Rappahannock Community College (RCC), founded in 1970, provides high-quality educational and training opportunities throughout a 12-county service region an hour east of Richmond on the beautiful western shore of the Chesapeake Bay with access to fresh local seafood and water activities. RCC delivers accessible and affordable educational opportunities, including for-credit transfer and career technical programs, robust distance education coursework, quality dual enrollment courses, and award-winning workforce training and credentialing programs. RCC’s annualized enrollment of 3,259 credit students in 2023-2024 and over 800 workforce and community development students are supported by over 120 full-time employees and 200 part-time/adjunct employees across two main campuses and four satellite sites.

RCC is a two-campus institution serving a rural and diverse 12-county area in the Chesapeake Bay region of Virginia, whose mission is to provide inclusive access to exceptional training and educational opportunities meeting the community’s needs and preparing individuals for success as learners, employees, and citizens.

Are you someone who wants to help students achieve their educational and professional dreams?

RCC seeks applicants for the Financial Aid Liaison position who share RCC’s values of integrity, diversity, equity, and inclusion, excellence, access, and learning for life. This is a full-time, restricted classified staff position and is grant-funded. Continuation of the position is contingent upon funding. Currently, the position is funded through June 30, 2028. RCC has an excellent benefits package, and the anticipated salary range will be $45,000 – $55,000, commensurate with experience. This position will be located on the Warsaw campus.

The College desires candidates with a commitment to the community college mission. The successful candidate will be committed to academic excellence, continuous improvement through professional development, and creating a collegial environment of civility, collaboration and open communication. The College strives for staff with expertise in best practices and innovative strategies that support teaching and learning and who are well connected to the communities we serve.

Reporting to the Financial Aid Coordinator, The Financial Aid Liaison specializes in Pell Grant support and is responsible for assisting Pell-eligible students throughout the financial aid process, ensuring they receive the necessary guidance to access and maintain their financial aid. This position focuses on providing personalized support, improving student retention, and enhancing financial literacy among Pell Grant recipients.

Responsibilities of the Financial Aid Liaison include but are not limited to:

Financial Aid Counseling:

• Provide one-on-one counseling to Pell Grant-eligible students regarding the financial aid application process--including FAFSA completion, verification, and understanding award packages.
• Assist students in understanding Pell Grant eligibility requirements and how to maintain their aid.
• Work closely with admissions, business office manager, and academic departments to facilitate a seamless student experience.

Student Support and Retention:

• Monitor academic progress of Pell Grant recipients to ensure compliance with Satisfactory Academic progress (SAP) standards.
• Develop and implement interventions for students at risk of losing financial aid eligibility due to academic or enrollment issues.
• Integrate into college early alert programs as a financial contact for flagged Pell students.
• Collaborate with academic advisors as well as student services and academic areas to support student success initiatives.
• Participate or plan campus events such as orientation, open houses, and financial aid fairs.

Financial Literacy Education:

• Conduct workshops and seminars on financial literacy topics such as budgeting, debt management, and responsible borrowing.
• Create and distribute educational materials to help students make informed financial decisions.

Outreach and Communication:

• Serve as the point of contact for students and parents responding to Pell Grant outreach efforts.
• Engage community partners/organizations and generally widen the reach of financial aid dissemination in the college’s community.
• Provide access for FAFSA eligibility/completion to RCC/Haynesville Correctional Center Education Program students.
• Proactively reach out to eligible students who have not applied for financial aid or are facing challenges in the process.

Compliance and Reporting:

• Comply with federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies.
• Maintain accurate records of student interactions, educational and outreach programs offered, as well as other assistance provided.
• Assist in preparing reports related to Pell Grant disbursement, usage, and student outcomes.
• Track College Pell Boost program budget and ensure appropriate recording of expenses.
• Set measurable objectives based on local college needs and track progress throughout the year.
• Follow guidance and requirements as disseminated by the VCCS Program Coordinator.

Requirements:

• Experience working with diverse individuals and groups.
• Strong interpersonal skills and effective problem-solving skills.
• Excellent customer service skills, including the ability to effectively follow up and follow through.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to the needs of individuals from underserved populations.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and work effectively with multi-cultural populations that support diversity, cultural understanding and inclusion.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, work in a demanding, fast-paced environment with changing priorities, and adhere to required timelines meeting work priorities and objectives.
• Demonstrated proficiency using Office 365, Google Suite, and related applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Desire to learn and grow in the role.
• Ability to track program outcomes, set measurable objectives, and work toward those targets.
• Knowledge of student barriers and current evidence-based solutions.
• Community outreach and connection with community partners may include evenings and weekends.

Additional Considerations:

• Experience in higher education areas such as financial aid, academic/career coaching, advising or related areas.
• Experience using tools such as EAB Navigate, PeopleSoft SIS, & Canvas.

Please Apply at:  https://jobs.vccs.edu/postings/80099