Program Specialist II

Bellingham Technical College invites applications for one full-time, regular classified position as Program Specialist II for Workforce Funding. Position is anticipated to begin in mid-July, 2023. This position reports to the Executive Director, Student Financial Resources.
 

BTC is a premier higher education institution working to provide student-centered, high quality professional technical education throughout Whatcom County and is the only technical college serving northwest Washington State. Bellingham rests in the scenic northwest corner of Washington State where the Cascade Mountains meet the Salish Sea. 

The Program Specialist provides programmatic leadership and budgetary support for BTC’s student funding programs within the Student Financial Resources office. Funding programs include and are not limited to: Worker Retraining, Basic Food Employment & Training (BFET), WorkFirst, Opportunity Grant, Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness (SSEH) and Student Emergency Assistance Grant (SEAG). Assisting the Executive Director with developing policies and procedures to ensure that the institution remains in compliance with requirements and guidelines for each program. Works closely with the Executive Director with the development and evaluation of complex budgets, utilizing advanced features in Microsoft Excel. Maintains fiscal requirements such as monitoring expenditures, completing billing procedures and reporting. Participates in the submission of annual grant applications which includes preparing estimated budgets and narrative descriptions detailing how programs are administered. Monitoring data to support the academic and financial success of students who are served by Workforce Funding Grants. Works closely with financial aid staff for processing student funds within allowable amounts and maintain working knowledge of funding limitations in conjunction with financial aid regulations. Strong technical skills, expertise with Excel, and problem-solving are critical for this position.
 

Required minimum qualifications include Associate’s degree or higher from an accredited institution. Minimum three years of applicable experience. Experience or demonstrated competency with problem solving and managing financial records and maintaining compliance with regulations. Strong computer skills with the ability to navigate multiple systems and applications. Demonstrated experience with advanced features in Excel for fiscal purposes.  OR  A combination of education, experience and training that provides the applicant with the knowledge and skills to perform the job will be considered. (Applicable or equivalent experience includes demonstrated competency with problem solving, managing financial records and maintaining compliance with rules/regulations, or equivalent; strong computer skills with the ability to navigate multiple systems and applications; Experience developing and/or managing projects or programs). 

 The position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Bellingham Educational Support Team (BEST).

Leave is subject to the BEST negotiated agreement which currently expires June 30, 2023. Currently, this position receives 8 hours per month of sick leave and starts with 10.67 hours per month (16 days per year) of vacation leave, 24 hours of personal leave and 12 paid state/college holidays per calendar year.  The sick leave and personal leave are available after successful completion of a 180 worked day probationary period.  Benefits also include a Washington State insurance package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability; a retirement benefits package, with choice between the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Plan 2 or 3, up to five days of bereavement leave, depending on relative, up to 3 days birth/adoption leave, military leave per RCW 38.40.060 and paid civil/jury duty.  Additional optional benefits include ability to participate in a medical Flexible Spending plan, Limited Purpose Flexible Spending plan, or Health Savings Account; Dependent Care Assistance; auto and homeowners insurance discounts, employee only tuition waiver assistance; and two voluntary investment (not matched) programs - TIAA (403b) or the State Deferred Compensation (457) plan.  
 
The regular work schedule is generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but may be scheduled during the 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. workday; schedule may vary, especially around quarter start and end and peak dates, and may require some overtime hours.  The position will be expected to work onsite full-time with the possibility of some limited remote or flexible work arrangements.  
 

BTC is committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming campus that supports diversity, promotes a sense of community, provides an effective work and learning environment, and encourages respect for individuals.  As an Equal Opportunity employer, BTC values diversity and aims to recruit employees that reflect the diverse backgrounds of our community, including ethnicity, national origin, religion, race, gender, gender identity, age, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, disability, and sexual orientation. The successful candidate will be expected to establish a successful and supportive learning environment for a diverse college student population with a wide-range of backgrounds and experiences.  

    Closes 5 pm June 2, 2023.  AA/EOE