We are a district of three distinct colleges—North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and South Seattle College—and five specialty training centers. Which makes us the largest and most diverse community college district in the state of Washington, we are leaders in change and innovation.

As a Seattle Colleges employee, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the passionate work of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion as we work against systemic racism. Additionally, you will gain the rewarding experience of contributing to the success of an open-access learning institution that prepares students for life and work, fostering a diverse, engaged and dynamic community.

Seattle Colleges staff and faculty also enjoy a competitive benefits package, professional development opportunities and enrichment experiences in areas of their choice including, committee, workgroup, and affinity group opportunities.

Position Summary:

This is a 12-month full time, exempt position in TRIO Student Success Services (SSS) at South Seattle College and is funded through the U.S. Department of Education until August 2025. Continuation of this position is contingent upon funding. The TRIO SSS program serves low-income, first generation, and student with disabilities by holistically supporting these students through graduation and transfer. The Student Development Specialist will work closely with the Associate Director of TRIO to ensure participants are provided with proactive and comprehensive support in achieving their academic goals.

The Student Development Specialist, in collaboration with the Associate Director, is responsible for the development and implementing academic support strategies to retain students, ensure students are in good academic standing and increase their graduation and transfer rate. These strategies include academic advising, college navigation, financial, graduation, and transfer support. The TRIO SSS program services 191 students annually using a caseload model.

This position requires knowledge of college and state information and registration systems, federal financial aid policies, academic program requirements, Washington State Direct Transfer agreements, and individual articulation agreements between community colleges and Washington State 4-year public and private colleges and universities. In addition, this position requires the ability to work with students from diverse background that reflect the South Seattle area.

This position report to the Associate Director of TRIO SSS. The Student Development Specialist acts in a supervisory role for student peer mentors or student and part-time hourly tutors.

This position is an exempt position represented by AFT - Seattle Professional Staff.

Compensation for this role is $66,716 per year.

First Review of materials will begin on March 13, 2023, and will continue until filled.

Application Procedures:

• Attached current Resume
• Attached cover letter addressing how your background intersects with the job
• Required application materials must be completed and submitted online

What you will be working on:

• Conduct eligibility and needs assessment interviews with SSS project applicants and conduct new student orientation.
• Recruit students by conducting classroom visitations, attending campus events, and contacting prospective students via email or phone.
• Provide participants with individual and group advising, support services and appropriate referrals to other programs, services and agencies.
• Monitor and follow up on faculty feedback from the program’s twice quarterly Early Intervention system and develop academic and personal intervention strategies with students.
• Maintain up-to-date files on students, including documentation of advising services in the Blumen database.
• Develop curriculum and programming for student development modules, including financial literacy module, academic support modules, and college navigation modules.
• Manage either the tutoring and mentoring program.
• Recruit, train, and supervise student and hourly employees.
• Communicate effectively with students from diverse backgrounds, including students from diverse racial, socio-economic, religious, culture, gender, sexual orientation, age and physical and learning disabilities.
• Assist in monitoring TRIO Scholarships
• Assist with development and maintaining the program website, Canvas site, and social media.
• Assist with data collection for Annual Performance Reports and grant writing.

What you bring as a candidate:

(Any Equivalent Combination of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education and Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in education or related filed.
• Three years of experience in educational and human services programs.
• Experience in higher education, especially in a community college setting.
• Extensive understanding of multiculturalism with experience and demonstrated ability to work with culturally and economically diverse population, including limited English-speaking adults.
• Successful experience working collaboratively, especially tutoring or workshop development/implementation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in Education or related field
• Experience supporting first-generation, low-income, or students with disabilities in a higher education setting.
• Experience as a participant or staff in TRIO or similar programs.
• Knowledge of state and college academic policies, financial aid policies, academic program requirements, and college transfer policies and processes.
• Experience with program assessment and data collection.
• Proficiency using M.S. Office and Outlook.
• Experience using Peoplesoft, Bluemen, and Starfish software.

Physical Requirements:

This position typically works in an office environment and uses a computer, telephone and other office equipment as needed to perform duties. The noise level in the work environment is typical of that of an office, encounters frequent interruptions throughout the workday, is regularly required to provide 1:1 support, present to small groups, and work at a computer exercising repetitive hand motion with or without reasonable accommodation.

Disability Accommodation:

Seattle Colleges follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides the following information as a guideline for applicants:

• Ability to operate office equipment
• Ability to read and verify data and prepare various materials
• Ability to exchange information on the phone or in person

Notice of Non-discrimination Statement:

Seattle Colleges is committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity for all its students, employees, and applicants in education, employment, services and contracts, and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, age, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, status as an honorably discharged veteran or disabled veteran or military status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability. In addition, reasonable accommodations will be made for known physical or mental limitations for all otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Further, the Seattle Colleges is committed to ensure that all employees and students work and learn in an environment that fosters mutual respect and professionalism, free from all forms of “bullying” behaviors, including “cyber bullying”.

Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the college’s Director of Legal Compliance:

1500 Harvard Avenue Seattle, WA 98122-3803

(206) 934-3873

Seattle Colleges is committed to recruiting dedicated faculty and employees who together create a welcoming academic climate that reflects the diverse backgrounds of our community, including ethnicity, national origin, religion, race, gender, gender identity, age, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, disability, political status, and sexual orientation.