Academic Specialist | Highland Middle School | (Cowiche, WA)

Washington State University•Richland, WA

14h•Onsite

About The Position

Washington State University Tri-Cities GEAR UP is hiring an Academic Specialist at Highland Middle School in Cowiche, Washington. The Academic Specialist uses professional judgment and skills to increase GEAR UP students’ academic performance through direct tutoring and the development of positive academic behaviors and non-cognitive skills. The role supports a federally funded program designed to increase the number of low-income and underrepresented students who graduate from high school and successfully complete post-secondary education. This is a full-time, 100% FTE, temporary, in-person position with a 12-month term. It is expected to end September 30, 2027; renewal depends on the need for an extension and/or additional funding. The position is overtime eligible and requires overnight travel and a flexible schedule, including frequent nights and weekends, with occasional supervisory responsibility for students. The monthly salary is $4,152.19–$4,940.13, with placement based on experience, education, skills, and abilities. WSU offers paid sick and vacation leave, paid holidays, medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and supplemental retirement options, training and development, and an employee tuition waiver. A background check is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and two years of professional experience in student services, specifically providing instruction or direct outreach services to students and/or working with parents in individual or group settings, or related education/experience.
A master’s degree in a related field may substitute for one year of professional work experience.
Relevant education and professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
Proficiency with computers, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office software programs.
Willingness and ability to travel overnight and work a flexible schedule, including frequent nights and weekends.
Ability to take occasional supervisory responsibility for students.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated knowledge of school programs, student success, the school community, and/or parental involvement in a community or school setting.
Familiarity with the organization and operation of school or district administration and university or community college systems.
Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse groups, including peers, university and school administrators, faculty, staff, students, parents, and the general public.
Experience managing, tracking, and reporting program data.
Experience in student academic support programs.

Responsibilities

Tutor students directly to support academic performance.
Mentor and advise students to increase college and career readiness.
Guide students through college and career exploration.
Plan and supervise field trips to college campuses.
Collaborate with GEAR UP staff, classroom teachers, counselors, and administrators to achieve GEAR UP grant outcomes.
Monitor, collect, and document student data for assessment and reporting requirements.