Exempt, Workforce Funding Advisor

Whatcom Community College (WCC) is a public associate and applied baccalaureate degree granting institution with an accomplished faculty and staff who serve 7,604 students annually on its beautiful 72-acre campus in Bellingham, Washington.

Whatcom offers transfer degrees, applied baccalaureate degrees, professional and technical training programs, basic education, job skills, and community and continuing education classes. Programs and courses are offered through in-person, hybrid, and online modalities to promote access for a diverse student population.

The College is committed to equal opportunity and believes diversity of experiences and cultures enrich our campus community. The College is accredited by The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. For more information about WCC, please visit www.whatcom.edu

The Community:

Whatcom's campus is located in Bellingham (population 95,960). Bellingham showcases a strong commitment to education and is regularly rated on "best of the Northwest" lists. Bellingham is midway between Seattle, WA and Vancouver, B.C. Canada.

The city is surrounded by the rural landscape of Whatcom County (population 226,850), which is home to a thriving network of farms and scenic wilderness. As you explore our community, you'll discover historic neighborhoods, waterfront cities, farmlands and mountain towns all within a few dozen miles of each other. Bellingham and Whatcom County are known for their outdoor activities. Whether your idea of fun is visiting galleries, watching live theater, kayaking, hiking, snowboarding, or unwinding with a good book, you'll love Bellingham and Whatcom County. To learn more about Bellingham, please visit: http://www.bellingham.org

General Description of Work

Whatcom Community College invites applications for a Workforce Funding Advisor. The Workforce Funding Advisor supports the educational access and success of students from diverse backgrounds who have recent job or source of income loss, come from low-income backgrounds, and/or receive basic food assistance. This position is the primary academic and career advisor for Whatcom Community College's (WCC) Worker Retraining and Opportunity Grant programs. As a member of the Workforce Funding team, this position also determines student eligibility for other workforce funding and support programs and serves as one of the academic and career advisors for the Basic Food Employment & Training (BFET) program.

The Workforce Funding Advisor employs strengths-based strategies and works closely with Workforce Funding team members and Student Services staff to support students in accessing academic programs and financial aid, defining academic and career goals, developing academic and career plans, engaging with campus resources and opportunities, and completing programs of study to prepare for career transitions. The Advisor is responsible for assessing, approving, and processing student program funding and maintaining all required documentation for grant and college compliance. The position also supports students college enrollment and re-employment by fostering positive and collaborative relationships with campus and community partners.

This Exempt professional position reports to the Associate Director of Workforce Funding.

Responsibilities

• Determine eligibility for workforce funding programs. Monitor, distribute, and track program funds in compliance with all applicable guidelines, processes, procedures, and reporting requirements.

• Provide comprehensive career and academic advising to program-eligible students. Maintain up-to-date relevant labor market information, support students in navigating college entry processes, develop career and academic plans, monitor student enrollment and progress toward academic program completion, identify personal and academic needs, and refer students to relevant campus and community resources.

• Assist students in accessing college and community resources related to financial aid, workforce funding, emergency assistance, scholarships, career development, and other basic needs.

• Assist students with completing and submitting required paperwork for outside funding sources (e.g., Employment Security Department, Labor & Industries, etc.).

• Represent Worker Retraining, Opportunity Grant, BFET, and workforce funding programs via community and student outreach, program events, and internal and external stakeholder meetings.

• Maintain collaborative relationships with Bellingham Technical College, WorkSource, Employment Security Department, Labor & Industries, and other community and state partners.

• Serve on college committees, workgroups, and task forces, as assigned (e.g., lead the Worker Retraining Advisory Committee). Represent WCC and the regional community and technical college system on the Rapid Response Team.

• Support the Associate Director for Workforce Funding with monthly, quarterly, and annual program reporting, as directed.

• Perform other duties as assigned and/or delegated by the Associate Director for Workforce Funding.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an institutionally accredited college or university or 4 years of experience.

• Demonstrated experience working in a diverse environment, inclusive of people of varying social, economic, cultural, ideological, gender/sexuality, and ethnic backgrounds and identities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity or direct experience with Workforce grant funding programs, federal grant programs, and/or under- or unemployed workers, marginalized populations, or underrepresented populations.

• Experience working in a community college setting, particularly in student advising, student success, and/or student retention.

• Bilingual skills (Spanish language preferred).

Salary

Salary and Appointment:

• This is a twelve-month, full-time, grant funded Administrative/Exempt position with possible extension contingent on renewal of grant funding. Exempt from Washington State civil service law with an annual salary based on a range of $53,040.00-$53,040.00.

Hours and environment:

• This position works full-time on campus in an indoor office environment with direct service to students, interruptions, and reporting deadlines.

• The typical weekly schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required

Benefit Package:

• The position comes with a full benefit package, including health, dental, life, long-term disability insurance and a retirement plan.

• Accrues 8 hours per month of sick leave and 14.67 hours per month vacation leave.

• Additionally, as a Washington State, public higher education institution, WCC offers the following:

• Whatcom Community College is a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF). If you work for the College full time, have had Direct Loans and are on an eligible repayment plan, you are eligible to apply.

• Full-time employees are eligible to apply and participate in the Whatcom Community College Employee Tuition Program, which provides a tuition waiver for available and eligible WCC courses.

• Full-time employees may qualify for Washington State Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) benefit.

Start Date:

• As soon as can be arranged with the successful candidate.

Application Due Date:

• For guaranteed consideration, applications packets should be received by Monday, June 24th, 2024 at 5:00 pm. Position open until filled.

How To Apply

A completed application consists of an online application and:

• Cover letter which includes a diversity statement that addresses how you have committed to equity and inclusion in the past and how you might support a diverse workplace and educational environment through this position.

• Current resume.

• Official transcripts of any degrees listed as part of the minimum requirements will be required upon hire, but not as part of the application process.

• List of 5 professional references with contact information.

Mission and Vision Statement

Mission: Whatcom Community College contributes to the vitality of its communities by providing quality education in academic transfer, professional-technical, and lifelong learning, preparing students for active citizenship in a global society.

Vision: Whatcom is a supportive community, empowering lives through education.

EEO Statement

Whatcom Community College values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator. WCC provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, or honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the use of trained guide dog or service animal in its programs and activities. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types). As of October 1st, 2020 as per RCW 28B.112.080 WCC will be requiring all finalists for positions to complete a Declaration Regarding Sexual Misconduct. WCC 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 person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Executive Director for Human Resources, 237 W. Kellogg Road, Bellingham, WA 98226, 360.383.3400. For Title IX compliance, contact: Title IX Coordinator, 237 W. Kellogg Road, Bellingham, WA 98226, 360.383.3400. WCC publications are available in alternate formats upon request by contacting the Access and Disability Services Office at 360.383.3080; VP 360.255.7182. Whatcom Community College is a smoke-free/drug free environment.