Academic Specialist - John Sager Middle School - (College Place, WA)

Washington State University; Richland (WA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State University Tri-Cities is seeking an Academic Specialist (AS) for the John Sager Middle School in College Place, WA. The role focuses on tutoring, development of positive academic behaviors and non-cognitive skills, and collaboration with GEAR UP staff and school partners.

You will mentor students, guide college and career exploration, plan field trips, and collect data for reporting. This is a full-time, temporary, on-site position with occasional travel and a competitive

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 2 years of professional experience in student services.
• Experience with instruction or direct outreach to students and parents.
• Proficiency with computers, Google Workspace and MS Office.
• Ability to travel overnight and work flexible hours, including weekends.

Responsibilities

• Mentor and advise students to raise college and career readiness.
• Guide students in college and career exploration.
• Plan and supervise college campus field trips.
• Collaborate with GEAR UP staff, teachers, counselors, and admins.
• Monitor and document student data for reporting requirements.

Skills

Google Workspace

MS Office

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree substitution for one year experience

Job description

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on: November 25, 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 Specialist | John Sager Middle School | (College Place, WA)

Employee Type:
Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term)

Position Details:

The Opportunity:

Washington State University Tri-Cities GEAR UP program is now accepting applications for a Academic Specialist (AS) at John Sager Middle School in College Place, WA . As an AS you will use professional judgement and skills to increase GEAR UP student academic performance through direct tutoring and development of positive academic behaviors and non-cognitive skills.

Duties include (but are not limited to):

• Mentoring and advising students to increase college and career readiness
• Guiding students with college and career exploration
• Plan and supervise field trips to college campuses
• Work as a team with GEAR UP staff, classroom teachers, counselors, and administrators to achieve GEAR UP grant outcomes
• Monitor, collect, and document student data for assessment and reporting requirements

The GEAR UP Program is federally funded by Department of Education grants whose purpose is to increase the number of low-income and underrepresented students who graduate from high school and successfully complete post-secondary education.

Additional Information:

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

This is an on‑site/in‑person role, with a work location in College Place, WA.

Temporary End Date: This temporary position is expected to end on September 30, 2027 . Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Monthly Salary: $4,152.19 - $4,940.13 per month | Commensurate with experience and qualifications

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110 , the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position.

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, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. 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 experience in student services, specifically providing instruction or direct outreach services to students and/or working with parents in individual or group settings, or related education/experience. 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.

Proficiency in the use of computers, Google Workspace and MS Office software programs.

Willingness and ability to travel overnight and work a flexible schedule, including frequent nights and weekends, with occasional supervisory responsibility of students.

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated knowledge of school programs, student success, the school community and/or parental involvement in community and/or school setting.

Familiarity with organization and operation of school/district administration and university/community college systems.

Demonstrated success providing leadership and supervising others.

Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of people, including peers, university and school administrators, faculty, staff, students and parents, and the general public.

Experience managing, tracking, and reporting program data.

Experience in student academic support programs.

Position Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for work visa sponsorship

About GEAR UP Programs

About WSU Tri-Cities

Location: College Place, WA