Retention Specialist / Academic Advisor

Washington State University • Pullman, WA

4d • $4,065 - $5,500

About The Position

The Opportunity: This position will serve as an Academic Advisor/Retention Specialist for the Office of Access and Opportunity, working for the TRIO Program. The TRIO Student Support Services Disability (SSSD) is a new federally funded program on a 5-year renewable grant cycle with the goal to recruit and support first-generation, low-income or students with a documented disability. Summary of Duties: This position will advance Pullman’s commitment to supporting first-generation, low-income and students with disabilities at Washington State University as outlined by the federally funded TRIO SSS grant. Under the direction of the TRIO SSSD Director, the Academic Advisor/Retention Specialist is responsible for implementing systems and methods for student programs and services, advising students in an effort to increase retention, academic achievement and graduation rates. In this role, the Advisor will develop individual academic plans, maintain case notes and records of meetings; coordinate tutoring and instruct class; assist the Director in preparing comprehensive reports pertaining to program goals, achievements, and evaluations; update and maintain related database; assist with outreach and retention activities; prepare university policy & procedures manuals; develop and participate in student workshops; functions as a liaison with university faculty, supervisors, and internal and external constituents; monitor and evaluate student services and operational effectiveness, and initiate changes required for improvement; serve on committees and participate in professional development opportunities. This position will also utilize working knowledge of policies, principles, programming and high impact practices. This position, in alignment with institutional goals, will aim to offer a transformative and highly engaged educational experience for program participants. The successful candidate will share the vision to address changing social, educational demographics, and career futures that influence service delivery and program impact for students. Additional Information: This is a full time (100% FTE), temporary position. This position is overtime eligible. Temporary End Date: This is a temporary position expected to end in September 2030. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment. Monthly Salary: $4,065.00 - $5,500.00 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver.

Requirements

• Student Services Coordinator/Advisor 1: Positions require a Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years of professional work experience in student services or related education/experience. A Master’s degree in a related field may substitute for one (1) year of professional work experience. Any combination of relevant education and professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year‐for‐year basis.
• Student Services Coordinator/Advisor 2: Positions require a Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of professional work experience in student services or related education/experience. Experience leading or directing the work of others. A Master’s degree in a related field may substitute for one (1) year of professional work experience. Any combination of relevant education and professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year‐for‐year basis.
• Ability to exercise professional judgment and leadership; work independently in multiple roles.
• Ability to interface with various key stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to work under pressure of time and deadlines.
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience in using computer programs (e.g., MS Office), email, teams.
• Willingness to travel for programmatic and professional development purposes.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule including evening and weekend hours on an occasional basis.
• Strong problem solving, crisis management, crisis resolution, and listening skills.
• Successful background check required.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience in a higher education setting, providing advising services or career guidance to students who are educationally, economically, or otherwise undeserved.

Responsibilities

• Implementing systems and methods for student programs and services
• Advising students in an effort to increase retention, academic achievement and graduation rates
• Develop individual academic plans
• Maintain case notes and records of meetings
• Coordinate tutoring and instruct class
• Assist the Director in preparing comprehensive reports pertaining to program goals, achievements, and evaluations
• Update and maintain related database
• Assist with outreach and retention activities
• Prepare university policy & procedures manuals
• Develop and participate in student workshops
• Functions as a liaison with university faculty, supervisors, and internal and external constituents
• Monitor and evaluate student services and operational effectiveness, and initiate changes required for improvement
• Serve on committees and participate in professional development opportunities

Benefits

• WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave
• Paid holidays
• Medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents
• Retirement
• Deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts
• Training and development
• Employee tuition waiver

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees