Academic Advisor - Running Start

Highline College; Des Moines (WA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Highline College is seeking a Running Start Academic Advisor to deliver one-on-one and group advising for dually enrolled Running Start students, helping them map coursework to high school requirements, associate degree needs, and transfer goals. The role emphasizes college navigation, policy understanding, and strong outreach across campus and local schools.

The position emphasizes in-person and virtual advising, semester-based planning, and collaboration with student services, retention staff,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, or equivalent education/experience.
• Minimum two years of experience in academic advising, student support, college access, case management, or a closely related educational role.
• Experience with Running Start or other dual credit programs is desirable.
• Fluency in speaking a language other than English (Spanish preferred).

Responsibilities

• Advise Running Start students on course selection based on graduation requirements and degree plans.
• Assist students with defining educational goals and long-term academic plans.
• Support undecided students exploring pathways through degree pathways and guided pathways.
• Coordinate orientation sessions for new Running Start students and onboarding.
• Facilitate development of self-efficacy and essential soft skills in students.
• Refer students to campus departments and services and monitor progress.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and adhere to policies.
• Document advising sessions and track outcomes.

Skills

Academic advising

Student support

Public speaking

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

SharePoint

Google Workspace

Canvas

ctcLink (PeopleSoft)

Job description

Posting will remain open until filled. Priority consideration for applications received by November 22, 2026.

Running Start Academic Advisors provide academic advising and college navigation support to Running Start students, who are dually enrolled in high school and at Highline College. Running Start Academic Advisors will primarily advise Running Start students within their caseload on course selection based on students’ high school graduation requirements, associate degree/certificate requirements, and other academic goals. This includes helping students identify academic interests and goals, co-create academic plans that map out courses which fulfill high school graduation requirements and other academic goals while in the Running Start program, develop skills and strategies for academic success, and navigate other college resources including career exploration, university transfer, and counseling. Academic advising is primarily conducted one-on-one (in-person and virtually), in small groups/workshops, and in classroom settings.

Additionally, Running Start Academic Advisors support Running Start students with college navigation and transitioning to a college environment. This includes helping students understand college policies and expectations, navigate college processes, build soft skills and self-efficacy, and make referrals to departments and resources across campus. Advisors provide navigational support through facilitating presentations (informational sessions for prospective students and families as well as new student orientation sessions for newly enrolled students), one-on-one academic advising appointments, and in small group/workshops. Advisors connect with prospective students and families to provide information regarding the Running Start program through a variety of outreach opportunities.

Running Start is a dual credit program in Washington State that allows high school juniors and seniors to enroll in college courses for which they earn both high school and college credits. Highline College enrolls more than 1,300 Running Start students annually, which includes more than 70 percent students of color, 50 percent low-income, and 50 percent first-generation college students. At Highline College, the Running Start department is organized within the Student Services division. The department is responsible for administering the Running Start program, which includes enrollment management, outreach, orientation, student advising, Running Start fee waiver, data sharing and state enrollment reporting, additional student support, and program administration.

Regular work hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm, with occasional evening and weekend work required. Regular work schedule may vary depending on department needs. This position is on-site as the role primarily provides in-person services. This is a salaried overtime-eligible, at-will, full-time position.

Academic Advising, College Navigation, and Retention Support (70%)

• Advise Running Start students within caseload on course selection based on high school graduation requirements, associate degree and certificate requirements, university major perquisites, and career preparation;
• Assist new students with defining and setting educational goals and developing long-term academic plans;
• Support exploratory/undecided students with exploring educational and career pathways through Highline degree pathways and guided pathways framework;
• Facilitate new student orientation sessions for Running Start students to onboard and acclimate new students to Running Start and college policies and resources, student success strategies, first quarter course selection and registration, as well as to instill a sense of belonging among Running Start students;
• Help students develop self-efficacy and soft skills such as communication, time management, and growth mindset;
• Support Running Start students who are struggling academically (includes students on early alert or low academic standing) by helping students identify barriers to success and success strategies in collaboration with student retention and completion staff;
• Teach students how to navigate the college environment, understand college policies and procedures, access campus resources, and utilize advising tools;
• Make referrals to various campus departments and services when appropriate;
• Evaluate unofficial high school and college transcripts to discuss course placement and program eligibility with students;
• Adhere to institutional, state, and federal policies related to confidentiality, program administration and reporting;
• Maintain student records by documenting and summarizing advising sessions;
• Remain well-informed on trends and promising practices in academic advising, dual credit, university transfer, student success and retention, DEI, and related topics.

Outreach (15%)

• Facilitate Running Start informational sessions for prospective students and families at Highline College, local high schools, and community-based organizations;
• Coordinate with high school counselors and staff to facilitate informational sessions at local high schools;
• Serve as a liaison with high school counselors to share information about students’ records related to enrollment status and academic standing as well as share information related to Running Start program and policy changes;
• Establish and maintain relationships with community-based organizations which serve adolescents;
• Participate in outreach opportunities for middle and high school students organized by other departments at Highline College;
• Develop collaborative relationships across campus departments, with high schools, community-based organizations, and transfer institutions;
• Input, track, and report data on outreach efforts.

Administrative (15%)

• Develop and update departmental resources including advising guides, handouts, forms, publications, presentations, and web pages;
• Update academic advising training guides and materials as necessary;
• Maintain student communication plans for Running Start students within advising caseload, utilizing email, phone, social media, and other modes of communication;
• Provide front desk support (in-person, phone, and email) as necessary, which includes welcoming and triaging students, responding to inquiries, processing forms including enrollment and fee waiver documents;
• Actively engage in campus committees, meetings, events, trainings, and professional development opportunities to further develop professional competencies and knowledge;
• Perform general office tasks such as organizing documents, coding, data entry, and other duties as assigned.

Competencies Required

• Effective interpersonal skills and ability to interact and build rapport with a caseload of students in an academic advising capacity;
• Knowledge of student development theories and promising practices in academic advising and student affairs, including student engagement, success, and retention strategies;
• Cultural competency skills and demonstrated commitment to advancing equity and inclusion;
• Ability to work independently and as a collaborative member of a team;
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues across all areas of the organization and with external partners in a professional and respectful manner;
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, and public speaking skills;
• Effective organizational skills with an ability to manage timelines and details;
• Ability to take initiative, actively identify areas for improvements and propose solutions to contribute to a positive environment for students and colleagues;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student records in accordance with federal and institutional policies;
• Proficiency in technology including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Sharepoint, Google Workspace, Canvas, and ctcLink (PeopleSoft) and ability to learn new applications;
• Demonstrated cultural competency, experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, and commitment to advancing equity and inclusion.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, or equivalent education/experience; AND
• Minimum two years of experience in academic advising, student support, college access, case management, or closely related role within an educational setting.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education, student development, higher education administration, counseling, psychology, human services, or 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 speaking a top regionally spoken language other than English (Spanish preferred).

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.

THE COLLEGE

Founded in 1961, Highline College was the first community college to be established in King County and is one of 34 community and technical colleges. More than 350,000 alumni have graduated from Highline over the years. Nestled between Seattle and Tacoma, we are located on the traditional village sites of the Muckleshoot, Puyallup and many other Coast Salish tribes.

Highline prioritizes access for all students, staff, and faculty, which is evident in our Mission, Vision, and Values. We are proud Highline strives to improve access to Education for our student community. Those who come to our college bring unique personal experiences, beliefs, and perspectives and make us better. We strive to provide and highlight resources to support our students, staff, and faculty by fostering a equal opportunity focused workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

Highline College is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We strongly encourage applicants to apply without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legal protected status.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The College complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants needing accommodations in the application process in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources office at [phone]. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.

TITLE IX POLICY

Highline College complies with Title IX regulations. For details on our policies, see our website https://humanresources.highline.edu/faculty-and-staff/policies/title-ix/

The College appointing authorities reserve the right and may exercise the option to make an employment decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process.