Academic Specialist - (Pasco, 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 to support GEAR UP activities in Pasco, WA. The role focuses on direct tutoring, mentoring, and developing students’ academic behaviors to boost college readiness.

This full-time, temporary position requires collaboration with teachers, counselors, and administrators, travel as needed, and data collection for program evaluation. The position ends September 30, 2027, with potential renewal based on funding.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and two years of professional experience in student services or related education/experience. Master’s degree may substitute for one year of experience.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and MS Office software.
• Willingness to travel overnight and work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends.

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.
• Collaborate with GEAR UP staff, classroom teachers, counselors, and administrators to achieve grant outcomes.
• Monitor, collect, and document student data for assessment and reporting.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree substitution for one year of experience

Tools

Google Workspace

MS Office

Job description

Available Title(s):

1481-YN_ADMINPRO - Student Services Coordinator/Advisor 1

Business Title:

Academic Specialist | (Pasco, WA)

Employee Type:

Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term)

Position Details:

Washington State University Tri-Cities GEAR UP program is now accepting applications for an Academic Specialist (AS) at Middle Schools in Pasco, 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 in-person/on‑site position located in Pasco, 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

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.

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 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.
• 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: Pasco, WA