Program Manager, Need-Based Programs

Full Job Description

This recruitment will remain open until a sufficient number of qualified candidates have applied. First review of applications is expected to occur on 03/16/2026 and will be ongoing. It is in the applicants’ best interest to submit their application materials as early as possible.

Why work for the Washington Student Achievement Council?

At the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), we are committed to increasing educational opportunities and attainment in Washington.

We believe that every person living in the state of Washington should have access to educational opportunities and be encouraged to pursue education or training beyond high school.

To achieve our mission, we:

• Lead statewide strategic planning to increase educational attainment.
• Administer programs that help people access and pay for college.
• Advocate for the economic, social, and civic benefits of higher education.
• Learn more about the work of the Washington Student Achievement Council and our equity statement at www.wsac.wa.gov.

At WSAC

Our programs and policies work with diverse communities to eliminate barriers to people pursuing education beyond high school. As an employer, we strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a competitive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

• We offer flexible/alternative work schedules, wellness activities, and teleworking opportunities.
• Eligible employees who are new parents or legal guardians can bring their infant (six weeks to six months) when returning to work.
• Employees have access to tuition assistance and tuition waiver programs.
• If you have experience advocating for communities of color or others who are experiencing educational inequities, including those directly impacted by the criminal justice system; people who identify as queer, trans, lesbian, gay or bisexual; veterans; and people with disabilities you are strongly encouraged to apply, even if you don’t meet all of the desired/preferred qualification listed.

Learn more about WSAC’s mission and our commitment to equity.

Our Commitment to Equity

About the Position

The Program Manager plays a critical role in expanding equitable access to higher education across Washington State.

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Need-Based Programs, this classified position leads the daily operations, innovation, and continuous improvement of the Early Path to WA Grant, an early commitment initiative that guarantees maximum Washington College Grant (WA Grant) funding to eligible high school students receiving public benefits (SNAP and FAP), without requiring a financial aid application.

This position manages the program’s customer service and technical operations, ensuring eligible students are accurately identified, verified, and awarded.

The Program Manager works directly within the auto-eligibility database to review documentation, validate eligibility, approve student files, and issue certificates.

The role partners closely with the College Access and Initiatives team to manage student data intake and collaborate with IT to maintain system functionality and resolve technical issues.

As a primary point of contact for financial aid inquiries, this position supports students, families, school counselors, community partners, apprenticeship participants, and individuals in the Prison Education Program.

The Program Manager provides guidance on the Washington College Grant, College Bound, Passport to Careers, and related funding opportunities.

In addition, this role supports the fiscal integrity of need-based aid programs through backup financial processing responsibilities, including payment processing and report review.

This is a high-impact position for someone who thrives at the intersection of program management, student support, data systems, and cross-team collaboration and who is committed to advancing educational access and equity statewide.

Requirements

Some of What You'll Be Doing Includes:

Program Management & Operations

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Early Path to WA Grant program, including application processing, technical support, and system functionality, in collaboration with SFA team members.

• Interpret, implement, and provide guidance on Early Path to WA Grant program policies and procedures.
• Support administration of the Washington College Grant (WCG) and College Bound Scholarship (CBS) programs by assisting students, families, and college guidance staff.
• Assist with developing and delivering training, presentations, and technical assistance to financial aid administrators to ensure equitable treatment of Early Path to WA Grant program applicants.
• Monitor student accounts to identify potential fraudulent applications and collaborate with institutions to investigate and resolve concerns.
• Identify and resolve duplicate student records.
• Contribute to annual updates of the WCG and CBS Program Manual.

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate regularly with Strategy & Partnerships, IT, College Access Initiatives, and community partners to support program implementation.
• Develop and distribute guidance and instructional materials to financial aid administrators.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for students, families, and community partners regarding the Early Path to WA Grant platform process, including technical support.
• Provide exceptional customer service to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Support equitable access by coordinating translation services and communication tools for non-English-speaking applicants.

Technology & Systems Support

• Partner with the Washington College Grant team to review, test, and implement annual system updates.
• Identify system enhancement needs; test new releases and ensure successful implementation.
• Train institutions and external stakeholders on the Early Path to WA Grant program systems and processes.
• Maintain data integrity and ensure proper record retention and archiving.
• Work with the Customer Interface Manager and IT staff to clarify business rules and program requirements, and remain available to troubleshoot issues.
• Submit and monitor IT tickets to address system improvements and technical issues.

Administrative & Fiscal Oversight

• Support monitoring of the Early Path to WA Grant Program budget, including proviso funding, in partnership with the Assistant Director, Need-Based Programs.
• Assist with the development of biennial allotment plans, expenditure review, and monitoring of application-related costs.
• Collaborate with accounting staff and SFA division colleagues to ensure fiscal accuracy.
• Maintain current program information on the WSAC website and in publications.

Reporting & Compliance

• Support quarterly and annual reconciliation and interim reporting processes.
• Assist in analyzing institutional reporting for accuracy and trends; resolve discrepancies with institutions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations governing financial aid programs.
• Monitor legislation affecting the Early Path to WA Grant program and provide analysis on potential impacts.
• Develop management reports and provide basic data analysis.

Qualifications

Required

• Three years of experience in program or grant management, OR an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.
• Ability to interpret rules, policies, and procedures and communicate the same in a concise, comprehensive manner to diverse groups of people.
• Proficiency in working with administrative procedures and record-keeping systems.
• Ability to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and technology platforms used for remote work and/or meetings.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with external agencies and the public in a professional manner.
• Demonstrated commitment and/or experience honoring equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Broad understanding of financial aid rules and regulations.
• Ability to work in a remote environment with limited direct supervision.

Preferred/Desired Education

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a variety of individuals, institutional and sector representatives, and students.
• Experience supervising or leading teams.
• Experience in administering financial aid programs.
• Experience managing administrative or program budgets, including grant-funded programs.
• Experience providing technical support to partners and clients.
• Ability to interpret governmental writings - Legislature, IRS, US Dept. of Education.
• Bilingual, Spanish

Additional Information

To be considered for this position, you must possess the required qualifications listed above. Find this job posting and complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov. A complete application package includes:

1. Letter of Application. A letter of application that addresses how you meet the required education and experience described in this announcement. Applications with generic cover letters will be considered nonresponsive and may be eliminated from further consideration.
2. Resume. A detailed resume including all educational and professional experience.
3. References. A list of names, titles, and current telephone numbers of three (3) employment references.
4. Your responses to the supplemental questions.

Please Note: Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

QUESTIONS?
For questions about this recruitment, email Karenm@wsac.wa.gov.

EEO Statement
The Washington Student Achievement Council is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all applicants and employees. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, and veterans are encouraged to apply. If you need accommodation in the application process or wish to receive this job announcement in an alternative format, please call 360.485.1138 or email HumanResources@wsac.wa.gov.