Academic Coach

rainierscholars; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 64,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid medical and dental coverage

403(b) retirement plan with employer match

Generous vacation and personal days

Job summary

Rainier Scholars in Seattle is looking for an Academic Coach to provide individualized support to middle and high school students. The role includes meeting with assigned students, tracking academic progress, and engaging families.

Ideal candidates should have a bachelor’s in a related field and at least 2 years of professional experience, especially working with students of color. The position offers a hybrid work model with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional working experience.
• Access to a vehicle and valid driver's license.
• Ability to handle confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Meet consistently with 50‑60 assigned students for academic support.
• Track academic progress and report on challenges.
• Build and maintain relationships with parents and school personnel.

Skills

Experience working with students and families of color

Bilingual proficiency in Spanish

Functional knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

Discretion and good judgment

Ability to develop trusting relationships

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

Salesforce

Google Docs

Job description

Rainier Scholars is a comprehensive academic enrichment program that supports students of color on a 12‑year journey—from 5th grade to college graduation. With a budget of $10 million, a staff of over 50 full‑time employees, and more than 715 scholars and families, the organization serves Washington state communities, notably Seattle and Tacoma. The program is dedicated to helping students who are first‑generation, low‑income, and under‑represented in higher education.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Academic Coach provides direct, ongoing, individualized support to 6th‑through‑12th grade students enrolled in public and private schools. Working in partnership with other departments, the coach ensures scholars sustain high academic achievement, engage with appropriate services, and access opportunities offered by Rainier Scholars. Flexibility and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Scholar Support & Coaching (60%)

• Meet consistently with 50‑60 assigned students, providing academic and emotional support through face‑to‑face contact.
• Track each student’s academic progress, including class schedules and grade reports.
• Report regularly on challenges and progress, submitting complete reports by established deadlines.
• Evaluate student needs and implement new ideas and supports, often in collaboration with team members.
• Inform students about Rainier Scholars activities and opportunities, counseling them to pursue the best fit.

Family & School Engagement (25%)

• Interact regularly with parents/guardians of assigned students to develop trusting relationships.
• Build and maintain relationships with appropriate public and independent school personnel.
• Maintain ongoing communication with supervising and support staff regarding significant issues affecting assigned students.

Facilitation & Program Support (15%)

• Collaborate with the Leadership and Careers team to support the planning, coordination, and facilitation of student workshops.
• Assist with homework center duties and learning support tasks under guidance of the Academic Coach manager.
• Lead small group discussions and support other scholar programming, including Academic Enrichment, as needed.

Other programmatic, operational, and organizational responsibilities may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 2+ years of professional working experience.
• Access to a vehicle, valid driver’s license, and active insurance coverage (federal mileage reimbursement is provided).
• Experience working with students and families of color.
• Service mentality toward families, with the ability to exercise discretion and good judgment when handling confidential information.
• Functional knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Adobe), Google Docs, SharePoint, and familiarity with databases such as Salesforce and ease with data analysis.

Desired

• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish.
• Knowledge and/or experience working with independent/private schools, with awareness of the local Seattle independent/privates‑school landscape.
• Preference for candidates who majored in education, youth development, sociology, psychology, social work, or a closely related field.

Note: This role is not a school counselor position. Candidates with a school counseling degree or an advanced degree in psychology are encouraged to review the job responsibilities carefully to ensure alignment with their skills and career goals.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Compensation: $30.77–$32.69 per hour (equivalent to $64,000–$68,000 annually), commensurate with experience and qualifications. This is a full‑time, non‑exempt position.

Benefits: Employer‑paid medical and dental coverage; employer‑paid life and AD&D insurance; 403(b) retirement plan with employer match; generous vacation, all‑staff holiday closure, personal days, sick leave, and holiday pay.

Work environment: Hybrid role based out of the Seattle office. The position may require evening and weekend work, including meetings or events outside regular office hours. A flexible schedule and remote work options are available with the understanding that hours will be shifted during the week to accommodate a 40‑hour work week.

EEO STATEMENT

Our work is rooted in ensuring that people from marginalized communities have the opportunity to thrive in education and careers they are passionate about. Rainier Scholars is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to promoting an equitable and inclusive environment for our scholars, families, and staff. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and strongly encourage people of color, first‑generation college graduates, and people from working‑class backgrounds to apply.