Financial Aid Outreach Specialist - Military Veterans

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 March 10 , 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.

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.

Primary Responsibilities:

• 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.

• 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.