Program Specialist , Residency

Posting open until filled. Priority consideration for applications received by September 7, 2026.

The Program Specialist 2 – Residency is primarily responsible for reviewing and determining students’ eligibility for residency classifications in accordance with Washington State residency requirements, college policies, and established procedures. This position also evaluates high school completion and equivalency for federal financial aid purposes and supports general Admissions and Enrollment Services functions.

The position requires interpreting and applying complex state residency requirements, federal Title IV financial aid regulations, immigration classifications, and college policies; evaluating sensitive and complex documentation; and communicating requirements and decisions with clarity, accuracy, and professionalism. The Residency Specialist provides direct guidance to students throughout the review process and serves as a resource to Admissions and Enrollment Services staff on residency requirements and eligibility determinations.

The position also provides customer service and general admissions support to students through in‑person interactions, phone calls, email, and virtual meetings, and may develop and deliver presentations and informational resources for students and the campus community.

The Admissions Department, a unit within Enrollment Services, facilitates general admissions, selective admissions for Registered Nursing, residency for tuition purposes, and student record updates. The department creates and maintains student records and supports students as they navigate admissions and the steps to get started at Highline College. The team provides customer service through in‑person and virtual services, email, and phone.

The person in this position will be an active member of the Admissions and Enrollment Services team and will support other functional areas of admissions and enrollment services as needed.

This position is a classified full‑time, represented position and is eligible for overtime.

The above salary range reflects the starting step of Range 42 (Step C) and ending step (Step M) salary for this classified position and includes a 5% King County compensation provision. As a new classified employee, based on annual increments, it will take 5 years to reach Step L on the salary schedule, 11 years to reach step M on the salary schedule. This does not reflect any contractual changes;

legislative mandated salary increases or Cost of Living Increases (COLA’s) that may be approved in the future.

• Review and process residency applications and reclassification requests by interpreting and applying Washington State residency requirements, institutional policies, and established procedures;
• Apply established residency guidelines and criteria to independently evaluate supporting documentation and determine eligibility for resident tuition classification, including factors related to domicile, dependency, and immigration status; consult with the Associate Director of Admissions on complex or unusual cases;
• Serve as a primary point of contact for students throughout the residency review process, providing clear, timely, and culturally responsive guidance and communicating additional documentation requirements as needed;
• Support the development and maintenance of student communications, templates, instructions, and informational resources, and conduct proactive outreach to students who may require residency review;
• Provide guidance, support, and training to Admissions and Enrollment Services staff regarding residency requirements, processes, and documentation;
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive residency records and prepare reports to support departmental and institutional needs;
• Participate in statewide residency groups, meetings, and professional development activities, and collaborate with residency professionals at other Washington colleges to stay informed of regulatory changes and best practices.

• Crea…