• Job Description

  Req#: 2004122

  Description

  Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) is an inclusive environment where the unique contributions of our diverse students, employees, and the community are honored and valued. We expect all employees to foster a climate of belonging that supports all students and employees in achieving success.

  
  

  In this role, the Equitable Funding Support Navigator will work toward creating equitable and sustainable opportunities for students as they seek to make their financial commitments to Columbia Gorge Community College, so as to increase college readiness, success, and degree completion. The Navigator will seek to provide support to reduce or eliminate debt burden through awareness of funding opportunities for student tuition and cost of attendance, including Federal Financial Aid (Title IV), state-supported aid, scholarships, military and veteran benefits, and additional grant opportunities.

  
  

  The Equitable Funding Support Navigator is responsible for success coaching through creating and documenting plans with individual students, and will monitor their financial commitments to ensure continued aid eligibility during their educational journey at CGCC.

  
  

  CORE ROLE FUNCTIONS

  • Prepare students to plan for the cost of attendance and associated expenses, including, but not limited to, on-campus housing and meal plan options, and transit and parking support.
  • Support independent students or students who may need special financial assistance due to dependency status.
  • Ensure coaching and navigational support for associated costs of attendance, including tuition, fees, & support services, including how to finance any out of pocket payments through CGCC payment plans.
  • Assist the process for applying for and maintaining Federal Financial Aid.
  • Provide support for Scholarships & Grant opportunities (internal & external).
  • Facilitate Financial Literacy education and support services.
  • Provide financial information for students seeking to pause, withdraw, or repeat courses of study.
  • Help students navigate Student Portal and associated technology to support financial obligations.

  Requirements

  KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Ensures the creation of a financial plan with new and continuing students, by connecting students to financial aid, financial literacy resources and educating the student about payment options and procedures.
  2. Provides timely check-ins and support for students in need of success planning, including students who are having academic difficulty or referral of students who are on academic probation.
  3. Assesses and evaluates a student's account to determine any financial obligations to the institution, and determine a need for student payments for any outstanding balance.
  4. Collaborates with recruitment team and advising team to implement data-driven support initiatives that significantly improves on-time graduation rates for 2-year degree completions as well as successful transfers to 4-year colleges or universities.
  5. Utilizes student retention and completion data and evidence to inform decisions regarding tuition planning, financial aid, and student success. Collaborates with College personnel to develop successful outcomes and plans for continuous improvement.
  6. Provides support to students via telephone, email or other media forms in response to a student's aid package including Financial Readiness Outreach, or Returning Student Account Review Outreach.
  7. Reviews financial aid applications, Institutional Student Information Records (ISIRs), and other documents regarding Title IV financial aid eligibility per Department of Education requirements, to ensure timely disbursements and the resolution of exceptions.
  8. Develops, coordinates, and conducts financial aid presentations and participates in outreach activities in collaboration with financial aid staff as well as other CGCC departments.
  9. Supports the regular assessment of student Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Exercises professional judgment in reviewing student appeals. Maintains accurate records of SAP appeal decisions.
  10. Performs other duties as assigned.

  The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

  
  

  PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

  • One (1) year of experience working with college students from different cultural heritages and identities and facilitating the coexistence of people in a culturally diverse community.
  • Experience offering support and guidance to students; including helping students navigate in a college setting and choosing a career path.
  • Proactive outreach and support to targeted student populations who do not meet established benchmarks. Knowledge of retention strategies and data-driven methods of identifying students who may be at risk of not continuing their education.
  • Knowledge of financial aid procedures in a college setting. Knowledge of federal financial aid programs.
  • Ability to plan, develop, coordinate, supervise, and organize activities and groups.
  • Two years of professional experience, preferably in a community college environment; or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.

  
  

  EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

  Bachelor's degree required (masters preferred) in counseling, higher education, social work or related field from an accredited college or university.

  
  

  Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree AND evidence of promoting equity-minded and diversely represented communications and materials, AND experience and evidence in responsiveness to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and employees as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded practices.

  
  

  REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

  • Ability to welcome, nurture and value people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as promote an environment that values differences.
  • Formal training or experience in best practices and programming that improves the persistence, academic standing, and graduation rates of underrepresented and first-generation college students.
  • Ability to engage, support, and mentor students from equity-seeking populations with an emphasis on race equity.
  • Communicate effectively with students and a variety of campus offices to achieve grant objectives.
  • Practical knowledge of retention strategies and data-driven methods of identifying students who may be at risk of not continuing their education and skills for applying information to initiate direct student contact resulting in achievable results.
  • Must have excellent computer skills utilizing a variety of computer software and experience with database management or developing and maintaining data tracking.
  • Commitment to a student-centered learning environment and student success.
  • Ability to work with an insight into the needs of first-generation and/or underrepresented college students.
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

  Position information

  Studies have shown that women and people of color may be less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our qualifications listed. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications for this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.

  
  

  Open until filled.

  Starting salary expectations based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

  Please include a resume and letter of interest with your application materials.

• About the company

  Columbia Gorge Community College is a public community college in The Dalles, Oregon, which is situated and surrounded by the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area.

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