Director of College Access Programs

Opportunity Description

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.

As a Seattle Colleges employee, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the passionate work of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion as we work against systemic racism. Additionally, you will gain the rewarding experience of contributing to the success of an open-access learning institution that prepares students for life and work, fostering a diverse, engaged and dynamic community.

Seattle Colleges staff and faculty also enjoy a competitive benefits package, professional development opportunities and enrichment experiences in areas of their choice including, committee, workgroup, and affinity group opportunities.

Position Summary

Position open until filled / First Review of materials will begin: October 1, 2024

Salary range for this position is: $ 82,348/yr. - $113,719/yr. (depending on experience)

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Are you passionate about college access for all? Have you built a dynamic team focused on student support? If these questions resonate with you, then we invite you to consider joining our team at an equity-focused, open-access college dedicated to helping all students achieve their academic and professional goals. As our Director of College Access Programs, you will be a vital member of the team that provides college support inside and outside the classroom. In this role, you will oversee the day-to-day management of the AANAPISI (Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions) and TRiO SSS (Student Support Services) grants as well as the new Basic and Essential Needs collection of grants which include Supporting Student Experiencing Homelessness (SSEH), the Student Emergency Assistance Grant (SEAG), the Benefits Hub program, and the Benefits Navigator grant (2SHB1559).

Application Requirements:

• Attach current resume
• Attach cover letter addressing how your background intersects with the job
• Required application materials must be completed and submitted online

What you will be working on:

• You'll work with your team to build inclusive, modern, flexible systems that serve students, ensuring access and assisting students in achieving course, program, and degree outcomes from recruitment to transition.
• You'll lead efforts to advance equitable student success, including closing equity gaps, particularly with regard to race and ethnicity.
• Provide strategic direction and leadership for College Access Programs, aligning them with North Seattle College's commitment to expanding educational opportunities and fostering student success.
• Oversee the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of assigned programs and services designed to enhance student access to higher education and promote academic success.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements, prepare reports, and monitor budgets to ensure the effective use of resources.
• Develop and implement evaluation methods to assess the effectiveness of College Access Programs, using data-driven approaches to inform decision-making and program enhancements.
• Advocate for the needs of students, particularly those from historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring they have access to resources that support their academic and personal success.
• Develop and maintain student support services that address basic needs, such as housing, food security, and emergency financial assistance.
• Ensure all programs and activities comply with federal, state, and institutional policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Stay informed of changes in legislation and policy that may impact College Access Programs and advocate for necessary adjustments.

What you bring as a candidate: (Any Equivalent Combination of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education and Experience)

• Master's degree in Education, Higher Education, or a related field.
• Three (3) years experience managing grant requirements, including staff supervision and grant compliance requirements.
• Three (3) years of experience providing direct service and support to adult learners, preferably at a community or technical college.
• Strong grant writing experience and experience with federal and state grant reporting.
• Experience designing and implementing innovative student support strategies.
• Ability to track and balance multiple budgets.
• Experience using technology to collect, analyze, and distribute data.
• Knowledge and understanding of the barriers facing student support services populations, including students who are low-income, first-generation, and who have a declared disability.
• Commitment to infusing Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Community in everything you do as a representative of the Seattle Colleges.

Physical Requirements:

• Typically works in an office environment and uses a computer, telephone and other office equipment as needed to perform duties. The noise level in the work environment is typical of that of an office.
• Encounters frequent interruptions throughout the workday.
• Is regularly required to provide 1:1 support, present to small groups, and work at a computer exercising repetitive hand motion with or without reasonable accommodation.

Disability Accommodation

Seattle Colleges follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides the following information as a guideline for applicants:

• Ability to operate office equipment
• Ability to read and verify data and prepare various materials
• Ability to exchange information on the phone or in person

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, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, 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, the 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.

Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the college's Director of Compliance:

1500 Harvard Avenue Seattle, WA 98122-3803 (206) 934-3873

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.