Scholarship Support Assistant

The East-West Center (EWC) promotes better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific through cooperative study, research, and dialogue. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1960, the Center serves as a resource for information and analysis on critical issues of common concern, bringing people together to exchange views, build expertise, and develop policy options. The Center’s 21-acre Honolulu campus, adjacent to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, includes conference facilities, three residence halls, and an office building that houses research, program, and administrative activities. The Center also has an office in Washington, D.C., that provides accessibility to US, regional government stakeholders, and program partners with innovative training, analytical and dialogue exchange, and public diplomacy products to meet US policy priorities and expressed needs in the Indo-Pacific region.

Our Education team is currently seeking a Scholarship Support Assistant who can provide exceptional administrative and fiscal support to the Center's scholarship programs. This position supports the smooth operation of the scholarship programs while coordinating the technical aspects of scholarship applications that include awarding, benefits and housing, funds disbursement, as well as tax and visa compliance. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously and effectively within a collaborative work environment.

MAJOR DUTIES:

• Coordinates the payment of stipends, housing charges, meal plans, health insurance, book allowances, university tuition/student fees, and other approved/budgeted payments across student programs for all degree student programs and funding streams, including scholarship awards through the EWC Foundation.
• Assists with implementation of grant award, modifications, financial reporting, and closeouts.
• Assists with collecting and reconciling program fee payments for student affiliates and affiliate scholars. Processes registration fee payments for the annual International Graduate Student Conference if paid in check or cash prior to the date of the conference and completes final deposit form for total payments made online through Submittable.
• Reviews and reconciles participant housing charges and informs Housing if any corrections or adjustments are required. Consults with appropriate personnel if needed to verify appropriate payments for participants. Incumbent will need to work closely with participants in verifying information submitted on payment forms.
• Monitors collection of repayment for participant-related accounts receivable.
• Assists in the preparation of annual issuance of tax forms and certification statements for participants by reconciling year-end tax withholdings.
• Prepares travel grants and monitors visa and tax status for participants of the annual International Graduate Student Conference as well as other Education Program and EWC Foundation travel grants for participants. Processes payment documents for field research and conference scholarships.
• Assists ADB & EWC Scholarships Assistant and Fiscal Officer in preparation of fiscal reporting to Asian Development Bank (ADB)/Japan Scholarship Program (JSP) Headquarters.
• Prepares as needed timely and accurate payment of stipend, housing charges, and health insurance needs for participants in the residential PDP programs taking place in Honolulu.
• Prepares appropriate fiscal documents across the Education Program.
• Submits fiscal documents to the appropriate offices in a timely manner and monitors their progress to the point of payment. Assists with payment documents for other aspects of the Education Program as needed.
• Monitors periodic payments related to contracts for the student program and Education Program in cooperation with program staff.
  
• Using information gathered from Participation Agreement and Award Change Notification documents, prepares appropriate payment documents to meet specified payment schedules and participant award terms and conditions across the student programs.
• Coordinates the purchase of health insurance for EWC students and short-term participants, ensuring it meets visa and university requirements as well as federal and state regulations. Works with brokers to get bids and works with partners such as UH Health Services in assessing policy options.
• Conveys tax and health insurance information by conducting short procedural presentations for each unique degree student program, before the beginning of fall and spring terms, and for short-term programs, including all residential PDP programs that have insurance/tax information needs. Reviews and monitors participant tax status for compliance of federal tax requirements.
• Develops and maintains appropriate databases and files to assure timely and accurate payments. Responsible for data management requiring extensive use of spreadsheet formulas. Creates and maintains reports using various data extracts as needed and assigned.
• Prepares and sends email announcements and collects and compiles applications for conference and field research grants in accordance with grant requirements as assigned.
• Assists in facilitating various Education Program activities and serves as backup to other program assistants in the Education Program.

This list of major duties is not exhaustive. Duties be supplemented on an occasional basis in accordance with the requirements of the job.

SUPERVISION: This position works under the general supervision of the Media Program Manager. The incumbent is expected to carry out policies, programs, and procedures independently. The employee keeps the supervisor informed of progress, anticipated problems, or conflicts. Work is reviewed as it progresses for timeliness, effectiveness, and completeness in meeting objectives.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Education & Experience – At least four (4) years of relevant work experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position; or a combination of post-high school education and directly related experience which totals four (4) years.

Communication – Strong written and verbal communication skills. Must be able to effectively communicate and interact with people of diverse backgrounds and abilities in person, on the phone and in digital environments.

Demonstrated Ability – to organize, prioritize and coordinate work involving a wide variety of tasks; to take initiative and work independently and cooperatively in following through on assignments; to assume responsibility for whole areas of work and integrate information from relevant sources; to gather and/or prepare background materials; to work effectively and deal pleasantly and helpfully with people of diverse cultural backgrounds; to work under the pressure of deadlines and competing demands; to acquire and maintain knowledge of and appropriately apply various policies and procedures; to establish and maintain accurate files and records; to adapt to changes and exercise good judgment in dealing with a variety of situations; to perform effectively in a non-routine work environment; to appropriately handle confidential information; to make arithmetic computations and record figures accurately; to handle detail-oriented assignments with accuracy, to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and to function effectively as a work leader.

Knowledge – of office practices and procedures, particularly as they apply to project management and event planning computer program use, database software, office machine usage, and other related administrative best practices; of correct English grammar, punctuation, spelling, and word usage; proficiency in computer programs (such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Professional and other equivalent applications) and virtual meeting platforms (e.g. Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams).

Physical Requirements – Able to walk up and down stairways, use a ladder, carry supplies and equipment, walk between conference rooms/floors, and move furniture and supplies up to 40 pounds; Sit, walk or stand for extended periods of time; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, operate standard office equipment, and use a phone; see and read a computer screen and printed matter with or without vision aids; read and understand rules and policies, labels, and instructions; and to hear, speak and understand speech at normal levels and on the telephone.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Payment processing experience in an academic/adult student environment. Experience with online payment processing. Experience working on a shared drive and/or network.

SALARY AND BENEFITS OF WORKING AT THE EAST-WEST CENTER

You will have the opportunity to join an organization that values its employees and provides a supportive work environment. Here are some of the benefits you can expect:

Competitive Salary and Benefits - The annual salary for this position starts at $56,664.45 per year with an attractive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement savings with a very generous company match, and paid time off.

Career Growth Opportunities - We believe in investing in our employees and providing opportunities for career growth and development. You will have the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities and advance your career within our organization.

Supportive Work Environment - We believe in fostering a supportive work environment where our employees feel valued and appreciated. We encourage open communication and collaboration and provide the tools and resources our employees need to succeed.

HOW TO APPLY: If you're interested in applying for the role, submit an electronic application at APPLY FOR THIS JOB NOW so that you can be immediately considered. Here are some tips to help you prepare you for our job application process:

• Tailor Your Resume and Write a Compelling Cover Letter

Make sure that your resume is tailored to the specific requirements of the job. Highlight your relevant experience and skills and provide examples of how you have demonstrated leadership in your previous roles. Your cover letter should be tailored to the job and provide a clear and concise summary of your qualifications and experience. Explain why you are interested in the role and how you can contribute to our team. Our initial assessment will be based on the information you submit in your application.

• Be Prepared for the Interview

If you are invited for an interview, make sure that you are well prepared. Research our company and its role and be prepared to answer questions about your experience and qualifications.

• Provide Three Professional References

Ensure that your references can attest to your skills, work ethic, and integrity. What these people reveal about you — both in terms of what they do and don’t say — can make a difference in whether you’ll be hired. So, it’s extremely important that you choose wisely when deciding who to use as a reference.

The East-West Center is a premier institution in the Indo-Pacific to convene, develop, and equip a network of leaders to solve challenges of common concern. Founded in 1960, the Center has been a leader in promoting understanding and cooperation between the United States and the Indo-Pacific region through its innovative programs and research initiatives.

The Center is dedicated to creating respectful and inclusive programming that values innovation and growth through collaborations across the organization and the region. With its cutting-edge research, educational programs, and vibrant community, the East-West Center has become a hub of academic excellence and cultural exchange. Whether you are a student, researcher, or simply someone interested in making a difference for peoples and communities throughout Asia, the Pacific and the US, the East-West Center is the perfect place to explore and discover new perspectives.

As required under Title IX, the East-West Center does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational programs or activities it operates, including admissions and employment. This is a full-time, in-person role that requires the desired candidate to physically reside in Oahu, Hawaii.