collaborate with campus teams, cashiering, and Student Financials to ensure accurate fund disbursement.
• Review and process financial aid applications, analyze data, and determine student eligibility.
• Maintain accurate, auditable records of aid awards, adjustments, appeals, and compliance documentation.
• Resolve issues related to loan applications, citizenship status, and aid disbursements while supporting students through the process.

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)

• You have an Associate's degree or higher in a related field.
• You have 2 or more years of experience in student financial aid, student development services, or a related higher education role.
• You have a track record of providing excellent, student-centered customer service with strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• You have demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion, serving diverse student populations and working to remove barriers for historically marginalized communities.
• You have experience interpreting and applying policies and procedures based on federal and state regulations.
• You have knowledge of federal and state resources for training and compliance, including financial aid associations and conferences.
• You have experience working with systems that process, communicate, and oversee student financial aid eligibility.
• You are detail-oriented, able to troubleshoot and problem-solve complex academic and systems issues with accuracy.
• You have the ability to communicate clearly, collaboratively, and respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
• You are proactive, able to think critically, meet deadlines, prioritize time-sensitive work, and are willing to work evenings and weekends when 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 

 

Notice of Non-Discrimination Statement

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."

Students, employees, and applicants at Seattle Colleges can reach the Title IX Coordinator or ADA/Section 504 Coordinator for questions about discrimination, harassment or grievance procedures.