Financial Aid Lead - Salinas - Hartnell College

Description

Salary: $6, $7,382.00 Monthly
Location : Main Campus 411 Central Avenue, Salinas
Job Type: Full-Time Classified
Job Number:
Division: Student Affairs
Department: Financial Aid
Opening Date: 02/18/2026
Closing Date: 3/11/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
DESCRIPTION:
Under direction of the Director of Student Affairs, Financial Aid Services, or other administrator, the Financial Aid Lead works closely with the Director to ensure compliance with all associated reporting and auditing requirements, and coordinating the work of the department.
DISTINGUSHING CHARACTERISTICS:
Financial Aid Lead is the highest-level classification in the financial aid series. The incumbent in this position performs technical work with a high degree of accuracy in planning, organizing, and implementation of financial aid programs with considerable degree of independence, thereby relieving the Director of a wide range of routine program administration functions. The Financial Aid Lead position serves as a data expert, who performs data analysis, ensures data integrity, and understands the business processes and functional needs of the financial aid module and configuration, regular use, and data structures used in the college's student information system. The incumbent is typically assigned to support all financial aid programs, assist the Director in the coordination of the work of the department, and any of the duties contained in the lower levels of this classification.
Examples of Duties
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
The following is a list of duties that are representative of the position and include, but are not limited to,
the following:

• Keep knowledge of financial aid regulations and procedures current through self-study and communication, and communicate changes to Director of Student Affairs, Financial Aid Services and other Financial Aid staff as assigned by the Director.

• Make recommendations to the Director of Student Affairs, Financial Aid Services to develop and modify work processes in response to legislative mandates and regulation changes.

• In coordination with the Director of Student Affairs, Financial Aid Services, prepare a variety of state and federal reports, state and federal audits, and institutional data requests; participate in program review activities; compose and/or edit a variety of publications, including class schedules; prepare budget reports, special reports, proposals, recommendations, and other materials as requested.

• Serve as the liaison between Financial Aid and other departments in coordinating financial aid workshops and presentations for students, their families, other educational institutions, and community-based organizations as requested.

• Coordinate with enrollment services and financial aid staff regarding area changes, updates, and activities.

• Provide technical information and assistance to students, staff, administrators, and others concerning financial aid and scholarships, interpret policies and regulations and determine appropriate courses of action in unusual and complex circumstances.

• Serve as the backup to the Director of Student Affairs, Financial Aid Services in calculating student academic progress status; overseeing communication of status, and supporting the coordination of the student academic progress appeal process, including serving as a committee functioning member.

• Process Board of Governor's Waiver (BOGW) applications and other fee waiver programs according to established procedures.

• Maintain external contacts with government agencies and other community colleges for the purpose of coordinating, obtaining, and verifying information; communicate decisions to students as needed.

• In coordination with the Director of Student Affairs, Financial Aid Services, design and implement continuous improvement programs in all Financial Aid Office processes, procedures, and technology use.

• Assist the Director of Student Affairs, Financial Aid Services in developing and conducting training
for new staff and student workers; oversee student workers and develop their weekly work schedules.

• In coordination with the Director of Student Affairs, Financial Aid Services, maintain operational
support of computer systems and their interfaces related to the financial aid module; including
systems analysis to determine such things as solutions for implementation of new federal or state
regulatory maintenance package, or implementation of a new state aid program, or troubleshooting
interfaces with the Department of Education.

• Coordinate and collaborate with the College's Information Technology Resources Department and others regarding new, revised, and updated computerized system programs/processes within Financial Aid module.

• Serve on campus committees as assigned.

• Perform related duties as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Rules, regulations, procedures, policies and function of federal, State and District financial aid programs, including but not limited to grant and loan programs, scholarships

• Personal and financial problems encountered by college students and parents

• Financial and statistical record-keeping techniques

• Modern office practices, procedures and equipment

• Oral and written communication skills

• College and community resources for students

• Applicable computer operation and software such as word processing, database, and spreadsheet programs

• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary

• District organization, operations, policies and objectives

• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy and that encourage collaboration and conflict resolution

• Technical aspects of field of specialty
SKILLS AND ABILITY TO:

• Ensure timely, efficient and effective delivery of services to students regarding financial aid, scholarships

• Analyze systems and processes, identify gaps or breakdowns, and identify solutions to address deficiencies

• Utilize District computer information systems and its Enterprise Resource Planning system of record to perform financial aid functions and ensure data and report accuracy and integrity

• Advise, counsel and interview students regarding financial aid programs

• Utilize and apply the technology of word processing, data base, and spreadsheet applications and quickly learn new programs

• Learn and apply applicable sections of the State Education Code and other laws and regulations, District organization, operations, policies and objectives.

• Communicate effectively in English both orally and in writing

• Prepare and maintain confidential and complex records and files

• Work independently with limited direction

• Interpret and communicate complex rules, regulations, policies and procedures effectively

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

• Keyboard at a level sufficient to meet the needs of the position

• Make arithmetic calculations quickly and accurately

• Understand and follow oral and written directions

• Plan and organize work

• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action

• Work effectively with frequent interruptions

• Train and provide work direction to others

• Utilize correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary

• Understand and implement District operations, policies and objectives

• Keyboard at a level sufficient to meet the needs of the position

• Make arithmetic calculations quickly and accurately

• Conduct workshops and presentations for students, parents and other groups

• Meet schedules and time lines

• Understand and be sensitive to those of culturally, socioeconomically, and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Supplemental Information
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent education, and five years of responsible experience in financial aid or a related function.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Eligibility to access the National Student Loan Data System.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
This is a regular, full-time, 12-month per year classified position at the Main Campus. Weekly Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Starting salary: $6,073.00/monthly (Step A). The salary range 34 on the CSEA salary schedule is $6,073 - $7,382 (5Steps). The district provides health benefits consisting of full medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and a high percentage of coverage for eligible dependents. District-paid life, accident, and income protection insurance is provided for the employee only. Must become a Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) member.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
The following documents MUST be uploaded as attachments to your online application:
1) Resume
2) Cover letter
3) Unofficial College/university transcripts
Fostering a Culture of Care
Caring Campus, developed by the Institute for Evidence-Based Change (IEBC), is dedicated to creating a culture of care within community colleges. The objective of IEBC's program is to increase student retention and success. We understand that when students feel connected to their college, they are more likely to succeed academically.
At Hartnell College, we embrace the culture. By implementing intentional, campus-wide behavioral commitments, we enhance our existing student success initiatives and create an environment where care and support are integral.
Join us on this journey of fostering a caring environment where students thrive. Together, we can transform Hartnell College into a place where care and success go hand in hand, empowering our students to reach their full potential.
Applicant Acknowledgment
I understand that working in a community college environment requires a strong commitment to serving students and community members from diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds. I recognize the importance of fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment that promotes equitable access, student success, and a sense of belonging for all individuals at Hartnell College.
EEO Statement
Hartnell Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of ethnic group identification, race, color, language, accent, immigration status, ancestry, national origin, age, gender, gender identity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, physical or mental disability consistent with applicable federal and state laws.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page.
01
IMPORTANT: All applicants must respond to the following questions directly. Your answers are essential for evaluating your qualifications for this position. Using "See resume," attachments, or links will not be accepted. Confirm below that you have read and understood these instructions.

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have a Bachelor's degree or higher?

• Yes
• No

03
If you do not possess a bachelor's degree, what equivalent education do you have? Explain
04
Do you have five years of responsible experience in financial aid or a related function. Explain
05
Are you eligible to access the National Student Loan Data System?

• Yes
• No

06
APPLICANT ACKNOWLEDGMENTI understand that working in a community college environment requires a strong commitment to serving students and community members from diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds. I recognize the importance of fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment that promotes equitable access, student success, and a sense of belonging for all individuals at Hartnell College.I acknowledge that I have read and understand the above expectations related to supporting and working effectively with diverse student and community populations.

• Yes