Academic Specialist | (Kennewick, WA)

Washington State University; Washington; On-site; USD 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

paid sick and vacation leave

paid holidays

medical, dental, life and disability保险

Job summary

Washington State University Tri-Cities GEAR UP program is seeking an Academic Specialist in Kennewick, WA. You will mentor and advise students to boost college readiness, guide career exploration, and plan field trips to campuses. Work with GEAR UP staff, teachers, counselors, and admins to meet grant outcomes.

The role requires data collection for assessments and reports, and it is a full-time temporary on-site position through Sept 30, 2027, in Kennewick, WA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and two years of professional experience in student services.
• Master’s degree may substitute for one year of experience.
• Any combination of relevant education and professional experience may substitute for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Education

Bachelor's degree and two years of professional experience in student services

Master’s degree may substitute for one year of 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.

Opportunity

Washington State University Tri-Cities GEAR UP program is now accepting applications for an Academic Specialist (AS) in Middle Schools in Kennewick, 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

• 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 in‑person/on‑site position located in Kennewick, WA.

Temporary End Date: This is a temporary position 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 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications

Benefits

• 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
• employee tuition waiver

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.

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. 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.

Work Location

Kennewick, WA

About WSU Tri‑Cities, (Richland, WA)

About WSU Tri-Cities, (Richland, WA)

Eligibility and Application

Time Type: Full time Position Term: 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].

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, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business‑related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Additional Context

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/

WSU is Washington's land-grant university with campuses located in Everett, Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver. Additionally, research centers are located throughout the state, extension offices are located in every county in Washington, and online degree programs are offered worldwide. WSU employees promote academic excellence and innovative research that serves the state, nation, and world. With a focus on innovation, excellence, and accountability, continual enhancement of research and educational endeavors are at the core of WSU's strategic priorities.