Academic Program Coordinator | Upward Bound (Yakima County)

Washington State University; South Carolina; On-site; USD 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Insurance package

Retirement plan

Job summary

Washington State University Tri-Cities Upward Bound seeks an Academic Program Coordinator to lead an intensive college-readiness program for high school students in Yakima County. You will advise students and families, coordinate services at Eisenhower and Highland High Schools, and develop individualized plans to support college prep.

The role requires regular travel to Yakima County schools, occasional evening/weekend work, and a six-week Summer Academy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and two years of professional work in student services or related field.
• Two years of full-time experience advising or teaching high school students.
• Ability to travel overnight and work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic and career advising to high school students and families.
• Coordinate services at target high schools and plan a six-week Summer Academy.
• Travel to Yakima County schools and supervise students during activities.

Skills

Advising

Career counseling

Group facilitation

Database experience

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree substitution for experience

Tools

Student information systems

Job description

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:

September 30, 2026

If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s):

1481-YN_ADMINPRO - Student Services Coordinator/Advisor 1

Business Title:

Academic Program Coordinator | Upward Bound (Yakima County)

Employee Type:

Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term)

Position Details:

The Opportunity:

Washington State University Tri-Cities Upward Bound (Yakima County) is now accepting applications for an Academic Program Coordinator. The Yakima County Upward Bound Program is a federally funded academic support program that prepares and motivates low-income, first-generation, and academically at-risk high school students to successfully complete a college education. The program serves students at Eisenhower High School and Highland High School in Yakima, serving the communities of Tieton and Cowiche in Yakima County.

As the Academic Program Coordinator, you will help implement an intensive college-readiness program for high school students and their families. You will provide academic and career advising, coordinate services at target high schools, maintain regular student contact, and develop individualized academic service plans that support student success and preparation for college. Duties will include but are not limited to assisting with college applications, study skills, test preparation, parent workshops, student events, college tours, and the planning and implementation of a six-week Summer Academy. This position includes regular travel to Yakima County target schools, evening and weekend work as needed, and overnight supervision of program students during summer and academic-year activities.

Percentage Breakdown of Job Functions:

• 40% Student Advising and Career Counseling
• 30% Special Events, College Tours, Testing, and Summer Academy Support
• 15% Outreach, Parent Engagement, and Community Communication
• 10% Assessment and Program Administration
• 5% Other Duties as Assigned

Additional Information:

This is a full-time (100% FTE), temporary position. This position is overtime eligible.

The position is expected to end on August 31, 2027. Renewal is dependent on program needs and if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

This position works on-site in Yakima, WA and requires frequent travel to Eisenhower and Highland High Schools in Yakima County.

Monthly Salary : $4,050.92 to $4,495.53 | 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. Successful candidates typically begin up to mid-point of the salary range. For additional information, please review WSU’s Administrative Professional Compensation Structure.

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 and optional supplemental retirement accounts. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.

Required Qualifications:

• 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.
• Two (2) years of the full-time experience in advising or teaching high school students.
• Experience working with complex records and databases.
• Willingness and ability to travel overnight and work a flexible schedule, including frequent nights and weekends, with occasional supervisory responsibility of students.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual/biliterate in English and Spanish.
• Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience working in a higher education setting.
• Familiarity with academic programs and requirements, as well as financial aid policies and procedures.
• Skill in facilitating groups and working with community partners.
• Experience coordinating events.

Position Sponsorship Eligibility:

Not eligible for work visa sponsorship.

Area/College

WSU Tri-Cities (Richland, WA)

Department Name

Outreach Programs-Upward Bound, Yakima County

Location

Yakima, WA

Application Instructions

Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

External candidates, upload all documents in the Application Document section of your application. Current WSU Employees (internal candidates), before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday. Internal candidates, upload all documents in the Resume/Cover Letter section of your application.

Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.

Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.

Background Check

This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, and includes unsupervised access to children under the age of 16. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Time Type:

Full time

Position Term:

12 Month

Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [e-mail].

Notice of Non-Discrimination

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.

Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both.

More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/