Deputy Director-Office of Student Access and Completion

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Company: Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission
Location: Salem, OR

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Principle Executive Manager E

Office of Student Access and Completion

Salem/Eugene

REQ – 27472

The Higher Education Coordinating Commission is currently seeking to fill one permanent, full-time Deputy Director Position within our Office of Student Access and Completion . This position will be based out of Salem with frequent travel to Eugene.

HECC Diversity Statements

The HECC strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet every one of our qualifications listed. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.

About the Agency

HECC AGENCY VISION – The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) envisions a future in which all Oregonians—and especially those whom our systems have underserved and marginalized—benefit from the transformational power of high-quality postsecondary education and training.

The HECC’s eight (8) offices include: Executive Director, Operations (Ops), Research and Data (R&D), Student Access and Completion (OSAC), Academic Policy and Authorization (APA), Postsecondary Finance and Capital (PFC), Community Colleges and Workforce Development (CCWD), and Workforce Investments (OWI). This position is located within the following office-

The Office of Student Access & Completion (OSAC) expands opportunities for Oregonians to access their higher education and career training goals through information, mentoring, and financial aid. Programs administered through OSAC that support students include:

  • ASPIRE information and mentoring programs: ASPIRE Middle & High School and Summer Bridge.
  • Outreach Programs: FAFSA Plus, in-person presentations, and tabling events directly serving students and families.
  • Financial aid programs:
    • State programs: Oregon Opportunity Grant, Oregon Promise Grant, Student Child Care Grant, Oregon National Guard State Tuition Assistance Grant, JOBS Plus, and other grants.
    • Federal programs: Chafee Education and Training Grant (for former foster youth).
    • Private scholarship programs: OSAC works in partnership with The Oregon Community Foundation, The Ford Family Foundation, and other donors to administer more than 600 scholarships.

Here’s what you will do…

The primary purpose of this position is to manage and provide leadership for the Grants & Scholarships, and ASPIRE sections. To collaborate with all postsecondary education institutions, private and public, as well as various nonprofit associations, foundations, K-12 schools and districts, and state agencies and multiple stakeholders to ensure greater levels of access to college, student aid, and ultimately better outcomes for Oregonians in adherence to applicable state and federal rules and guidelines.

Duties

Provides leadership, administration, and collaborates with statewide partners and multiple organizations in program service delivery, grants and scholarships at postsecondary institutions, and college access and postsecondary success programs.

  • Represents OSAC and the HECC as liaison to state and national associations, stakeholder groups, and advisory councils.
  • Develops and implements statewide long-range strategic plans, priorities, and policies consistent with the Governor’s education and workforce priorities, and the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, U.S. Department of Education.
  • Exercises responsibility and authority to determine the most effective use of state and private (donor) resources, to implement the goals and objectives for providing college access and postsecondary success services, grants and scholarships to Oregonians.
  • Develops policy and implements programs and initiatives to achieve the expected or mandated outcomes of state funding streams, donor agreements, public and private contracts.
  • In accordance with the HECC’s adoption of the Equity Lens, ensures that internal and external policies and plans of the agency reflect the Commission’s commitment to those with the highest need, rural communities, and communities of color, English Language Learners, and other historically under-served communities.
  • Prioritizes statewide programs by evaluating the needs Oregonians and ensuring that legislative and executive mandates are covered while assessing the availability of staff, fiscal, and equipment resources needed to implement policy effectively.
  • Prepares and directs the preparation state biennial budget processes and requests for programs.
  • Identifies and resolves conflicts between stakeholders, funders, customers, local and state program and reporting staff.
  • Develops and negotiates contracts and interagency agreements that administer program funding.
  • Oversees through ongoing monitoring program expenditure patterns, utilization, and effective impact evaluation.
  • Orchestrates the design and implementation of effective monitoring tools that provide relevant data metrics for program operations and functional policy monitoring and strategic implementation to best achieve the goals and objectives of OSAC, HECC and the State of Oregon.

Provides leadership, direction, and supervision for subordinate staff within the Grants & Scholarships, and ASPIRE Sections. This is accomplished through:

  • Staff Planning and Development: Plan, assign and review work of staff, adjusting work assignments and schedules to maintain adequate staffing levels and respond to fluctuating workloads. Identify staffing needs based on division goals and customer needs. Develop job assignments and supporting position descriptions.
  • Provide continuous coaching and direction; evaluate employee performance and prepare annual and trial service performance appraisals. Resolve personnel problems, complaints, and formal grievances at the first level.
  • Discipline and reward employees; counsel employees in work related activities, personal growth, and career development.
  • Recruit and screen: Determine skills required for positions, conduct outreach activities, review applicant’s credentials, participate in the interview process, conduct reference checks and hire or recommend hiring of staff.
  • Provides for professional development of staff through mentoring and training.

State supervisory managers are expected to possess and model six (6) base competencies of: Communication, Innovative, Intentional Engagement, Mentoring & Developing People, Stewardship, and Business Acumen. Provides direct supervision for office staff and ensures tools, learning, and equipment necessary for staff to perform their duties are available. Meets regularly with staff to identify and provide needed support, plan and direct work, provide coaching and mentoring, and build team cohesion. Ensure processes are documented and staff are cross-trained as appropriate to ensure effective operations. Interview and select new employees taking into consideration the agency’s affirmative action goals and equity lens to increase the cultural diversity and inclusion. Plan, assign and review work. Set clear work objectives, goals and expectations with staff. Evaluate employee performance and encourage staff skill development. Identify staff training needs and prepare training plans. Coach, mentor and motivate staff. Address and correct performance as needed. Promote a positive attitude toward working safely and ensure immediate correction of unsafe work practices. Provide leadership, technical guidance and feedback to staff on technical areas.

Performs other duties as assigned by the OSAC Director, and HECC Executive Director.

To see the position description in its entirety, please contact the recruiter listed in the “Need Help” section.

Working Conditions

Typical office environment with open cubicle space. Work is conducted in an open office environment with constant interruptions. Simultaneously working on multiple tasks on a continual basis. Daily team interactions. Requires extensive computer use. May require work in excess of normal scheduled hours to meet high-volume and/or time-sensitive workload and agency priorities. Requires remaining stationary for extended periods as well as movement to: access file/storage cabinets; use and adjust office equipment; attend meetings. Requires physical activity normally associated with filing and sitting for extended periods, occasional bending, stooping, and walking several blocks to meetings in nearby buildings. Required to travel in state and out of state for mandatory training and meetings. Additionally, this position is required to either possess and maintain a valid driver’s license by the state of residence or provide an acceptable mode of alternative transportation, in order to travel to required meetings. This position is required to make public presentations to a variety of stakeholders from student/parent groups to educators, legislators and researchers. Regular travel between Salem and Eugene offices is required weekly.

The Perks

  • Competitive medical, vision and dental benefits package for the employee and qualified family members.
  • Paid days off –
    • 10 paid holidays per year.
    • 3 additional paid “Personal Business Days” per year.
    • 8 hours of sick leave accumulated every month.
    • Progressive vacation leave accrual, starting at 8 hours per month, with increases every 5 years.
  • Opportunity to participate in a deferred compensation savings program.
  • A fabulous retirement program which includes employer paid defined benefit and defined contribution programs. Click here to visit our full benefits website.

This recruitment may be used to fill other vacancies.

Minimum Qualifications (Required Skills)

Three years of management experience in a public or private organization which included responsibility for each of the following:

development of program rules and policies, development of long- and short-range goals and plans, program evaluation, and budget preparation.

  • 45-48 quarter hours (30-32 semester hours) of graduate level coursework in management may substitute for 1 year of management experience.

OR

Three years of professional experience as a program/project leader, assigning and reviewing work of professional staff (e.g., engineers, etc.) including project responsibility for:

developing goals and objectives, project evaluation, and monitoring and controlling or preparing a budget.

Desired Attributes/Skills

If you have these qualities, let us know! It’s how we will choose whom to move forward!

  • Strong management background/experience;
  • Knowledgeable of state and federal financial aid;
  • Knowledge of the legislative process;
  • Demonstrated ability and experience with project management;
  • Adaptive and development-focused approach to leadership and staff training;
  • Kind, supportive, team-oriented leadership;
  • Expertise in integrating and cross training teams with similar functions;
  • Demonstrated ability to make difficult decisions and build organizational efficiencies and effectiveness;
  • Maintain professional and collaborative working relationships with stakeholders from under-served communities of diverse cultures and backgrounds;
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to build and facilitate collaborative working relationships with diverse work groups, boards and commissions;
  • Strong interpersonal and culturally adaptive communication skills, including speaking, writing, editing and presenting information.

How to Apply

*Current State of Oregon Employees: Please apply through the Career worklet within your Employee Workday Account .*

  • Click the apply button and fill in the application fields.
  • Complete the questionnaire.
  • Upload your resume.
  • Attach a cover letter: Your cover letter must be limited to no more than two (2) pages and clearly demonstrate how your education and work experience meet the desired attributes of this position, as shown in the section above.
  • Save a copy of the recruitment announcement and any materials you would like for future review. These materials may not be available after application period closes.

After you submit your application, be sure to check your Workday inbox periodically for updates and information requests such as veterans’ preference and/or public records request authorizations.

Failure to respond to these requests may delay the review of your application materials .

Need help?

Do you have questions about the recruitment and selection process (e.g., supplemental questions, clarification of job announcement information, etc.)? Contact Christina Steele, HR Support Specialist, at Christina.steele@state.or.us or call (503) 934-3482. If you need an alternate format in order to complete the application process, please contact Christina and be prepared to describe the alternate format needed.

The Fine Print

  • Please be aware: The system will timeout after 20 minutes of inactivity. You must submit your application after you begin the process as you cannot save your progress and return later.
  • Criminal Records Check – Employment is contingent on the outcome of a criminal records check which may require fingerprints (FBI). Any history of criminal activity will be reviewed and could result in the withdrawal of the offer or termination of employment.
  • Veterans : If you are a veteran you may receive preference. If you checked that you are a veteran, a request will be sent to your Workday inbox to submit your veteran’s DD214 form. Please check your Workday inbox regularly to avoid processing delays. Click here for more information about veterans’ preference.
  • We may use the candidates from this posting to fill future vacancies.
  • If you are interested in viewing the position description in its entirety, please contact the recruiter listed above.
  • We may also use other factors to help us decide who will move forward, such as your related work experience, your education and the overall professionalism, such as spelling, punctuation and grammar, of your application materials.
  • We do not offer Visa sponsorships. If you are hired, you will be required to fill out the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming you are able to work in the US.
  • Please do not attach extra documents. We will only look at documents that we ask for.

The HECC is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity Employment Opportunity Commission under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). HECC does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring, and employment practices.