POSITION TITLE: Higher Education Coordinator

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

DEPARTMENT: TANF Education

SUPERVISOR: Education Director

GRADE: NE 13 $25.17 ($52,366) - $37.76 ($78,550)

Position Summary:

Under direct supervision, the Higher Education Coordinator is responsible for researching, collecting and disseminating information, and advising Washoe Native TANF Program (WNTP) participants and Washoe Tribal Members on higher education opportunities. Coordinates outreach and develops partnerships with local schools, educational programs, and scholarship providers. Processes, tracks, and maintains Washoe Tribal Scholarship programs and outcomes. Has knowledge of and follows the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Establishes relationships and collaborates with higher educational programs, colleges, vocational schools, military and apprenticeship programs and their staff to provide opportunities to WNTP participants and Washoe Tribal members.
• Researches and provides guidance on local, regional, national scholarships, academic fellowships, and assistantships that WNTP participants and Washoe Tribal Members may be eligible for, based on their unique backgrounds, experiences, academic interests, and career goals.
• Provides higher education guidance and outreach to WNTP participants and Washoe Tribal members.
• Develops and conducts special subject workshops (e.g. financial aid, college application completion, vocational selection) and corresponding job shadowing with the Education Department’s Pre-College Advisors.
• Responsible for planning and execution of special events including annual Washoe Tribe Youth Conferences, Career and College Fairs, Washoe Paiute Shoshone (Wa-Pai-Shone) and tours of colleges and vocational schools.
• Manages awarded or denied Washoe Tribal scholarship applicants and provides scholarship outreach to qualified tribal members.
• Maintains data tracking systems for recipients of Higher Education and Vocational Training scholarships.
• Assembles scholarship applications and coordinates their review process.
• Determines scholarship recipient’s eligibility through Financial Aid Offices and/or Vocational programs.
• Processes tuition payments and incentive awards for students.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education or related field; or equivalent combination of education and 4 years of experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California or Nevada driver’s license or capable of obtaining one within thirty-days (30) of employment.
• Must be able to be insurable by the Tribe’s Driving Policy.
• Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and background investigation.
• Preference will be given to Qualified Native American Indians.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications:

• Knowledge of Washoe Tribe, culture and morals.
• Knowledge of the Washoe Tribe Scholarship Programs.
• Knowledge of integrated functions of academic counseling and general student services.
• Ability to communicate effectively in the English language, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds, employees and officials.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently under stressful conditions, make solid decisions, and exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
• Ability to effectively maintain and respect all levels of confidentially relating to Native American students and their records as it pertains to the TANF Education Department, local school districts, the Washoe communities and the Washoe Tribal staff.
• Ability to be innovative, creative, and flexible.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Skill in planning and organizing activities.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee occasionally is required to stand; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an office setting with a moderate noise level.

The Washoe Tribe of Nevada & California requires a background check of each new hire for employment purposes. Therefore, all conditionally offered positions will be subject to the following:

• Negative alcohol and drug screen
• Meet requirements of Public Law 101-630
• Obtain or possess a valid driver’s license for either the state of Nevada or California within 30 days
• Must be insurable under the Washoe Tribe’s driving policy