Scholarships & Grants Specialist (ACPE)(05-0106)

Job Description

Do you thrive in a team-centric environment? Are you passionate about connecting Alaskans with resources and opportunities to pursue postsecondary education?

If so, you are encouraged to join the Communications & Outreach Team at the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE)!

ACPE is recruiting for a Scholarships & Grants Specialist to join our Communications & Outreach Team. The successful applicant will coordinate and conduct statewide outreach and training for the scholarship and grant programs administered by ACPE.

ACPE values continuous learning and growth. ACPE hires engaged candidates who are willing to expand their knowledge and skills, and is willing to train the right candidates.

ACPE is Alaska’s postsecondary education agency, providing education and career funding solutions for college and career training. Our Anchorage office is conveniently located on Bragaw Street, with easy access to public transportation, ample parking, shopping, and more. Positions with ACPE are eligible for all State of Alaska healthcare, leave, and retirement benefits. For more information about ACPE, our mission, and our services, visit our website at

acpe.alaska.gov

.

Position Summary:

The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is seeking a Scholarships & Grants Specialist to coordinate and conduct outreach and trainings about the scholarship and grant programs administered by ACPE. This position will increase visibility and awareness to Alaskans about the available postsecondary education funding opportunities, develop and enhance partnerships with education stakeholders, to ensure stronger access to and usage of Alaska’s available postsecondary education funding resources.

Why Join Our Team:

Mission:

ACPE provides sustainable solutions for college, career and technical training. We are a collaborative team that supports one another. We actively support and model ACPE’s values:

Service, Innovation, Empowerment, Quality, and Accountability

.

Culture:

We value continuous learning and growth. ACPE is the State’s postsecondary education agency, promoting access to, and success in, education and career training after high school. We are Alaska’s trusted higher education agency; our purpose is to serve Alaskans. We operate with integrity in everything we do.

Professional Growth:

We support training for employees and have opportunities for upward mobility. ACPE seeks engaged candidates who are eager to expand their knowledge and skills. We are committed to providing the training and support needed for the right candidate to succeed.

Office Location:

This position is located in Anchorage. ACPE’s Anchorage office located on Bragaw Street near Northern Lights. This location is conveniently close to public transportation and have ample parking available.

Flexible/Hybrid Work Schedule

: This position offers a flexible/hybrid work schedule. However, during the probationary period, employees are required to work full-time, in person, at the Anchorage or Juneau office, Monday through Friday. For more information, please review the State of Alaska

Telework Policy.

Upon successfully completing the probationary period, employees become eligible to telework from the Greater Anchorage area, AK. Employees may telework up to four days per week and work in-person at the Anchorage office one day per week. Currently, all staff work in-office on Wednesday; this schedule may change based on agency needs, operational needs, special projects, meetings, or other job responsibilities that may require employees to work in the office more frequently. Employees should be prepared to report to the office as needed.

Benefits:

As a State of Alaska employee, you may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package. Actual benefits vary based on bargaining unit, position type, and full – or part-time status.

For complete information about insurance, retirement, and leave benefits, visit the

State of Alaska Division of Retirement and Benefits

website.

Insurance Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contributions

• Employer-paid Basic Life Insurance (additional optional coverage may be available)

• Optional insurance plans, including long- and short-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), long-term care, and supplemental survivor benefits

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for eligible health care or dependent care expenses

Retirement Benefits:

• Membership in the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) or Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS), as applicable

• Employer contributions to defined benefit or defined contribution retirement plans, depending on date of hire

• Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity in lieu of Social Security

• Optional participation in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program

Paid Leave and Other Benefits:

• Personal leave that increases with years of service

• Twelve paid State holidays each year

What You’ll Do:

Develop and deliver statewide trainings to relevant education stakeholders about state scholarship & grant programs

Increase visibility and understanding of the available programs

Ensure clarity of processes across stakeholders, including schools, districts, Department of Education & Early Development, ACPE, and postsecondary institutions

Develop and deliver grade-specific scholarship & grant trainings for students and families (grades 8-12)

Ensure students starting in grade 8 have access to planning resources towards program eligibility

Develop and enhance grade-specific scholarship & grant planning materials and communications in coordination with ACPE Director of Communications & Outreach, Marketing Specialist, and other stakeholders as applicable

Provide supplemental support for ACPE Outreach initiatives, as needed, including AKCIS, ACAC, AFCI, Institutional Authorization, and Success Center

Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to:

Special projects as identified/assigned by Director of Communications & Outreach and/or Executive Director

What We’re Looking For – Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge:

Statutes, regulations, and policies pertaining to Alaska scholarship and grant programs

Alaska Statutes and regulations, policies regarding Alaska educational funding/financial aid, loan programs, and the Alaska Higher Education Investment Fund

Education challenges/barriers for low income and first-generation postsecondary students, especially those unique to Alaska, its rural communities and its native populations

Alaska’s K-16 educational system

Student academic advising, education & career development resources

Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook

Skills:

Public speaking and presentation techniques, calm disposition with diverse audiences

Effective written communication for variety of market segments

Design programs including InDesign, Photoshop, Canva, etc.

Developing and maintaining professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders

Understanding and interpreting communications and applying appropriate policies, regulations, and laws

Developing training materials and presentations

Abilities:

Collaborate across agency marketing/outreach and external stakeholders in support of Alaska scholarship and grant programs

Speak publicly to large groups of people across various populations

Successfully manage multiple assignments, activities, or deadlines while maintaining composure and attention to detail

Manage content and agency engagement

Make independent decisions while working in a team environment

Travel across Alaska, in sometimes challenging conditions

Perform job functions responsibly, take initiative and develop ideas with supervisor and co-workers

Professionally and accurately represent ACPE, our programs, and partners

Articulate the value of postsecondary education

Minimum Qualifications

Baccalaureate degree or four years of related experience in higher education outreach, marketing, or communications.

Directly rel