Science and Engineering Student Success Specialist

Tacoma Community College • Tacoma WA 98466, WA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Science and Engineering Student Success Specialist is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing student support services, outreach activities, and programming that advance student recruitment, retention, persistence, completion, transfer, and career exploration within science, engineering, aerospace, and aerospace-adjacent programs at Tacoma Community College. The position supports institutional efforts to strengthen STEM pathways, with a particular focus on increasing student participation and success in aerospace and related industries. The coordinator works collaboratively with faculty, staff, industry partners, K-12 institutions, universities, and community organizations to provide academic and career support, coordinate outreach and recruitment activities, facilitate experiential learning opportunities, and connect students with campus and community resources. The position also provides leadership and coordination for activities funded through grants and supported programs, including the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program, helping to ensure student success and equitable access to STEM educational and career opportunities. The position supports Tacoma Community College's commitment to expanding access and success for students pursuing STEM degrees and careers, particularly in high-demand fields that contribute to the regional aerospace workforce. This is a full-time, temporarily funded professional position. This position is set to end June 30, 2027.

Requirements

• Experience in student support services.
• Experience in planning, organizing, and delivering academic support services and events
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment with historically non-dominant students pursuing degrees in STEM fields, with an emphasis on promoting equity, diversity, & inclusion
• Ability to actively lead and participate on teams to advance the college towards the completion of shared goals.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of departmental and student records.
• Ability to promote and maintain a healthy and positive work environment with collegial and cooperative work relationships.
• Ability to provide clear and ethical principles to decision-making and use judgment and discretion in sensitive matters.
• Experience working with diverse populations in an educational setting or community-based organization providing educational services.
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Ability to work independently, assume responsibility, and take initiative
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact with a diverse population, both in and outside the college.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Must have reliable transportation to go to community meetings and events.
• Must have a driver’s license and transport students in college vehicles to MESA-supported events and activities.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM discipline from an accredited college or university.
• Equivalent education/experience working in a STEM field or serving STEM students

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and support Tacoma Community College's Science, Engineering, and Math Division’s engineering efforts and the MESA program to promote student recruitment, retention, academic success, transfer, and completion in aerospace and related STEM pathways.
• Conduct student needs assessments, coordinate student intake and orientation processes, and develop individualized support plans that promote academic success, persistence, retention, and transfer.
• Provide mentoring, advocacy, and case management support by assisting students in identifying and accessing campus and community resources, including advising, tutoring, financial aid, counseling, basic needs support, and other support services.
• Foster student engagement through peer mentoring, study groups, leadership development, and community-building activities that support student success.
• Coordinate day-to-day MESA program operations, including training and supporting MESA student employees and maintaining a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive student center environment.
• Plan, coordinate, and support student-focused programs and events, including outreach activities, workshops, campus visits, transfer and scholarship fairs, research opportunities, conferences, and graduation celebrations.
• Transport students in college vehicles to MESA-sponsored activities and events and maintain required participation and consent documentation.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, advisors, transfer institutions, industry partners, and student support programs to develop, coordinate, and integrate services and activities that enhance student success.
• Support initiatives that increase recruitment, retention, completion, and transfer for students in STEM fields, with particular emphasis on historically underrepresented student populations.
• Coordinate communications and promotional efforts for MESA programs and activities, including collaborating with Marketing and WA MESA to develop print and electronic materials.
• Collect, maintain, and report student participation, success, retention, transfer, and program outcome data; maintain accurate student and program records.
• Coordinate tutoring and advising schedules and communications and provide administrative support for day-to-day program operations.
• Participate in professional development activities offered by Washington MESA, Tacoma Community College, and other relevant organizations.
• Demonstrate cultural competence and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and student-centered practices while working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• comprehensive healthcare benefits package for you and your dependents including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and long-term disability insurance plans
• vacation, sick, and personal leave
• retirement benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree