Financial Aid Specialist I or II*

About Colorado Mountain College Imagine working at a college that welcomes everyone — students, faculty, staff, and community members — regardless of their backgrounds, beliefs, or traditions. An institution that is also integrally connected to, appreciated by, and supported by those same communities. Envision yourself at a dynamic, innovative, forward-leaning college that has a highly entrepreneurial spirit and deep commitment to every learner – from first-generation college students and new-traditional and adult learners to academically motivated students seeking a more traditional liberal arts education – all within a robust and highly personalized learning environment. Visualize applying your energy and skills to an organization that respects and cares about its employees enough to offer competitive compensation and benefits while encouraging every team member to renew and recharge in places of inspiration, reflection, and world-class outdoor recreation. Welcome to Colorado Mountain College and its eleven campus locations sprinkled across a spectacular region of Colorado’s central Rocky Mountains. Our vision Colorado Mountain College aspires to be the most inclusive and innovative student-centered college in the nation, elevating the economic, social, cultural, and environmental vitality of its beautiful Rocky Mountain communities. The college CMC is a comprehensive, public, open-access dual-mission institution offering 136 academic programs ranging from bachelor’s and associate degrees, specialized certificates, and a wide range of online, non-credit and lifelong learning courses, as well as extensive concurrent enrollment opportunities in close partnership with neighboring school districts. Over 15,000 students attend CMC annually, and 40% of degree-seeking students earn a certificate or degree every year. The college’s Latinx enrollment has doubled in six years to 29%, making CMC a federally-designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). CMC courses are highly personal and many are experiential by design, each with a maximum registration of 25 students. Colorado Mountain College campuses are located in Aspen, Carbondale, Breckenridge, Dillon, Steamboat Springs, downtown Glenwood Springs, Glenwood Springs-Spring Valley, Leadville, Rifle, the Vail Valley, and Salida. Of these locations, three are “traditional” residential—Spring Valley, Leadville, and Steamboat Springs; students in Breckenridge, Edwards, Spring Valley and Steamboat Spring have access to college-owned apartment-style housing. CMC campuses are close-knit communities, on average serving between 1,000 – 2,000 students. The majority of the college’s financial support comes from local property taxes, not tuition or state revenues. Consequently, CMC is uniquely positioned to be entrepreneurial, nimble, mission-focused, and responsive to community and workforce needs. The college’s Central Services office, which provides administrative support to all campus locations, is located in historic downtown Glenwood Springs, the town from which CMC originally launched in 1965. Colorado Mountain College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and authorized by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education. For general information about CMC, its programs, locations, students, faculty, and offerings, go to: . Our commitment to an environment where everyone belongs Our college and beloved mountain communities are enriched by a variety of voices and experiences. At Colorado Mountain College, we continually work to improve learning and working environments that welcome everyone. We are deeply committed to promoting a free and open exchange of ideas, improving critical thinking, deepening mutual empathy and respect, and ensuring that every learner and team member has equal opportunities for personal and professional success. The college prioritizes the recruitment, hiring and retaining of a highly engaged workforce that reflects and supports the backgrounds, characteristics and aspirations of the students enrolled at the college. CMC therefore values applicants who demonstrate prior accomplishments, training, and a commitment to the concepts of inclusive and equitable practices, as well as an understanding of historic and current social issues that impact groups of different socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. CMC employees enjoy regular opportunities to raise their awareness about pressing societal issues, develop individual critical thinking skills, and expand their understanding of and empathy toward others regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or other factors. Our goal is to deliver highly personalized teaching methods and effective student support services that enable students to achieve their goals, regardless of academic or financial barriers. Applicants to Colorado Mountain College must demonstrate a commitment and competence to work effectively with students, employees, and community members of all backgrounds. For more information about CMC, go to: . The position Under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid Specialist I perform various services to successfully guide students through the financial aid process including outreach, completion of financial aid forms, monitoring, serve as Work Study liaison and provide effective communication with students. This Financial Aid Specialist will be one of the first points of contact for prospective students and families and is instrumental in establishing an understanding of all financing options available to make CMC viable and affordable. *Financial Aid Specialist I or II may be hired, depending on candidate qualifications **Remote work options may be available and will be evaluated on an individual basis. On site attendance will be required at times for all positions. All candidates selected must live and perform all CMC work in the State of Colorado. Hours can vary based on time of year and student needs. This position will be required to visit our campuses in Western Colorado for certain events or meetings, including new student orientations, visit days or other occasions deemed important by the employee's supervisor. Hiring range Financial Aid Specialist I = $54,196.70 - $60,218.55 ($26.06 - $28.95 per hour) annual salary depending upon a combination of education and experience. Hiring range Financial Aid Specialist II = $59,616.36 - $66,240.41 ($28.66 - $31.85 per hour) annual salary depending upon a combination of education and experience. Excellent benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Pet insurance, retirement contribution, tuition reimbursement, annual & sick time, mental health resources, healthy lifestyle benefits, affordable transitional housing may be available to the successful candidate based on eligibility and availability, relocation if applicable. CMC utilizes a wage progression compensation model that accounts for a candidate’s skill and experience. Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. View/download job description including hiring salary range: or Pre-requisites for Position (Qualifications Standards) Education and experience are sufficient for the rigors of the position. Examples may include a Bachelor’s Degree and two years related experience, or an Associate’s Degree and four years of related experience, or equivalent education and experience that will provide the necessary knowledge, skill and abilities to perform the functions of the position. Experience with the administration of Federal Student Aid, VA and TA funds. NASFAA U Credentialing courses preferred: Application Process, Campus-Based Programs, Cost of Attendance, Packaging & Notification of Awards, Student Eligibility, and Verification. Renew certificates as needed, to support professional development needs. Colleague software experience preferred. The Financial Aid Specialist will work proactively and utilize problem-solving skills to promote success through enrollment and retention while maintaining compliance with all internal and federal financial aid policies and procedural information. Internal customer service is extensive and time sensitive. Welcoming. Innovative. Focused on Student Success. These principles reflect the soul of CMC. They guide us in building our teams, cultivating leaders, and expanding our approaches and mindset. They guide us to be an institution of higher education that’s the right fit for every faculty member, staff, student, and community member in its trust. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to working effectively with students, employees, and community members of all backgrounds.