Financial Aid Outreach Specialist

Columbia Basin College (CBC) is committed to our vision to be the educational home that transforms students' lives through economic and social mobility. We are one of eight Hispanic-Serving Institutions in Washington state with Hispanic students representing just under half of our student population. As such, CBC is committed to discovering and enacting innovative ways to intentionally serve Hispanic students while serving all. We center equity in all that we do and seek to attract and retain engaged individuals committed to helping all students be successful in accomplishing their goals.

The Financial Aid Outreach Specialist is dedicated to student success, relationship-building, and creating meaningful impact. This role requires flexibility in scheduling to meet the dynamic needs of students and their families, as well as the ability to adapt quickly in ambiguous situations. The specialist will focus on educating students, families, schools, and communities about the importance of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). Through guidance and support, they will help students navigate the financial aid process with the end goal of increasing post-secondary enrollment. The position will primarily work within an assigned high school while also collaborating across high schools within their assigned territory, the CBC campus community, and at community events. The specialist will engage diverse audiences and inspire students to see the potential of higher education. 

This role reports to the Assistant Director for Student Recruitment.

This position is receiving applications until May 18, 2025 at 11:59 PM PST. The College will conduct initial interviews with selected candidates via Zoom and will conduct on-campus interviews with finalists.

If you have questions or need assistance during the application or search process, please contact the recruiter for this position, Ashley Jordan at ajordan@columbiabasin.edu or (509) 542-4567. 

• Contribute to the development and implementation of a financial outreach plan for K-12 students, including state and federal financial aid, scholarships, and financial literacy;
• Represent CBC by interpreting and communicating complex financial aid, waiver and scholarship information in easy-to-understand language to prospective college students and their families; 
• Provide individual guidance to students and/or parents in person, via email and over the phone, related to the full process of applying for, receiving and utilizing financial aid and scholarships; 
• Develop and present inclusive and accessible financial aid sessions for various outreach efforts, including in-person, hybrid, and virtual formats;  
• Identify creative outreach strategies for all students, with a particular focus on developing programming for historically underserved and first-generation students to increase post-secondary enrollment;
• Collaborate with high school staff, administrators, and counselors to create effective communication materials and marketing content, while coordinating and enhancing financial aid outreach efforts; 
• Completes assigned special projects and/or program responsibilities based on operational necessity and individual experience and skills; 
• Utilize data from the Student Achievement Council to conduct targeted outreach to high school students, prepare monthly outreach and recruitment reports, and participate in professional development to stay current in the field; and
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree from an institutionally accredited college or university;
• Experience with large group presentations/training;
• Must have or be able to obtain at the time of hire, a valid driver’s license and be insurable; and
• Bilingual and biliterate in Spanish and English.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least one (1) year (consecutive 12 months) of experience in student services or related education experience; and
• Experience working with and supporting underserved students including low income, first-generation, and students of color.

Competencies

Customer Service Skills: Manage difficult or emotional customer situations; respond promptly to customer needs; solicit customer feedback to improve service; respond to requests for service and assistance; meet commitments;

Student Centered:  Attention, interest, activities and efforts are centered upon the best interest of students; create and support an environment that enables learners to achieve their personal, academic, and professional goals; provide courteous and helpful responses to all customers, whether they be students, general public or employees from another department; 

Oral & Written Communication:  Speak clearly and persuasively in positive and negative situations; listen and get clarification; respond well to questions; demonstrate group presentation skills; participate in meetings; structure and convey information clearly and effectively through both formal and informal documents; review and edit written work constructively; ability to tailor to audience in mind; 

Interpersonal Skills: Focus on solving conflict, not blaming; maintain confidentiality; listen to others without interrupting; keep emotions under control; remain open to others’ ideas and try new things;

Problem Solving Skills: Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner; gather and analyze information skillfully; develop alternative solutions; work well in group problem solving situations; use reason even when dealing with emotional topics;

Project Management: Manage projects by focusing attention on key priorities. Evaluate approaches, determine feasibility, and adjust plan as needed. Develop plans, coordinate projects and teams. Communicate changes and progress. Complete projects on time and on budget. Perform well without direct supervision. Do complex work independently. Follow tasks through to completion;

Willingness to Learn:  Open to learning new methods, obtaining certifications, attending training; participate in cross-training opportunities when assigned; suggest and/or researches new methods; proactively look for training opportunities that would better the position and/or department; 

Support for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:  Reflecting CBC’s mission, vision and values, support initiatives that expand the human qualities that differentiate our workplace and educational setting. Demonstrate and advocate an understanding of differences, open mindedness, compassion, sensitivity and interest in differing viewpoints given the diverse population and show a deep commitment to the involvement of colleagues, students and community members to student experience and success honoring freedom of expression as fundamental to personal, professional and organizational growth; 

Accountability:  Accountable for own actions, decisions, errors, mistakes and/or failures to act when appropriate; accept responsibility when given, understand what duties employee is responsible for and can be counted upon to carry out those responsibilities; and 

“Yes, And”/Teamwork: Demonstrate a willingness to work with, and help others in completing job assignments, the ability to accept constructive criticism, and to cooperate with fellow employees and supervisors; demonstrate alignment with the "Yes, And" culture, (e.g., being present and listening, making each other look good, embracing change and failure and choosing positivity).

This is a full-time, state funded exempt position under a state-initiative and pilot program.  It is an overtime eligible position and the typical work hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; however, work hours will vary due to work demands and some evening and weekend work may be required.

CBC is an equal opportunity employer and complies with the letter and spirit of all federal and state laws. CBC encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other legal protected characteristics. Candidates who need any accommodation in the application process or in employment should contact the Office of Human Resources.

CBC offers excellent medical/dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, paid leave, retirement plans, and a variety of benefit options. Please view the “Benefits” tab for comprehensive benefits information.

Successful candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Provide proof of lawful permanent residency or other appropriate work authorization as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.
• Disclose any substantiated findings or any ongoing investigations related to sexual misconduct as required by RCW28B.112.080.
• Pass a criminal background check. Note: information learned during the criminal background check will not necessarily preclude employment but may be a factor in eligibility for the position.
• Verify education at time of hire.
• Maintain an alcohol-free and drug-free workplace during employment.

OTHER JOB ELEMENTS
The working conditions listed below represent those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORKING CONDITIONS
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, communicate, reach and manipulate objects. The position requires mobility including having the ability to move materials on a regular basis such as files, books, office equipment, etc. and travel between buildings on campus. Manual dexterity and coordination are required to operate equipment such as computer keyboard, calculator, and standard office equipment.

Work environment includes office and other settings as appropriate. Work will be performed within an assigned high school as well as on the CBC campus as scheduled.   The noise level in the work area is typical of most office environments with telephones, personal interruptions, and background noises.  Willingness and ability to travel and work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends is a requirement.    

Salary : $57,586 - $63,655