Academic Advisor - Running Start

Highline College•Highline College 2400 S 240th St Des Moines, WA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Running Start Academic Advisors provide academic advising and college navigation support to students dually enrolled in high school and Highline College. Advisors primarily work with students in their caseload to select courses that align with high school graduation requirements, associate degree or certificate requirements, and other academic goals. They help students identify interests and goals, create academic plans, build skills for success, and connect with college resources such as career exploration, university transfer, and counseling. Advising takes place one-on-one, in small groups and workshops, and in classroom settings, both in person and virtually. The role also supports students as they transition to a college environment by helping them understand college policies and processes, develop soft skills and self-efficacy, and access campus resources. Advisors facilitate presentations for prospective students and families and orientation sessions for newly enrolled students, and participate in outreach to explain the Running Start program. Running Start is a Washington State dual-credit program for high school juniors and seniors. The position is within Highline College's Student Services division and reports to the Director of Running Start. It is a full-time, salaried, overtime-eligible, at-will position. The position is on-site because it primarily provides in-person services. Regular hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; occasional evening and weekend work is required, and the schedule may vary based on department needs. The posting remains open until filled, with priority consideration for applications received by November 22, 2026.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, or equivalent education or experience.
At least two years of experience in academic advising, student support, college access, case management, or a closely related role in an educational setting.
Effective interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with students in an academic advising capacity.
Knowledge of student development theories and promising practices in academic advising and student affairs, including engagement, success, and retention strategies.
Cultural competency, experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, and commitment to advancing equity and inclusion.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues across the organization and external partners in a professional, respectful manner.
Effective written, verbal, and public speaking skills.
Organizational skills and ability to manage timelines and details.
Ability to take initiative, identify improvement opportunities, and propose solutions.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of student records in accordance with federal and institutional policies.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, Google Workspace, Canvas, and ctcLink (PeopleSoft), and ability to learn new applications.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in education, student development, higher education administration, counseling, psychology, human services, or a related field from an accredited institution.
Knowledge of student development theories and promising practices in academic advising.
Experience working with high school students.
Experience with Running Start or other dual-credit programs.
Experience using ctcLink (PeopleSoft).
Fluency in a top regionally spoken language other than English; Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

Advise students in an assigned caseload on course selection in relation to high school graduation, associate degree and certificate requirements, university major prerequisites, and career preparation.
Help new students define educational goals and develop long-term academic plans.
Support exploratory and undecided students in exploring educational and career pathways through Highline degree pathways and the guided pathways framework.
Facilitate new student orientations covering college and Running Start policies, resources, student success strategies, first-quarter course selection and registration, and belonging.
Help students develop self-efficacy and skills such as communication, time management, and growth mindset.
Support students experiencing academic difficulty, including those on early alert or with low academic standing, by identifying barriers and success strategies in collaboration with retention and completion staff.
Teach students to navigate the college environment, policies, procedures, resources, and advising tools.
Refer students to campus departments and services when appropriate.
Review unofficial high school and college transcripts to discuss course placement and program eligibility.
Follow institutional, state, and federal policies related to confidentiality, program administration, and reporting.
Maintain student records by documenting and summarizing advising sessions.
Stay informed about trends and promising practices in academic advising, dual credit, transfer, student success and retention, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Facilitate informational sessions for prospective students and families at Highline College, local high schools, and community-based organizations.
Coordinate informational sessions with high school counselors and staff, and serve as a liaison to share relevant student record and program information.
Establish and maintain relationships with community-based organizations serving adolescents.
Participate in outreach opportunities for middle and high school students organized by other Highline College departments.
Develop collaborative relationships across campus, with high schools, community-based organizations, and transfer institutions.
Input, track, and report outreach data.
Develop and update departmental resources, including advising guides, handouts, forms, publications, presentations, and web pages.
Update academic advising training guides and materials as needed.
Maintain communication plans for students in the advising caseload using email, phone, social media, and other communication methods.
Provide front desk support as needed, including welcoming and triaging students, responding to inquiries, and processing enrollment and fee waiver documents.
Participate in campus committees, meetings, events, training, and professional development.
Perform general office tasks, including organizing documents, coding, and data entry, and other assigned duties.