Grant Funded TRIO UBETS Specialist

Seattle Colleges; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and retirement plans

Paid vacation and sick leave

Transportation benefits

Tuition waivers

Wellness programs

EAP

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Seattle Colleges is seeking a TRIO Specialist to support the UBETS program on-site in Seattle, WA. You will work with middle and high school students to promote equity in higher education and access to college opportunities.

The role emphasizes building relationships with schools, families, and community partners, delivering workshops, and coordinating program activities. Initial salary placement is $77,418, with a budgeted range of $61,599 to $85,065 annually.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication in English.
• Experience building relationships with students from first‑generation or low‑income backgrounds.
• Ability to use digital tools (Microsoft 365, Teams, OneDrive, Zoom, Adobe Sign).
• Valid Washington State driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends, and overnight trips.
• Ability to pass background checks.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of middle/high school students to advance academic goals.
• Recruit and retain participants for UBETS programs.
• Deliver college admissions workshops and summer melt activities.
• Collaborate with teachers, staff, and families to support college access.
• Maintain records and coordinate events for participants and families.
• Stay current on college admissions, enrollment trends and financial aid processes.
• Communicate respectfully with diverse students and communities.

Skills

Communication skills

English proficiency

Driver's license

Flexible schedule

Background checks

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft 365

Teams

OneDrive

Zoom

Adobe Sign

Client database

Job description

Opportunity Description

South Seattle College is looking to hire a TRIO Specialist in the Upward Bound / Education Talent Search (UBETS) program.

Opportunity Description

South Seattle College is looking to hire a TRIO Specialist in the Upward Bound / Education Talent Search (UBETS) program.

The salary range for this position is $61,599 to $85,065 annually. Please note the initial salary placement for new employees is budgeted for $77,418.

Application and required materials must be submitted no later than 11/15/2026.

Position Summary

The TRIO Pre-College Programs is committed to creating an accessible, supportive environment and an educational experience that recognizes equity, justice, and cultural humility as integral components of academic excellence. We are committed to minimizing barriers to support low-income students and students who would be the first in their family to complete a post-secondary bachelor's degree. Our team works to ensure that we are committed to the pursuit of rigorous educational outcomes for our diverse students. Candidates who can contribute to these values are encouraged to apply and identify their strengths in these areas. Black, indigenous, People of Color, immigrant, LGBTQIA+, and candidates who share similar backgrounds to our historically marginalized student populations are strongly encouraged to apply.

This position works 100% of the time on‑site. This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement with representation by AFT- Seattle Professional Staff and is subject to union shop provisions. This position is contingent upon grant funding and will rely on grant funding to continue beyond August 31st, 2027.

About Us

South Seattle College is one of three colleges in the Seattle Colleges District, alongside North Seattle College and Seattle Central College, as well as several specialized training centers. Together, we form the largest and most diverse community college district in Washington State and are recognized for innovation, access, and student‑centered learning.

At South Seattle College, our employees play a direct and visible role in serving one of the most vibrant and diverse communities in the region. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are ongoing commitments that shape how we serve students and support one another. We strive to create a welcoming academic and workplace environment that reflects the many backgrounds and perspectives of our students and community members, and we are committed to building a talented workforce representing a wide range of cultures, experiences, and viewpoints. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and where equitable access to opportunities is supported throughout one’s career. Join us in building a college community where employees are proud of their work and the meaningful impact they have on the lives of students and the broader community.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Medical, dental, and retirement plans
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Transportation benefits
• Tuition waivers
• PEBB wellness programs
• Washington State Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development, committee participation, and affinity group opportunities

Notice To Applicants

Please note that Seattle Colleges has moved to holding initial interviews virtually using video conference options such as Zoom or Teams. As such, if you are selected for an interview, please be prepared to hold at least your initial interview virtually. Onsite interviews may be required or strongly preferred beyond the initial interview and depend on the position’s work modality requirements.

Seattle Colleges is unable to extend post‑completion optional practical training (OPT) to F‑1 students who receive STEM degrees.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a regular basis. Seattle Colleges will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

What You Will Be Working On

• Manage a caseload that will consist of middle and/or high school students, assuring that each student is progressing towards their academic goals based on their grade level.
• For middle school students that would be that students are
  • 1) making progress to persist to the next middle school grade level on time
  • 2) preparing for the rigors of high school academics
  • 3) learning about a variety of careers available
  • 4) learning about the ways to access said careers including types of college, financial aid options, and more.
• For high school students, that is ensuring that students are
  • 1) making progress to graduate from high school on time
  • 2) preparing for the rigors of college academics
  • 3) completing high‑quality college applications
  • 4) working on a multi‑pronged approach to secure financial aid
• Recruit and retain students in the program
• Work with middle school or high school teachers and staff to develop appropriate grade level curriculum and materials relevant to college and career access
• Teach college admission, academic, or other relevant workshops during the academic year and teach or support coursework combatting summer melt during the six‑week summer programs as needed.
• Develop and utilize current knowledge of college admissions processes, college enrollment processes, trends in higher education, and financial aid processes
• Collaborate with other UB / ETS staff to develop and implement curriculum for the school year and summer program
• Build and maintain relationships with target school staff, community partners, college/university personnel, and participants¿ parents/guardians as required
• Coordinate events and activities for participants and their families, including overnight field trips (when approved)
• Assist students in drafting, completion, proofing, and editing of essays and college application materials
• Maintain accurate and timely records, including annual reporting, among other tasks
• Maintain professional and respectful communication with staff, faculty, and students from diverse backgrounds such as racial, ethnic, religious, linguistic, gender, age, sexual orientation, socio‑economic, and with diverse physical and learning disabilities.

What you bring as a candidate: (Any Equivalent Combination of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education and Experience)

• A bachelor's degree or any equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated history of developing relationships and rapport with secondary school students that are from first‑generation and/or low‑income backgrounds
• Excellent communication skills required including written, oral, and interpersonal communication in English
• Documented experience and/or ability to quickly become fluent using a wide variety of digital tools such as Microsoft 365, Teams, OneDrive, Zoom, Adobe Sign, client database, and various social media and desktop publishing applications
• Reliable transportation and a Washington State driver’s license free of excessive moving violations
• Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and overnight trips
• Must pass background checks including Washington State Patrol and any additional security and/or teaching certification clearance required by Seattle and Highline School Districts

Physical Demands and Disability Accommodation

Persons with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodation in all aspects of employment with Seattle Colleges. This includes, but is not limited to, recruitment, application, interviewing, hiring, training, termination, conditions of employment, and any other employer‑supported activities. Applicants requesting accommodation should contact Human Resources.

Office Setting

Seattle Colleges follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides the following information as a guideline for applicants:

• Ability to operate office equipment, receive and interpret data, and prepare various materials
• Ability to exchange information with supervisor, lead, co‑workers, and students
• Ability to provide 1:1 support, present to small groups, and work at a computer exercising repetitive hand motion
• Work is performed primarily in office settings with frequent interruptions and encounters noises typical of these settings

Notice of Non‑Discrimination Statement

Seattle Colleges is committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity for all its students, employees, and applicants in education, employment, services and contracts, and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, age, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, status as an honorably discharged veteran or disabled veteran or military status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability. In addition, reasonable accommodation will be made for known physical or mental limitations for all otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Further, the Seattle Colleges is committed to ensure that all employees and students work and learn in an environment that fosters mutual respect and professionalism, free from all forms of ¿bullying¿ behaviors, including ¿cyberbullying.¿

Students, employees, and applicants at Seattle Colleges can reach the Title IX Coordinator or ADA/Section 504 Coordinator for questions about discrimination, harassment or grievance procedures.

Background Check Statement

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. In addition to the background check, candidates will complete Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Form WA HB 2327 as required.