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

State of Alaska•Anchorage, AK

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is hiring a Scholarships & Grants Specialist for its Communications & Outreach Team. The specialist coordinates and conducts statewide outreach and training about ACPE-administered scholarship and grant programs, increasing Alaskans’ awareness of postsecondary funding opportunities and strengthening partnerships with education stakeholders to improve access to and use of these resources. The position develops and delivers training and planning materials for education stakeholders, students, and families, including grade-specific resources for students in grades 8–12. It also supports other ACPE outreach initiatives as needed and may undertake special projects assigned by the Director of Communications & Outreach or Executive Director. The role is based in Anchorage and offers a flexible/hybrid schedule after the probationary period. During probation, employees must work full-time in person at the Anchorage or Juneau office, Monday through Friday. After successfully completing probation, employees may telework from the Greater Anchorage area up to four days per week, with one in-office day per week; additional in-person attendance may be required based on agency needs. ACPE describes itself as a collaborative, mission-focused agency that supports employee learning, training, and professional growth. The position is exempt, Range 17, and recruitment is limited to Alaska residents. The minimum qualification is a baccalaureate degree or four years of related experience in higher education outreach, marketing, or communications; directly relevant experience may substitute for education year for year, though preference is given to applicants meeting the degree requirement.

Requirements

Baccalaureate degree or four years of related experience in higher education outreach, marketing, or communications; directly relevant experience may substitute for education year for year.
Knowledge of statutes, regulations, and policies pertaining to Alaska scholarship and grant programs.
Knowledge of Alaska statutes, regulations, and policies regarding educational funding, financial aid, loan programs, and the Alaska Higher Education Investment Fund.
Knowledge of education challenges and barriers for low-income and first-generation postsecondary students, especially those specific to Alaska, rural communities, and Native populations.
Knowledge of Alaska’s K–16 educational system and student academic advising, education, and career development resources.
Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Public speaking and presentation skills, including a calm disposition with diverse audiences.
Effective written communication for a variety of market segments.
Ability to use design programs such as InDesign, Photoshop, or Canva.
Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to understand and interpret communications and apply appropriate policies, regulations, and laws.
Ability to develop training materials and presentations.
Ability to collaborate with agency marketing and outreach teams and external stakeholders in support of Alaska scholarship and grant programs.
Ability to speak publicly to large groups across various populations.
Ability to manage multiple assignments, activities, or deadlines while maintaining composure and attention to detail.
Ability to manage content and agency engagement.
Ability to make independent decisions while working in a team environment.
Ability to travel across Alaska, sometimes in challenging conditions.
Ability to take initiative, develop ideas with supervisors and coworkers, and perform job functions responsibly.
Ability to professionally and accurately represent ACPE, its programs, and partners.
Ability to articulate the value of postsecondary education.
Applicants must meet Alaska residency requirements.
A cover letter of no more than one page (2–3 paragraphs) is required and must address how the applicant’s knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience align with the role’s responsibilities and desired qualifications.

Nice To Haves

Preference is given to applicants who meet the baccalaureate degree requirement rather than substituting relevant experience.

Responsibilities

Develop and deliver statewide trainings about state scholarship and grant programs to relevant education stakeholders.
Increase visibility and understanding of available scholarship and grant programs.
Promote clarity of processes among schools, districts, the Department of Education & Early Development, ACPE, and postsecondary institutions.
Develop and deliver grade-specific scholarship and grant trainings for students and families in grades 8–12.
Ensure students starting in grade 8 have access to planning resources related to program eligibility.
Develop and enhance grade-specific scholarship and grant planning materials and communications in coordination with ACPE’s Director of Communications & Outreach, Marketing Specialist, and other stakeholders.
Provide supplemental support for ACPE outreach initiatives, including AKCIS, ACAC, AFCI, Institutional Authorization, and Success Center, as needed.
Perform other duties and special projects assigned by the Director of Communications & Outreach and/or Executive Director.

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, long-term care, and supplemental survivor benefits.
Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care or dependent care expenses.
Membership in the Public Employees’ Retirement System or Teachers’ Retirement System, 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.
Personal leave that increases with years of service.
Twelve paid State holidays each year.
Training and support for employee development and opportunities for upward mobility.