Program Specialist 3 - Financial Aid Tech

Salary: $56,880 - $76,608* annually

Classification: Classified Staff

Reports to: Management Analyst 4

This position will remain open for a minimum of seven (7) days. The College reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time after the minimum posting period once a sufficient applicant pool has been established. All classified positions will start their salary at Step A.

Olympic College is currently recruiting for a Program Specialist 3 - Financial Aid Tech. Under general direction of the Management Analyst 4, this position serves as a technical and business process specialist focused on financial aid systems, communication platforms, and process improvement. The Program Specialist 3 supports the analysis, documentation, optimization, and automation of financial aid processes to improve student access, accuracy, and compliance within federal, state, and institutional regulations.

This role works collaboratively with Financial Aid and Welcome Center staff and cross-departmental partners to enhance system functionality, streamline workflows, and improve communication strategies that ensure students receive timely, accurate, and equitable financial aid information. Key focus areas include financial aid system processes (ctclink and third-party platforms), fraud mitigation and cybersecurity around financial aid and enrollment data, scholarship administration, Work-Study program support, and data-informed outreach efforts.

• Analyze, document, and optimize financial aid business processes to improve efficiency, compliance, and service delivery.
• Map ctclink (Oracle PeopleSoft) and third-party vendor workflows; identify gaps, dependencies, and inefficiencies; and recommend improvements.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to gather requirements and accurately document complex financial aid processes.
• Support automation initiatives through process updates, testing, and system implementation.
• Assess business, management, and technology needs; recommend data-driven enhancements to financial aid services.
• Develop and maintain process documentation and user guides for ctclink to ensure consistency and data integrity.
• Provide technical support and training to staff on system processes and best practices.
• Leverage technology to improve operations and strengthen fraud mitigation and cybersecurity efforts within financial aid.
• Business Analysis and Cross-Departmental Coordination
• Provide analytical support to leadership on financial aid, Welcome Center, and Registration & Records processes.
• Research and evaluate cross-functional operational issues; recommend workflow improvements.
• Assist in facilitating discovery sessions and process reviews to clarify system functionality and interdepartmental dependencies.
• Monitor proposed policy and procedure changes; assess impacts on students and operations.
• Collaborate with peers across the SBCTC system to troubleshoot issues and share financial aid system best practices.
• Serve as a technical and communication liaison on collaborative projects with internal and external partners.
• Program support, communications and outreach.
• Reporting

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of two years of higher education student services experience.
• Ability to analyze data and present findings clearly using charts, tables, and written summaries
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency with standard office software (word processing, spreadsheets, email tools)
• Ability and willingness to learn federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years of higher-education student services experience.
• Experience supporting projects related to communications, systems, or program coordination (higher education or nonprofit preferred)
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a collaborative environment
• Experience working with communication platforms (e.g., SharePoint, SignalVine, Microsoft 365)
• Experience with data reporting, visualization tools, advanced spreadsheet skills,or AI-supported workflows (Microsoft Power Apps)
• Knowledge of office practices, documentation standards, and process improvement techniques

Terms of Employment

Please note that we are unable to sponsor visas for this position. Only candidates who are currently authorized to work in the United States will be considered.

Benefits

This is a full-time classified position scheduled to work 40 hours a week, with a salary range of $56,880 - $76,608* annually. All classified positions will start their salary at Step A. When you have completed six months of probation, you will receive a 5 percent pay increase. A collective bargaining agreement exists, and this position is covered by the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA) Union. Classified positions qualify for the following benefits:

Medical/vision, dental, long-term disability, life insurance, and accidental dismemberment, Flexible Spending Arrangement, Dependent Care Assistance Program, Wellness Programs, Department of Retirement Systems Plan 2 or Plan 3, Deferred Compensation Program (DRS) retirement savings plan; TIAA supplemental retirement savings plan, Aflac, 11 paid holidays, leave – vacation/sick/personal holiday/personal leave, auto/home insurance, space available tuition waiver, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), fitness center, reduced rate and priority consideration on-site child care on a space available.

For more information regarding benefits, please visit our website here.

Conditions of Employment

• 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. In addition to the background check, candidates will be required to complete the Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Form as required WB HB 2327.
• The employee must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance of the campus to respond to workplace reporting requirements at the time of hiring. Frequent travel to Olympic College campuses or other sites may occur.

How To Apply

To be considered for this position, a candidate must apply online through the Olympic College website and submit the following required materials:

• Olympic College Online Application
• Resume
• Cover Letter - in your cover letter, describe how your experience sets you apart for this position.
• Unofficial college transcripts. Official transcripts and copies of mandated certifications will be required of the successful candidate.

EEO Statement

Olympic College values equity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator. Olympic College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment include but not limited to unwelcome sexual conduct. Provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Erin Pohl, Title VII and Title IX, building 5, room 528A, 360-475-7303. Olympic College is a smoke-free/drug-free environment. This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed or modified without notice.

Olympic College

Human Resources

1600 Chester Ave Bldg. 5 – 5th Floor

Bremerton, WA 98337

https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/olympic