SET Direct Admit Advisor

University of Washington; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Washington in Tacoma is seeking a Direct Admit Advisor to guide School of Engineering and Technology (SET) students through major selection, coursework planning, and success strategies. The role emphasizes collaboration with University Academic Advising and direct student support in a hybrid work environment.

The advisor will manage applications, conduct information sessions, and use campus databases to track records, generate reports, and support program evaluation for SET

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least three years of progressively responsible experience in higher education advising, recruitment, or admissions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication with diverse student populations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Academic Advising (70%): advise students in-person/remote, help choose SET majors, support graduation planning, run reports and create program statistics.
• Application Management (20%): manage undergraduate major applications, participate in admissions review processes.
• Program Support (10%): collect and analyze student/enrollment data to inform enrollment initiatives and report outcomes.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Time management

Empathy

Diplomacy

Data interpretation

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Campus databases

Data warehouses

Microsoft Office

Job description

Hybrid (telework 2 days or less per week)

Tacoma, WA

Full time

Job Description

The School of Engineering and Technology (SET) has an outstanding opportunity for a Direct Admit Advisor to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Lead Academic Advisor, the Direct Admit Advisor is responsible for providing guidance and support to help students make informed decisions about their academic and career paths. The SET Direct Admit Advisor will assist current SET Direct students in selecting their SET major, setting goals, planning their coursework, and navigating challenges, ultimately fostering a successful comprehensive student experience. This position also supports SET pre-major students in collaboration with University Academic Advising.

Working as the SET Direct Advisor offers a rewarding opportunity to assist students in their educational journey, facilitate their transition to a program major in one of our high in demand undergraduate STEM programs, and contribute to the growth and success of the institution.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Advising (70%)

• Provide advising to current and prospective students in-person, by phone, email, through group advising, or online appointments.

• Effectively advise prospective students on SET major options, competitive admissions process, and strategies for improving admission possibilities.

• Counsel students experiencing academic or personal problems, including students dropped from the University for low-scholarship, and make referrals to appropriate campus resources when necessary.

• Foster student understanding of graduation requirements to facilitate successful realization of academic, personal, and professional goals.

• Use campus database systems and data warehouses to maintain student records, update student records, run reports, and create program statistics.

• Conduct major information sessions, group advising, new student orientations, and workshops to groups from 10 to 200 participants.

• Participate in various on campus recruitment events, such as campus major fairs, open houses, admitted student days, Orientation, major information sessions, classroom visits, and campus tours, to promote the School of Engineering and Technology and attract pre‑major students into our programs.

Application Management (20%)

• Manage the day‑to‑day processing and administration of SET undergraduate major applications, ensuring applications move efficiently through the review and decision‑making process.

• Serve as chair of the SET Direct Admissions review process, coordinating application review activities, timelines, committee communications, and admissions recommendations.

• Serve as a member of the undergraduate admissions review committee, participating in applicant evaluation and admissions decision‑making.

Program Support, Evaluation and Data Management (10%)

• Collect, manage, and analyze student, applicant, and enrollment data to identify trends, support reporting needs, and inform strategic enrollment and retention initiatives.

• Serve on departmental committees and working groups such as Strickland Fellowship for Career Pathways.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

• Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of progressively responsible experience in higher education advising, recruitment, or admissions.

Additional Qualifications

• The ability to interact professionally with students, staff, and faculty, including non-native English speakers, using excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects with precision and accuracy.

• Knowledge of higher education policies, admission processes, and academic programs.

• The ability to handle sensitive situations with diplomacy and confidentiality.

• Self‑motivated and uses available resources to solve problems and answer inquiries.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.

• Familiarity with relevant software and tools for managing student data and communication. Experience compiling and presenting data.

• Empathetic and patient approach to guide students through the decision‑making process.

• Commitment to and the ability to work with individuals from a variety backgrounds.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and work a flexible schedule with some evening and/or weekend work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in education, counseling, business or related field.

• Understanding of the student lifecycle.

• Able to make independent decisions based on university policies and procedures.

Application Requirement

This recruitment requires a cover letter. Your application will not be considered unless you attach a cover letter.

• Your letter should outline your interest in the position, highlight relevant experience or qualifications, and explain how you would add value to the team or organization. It must be specific to this role.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum

$62,712.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum

$64,656.00 annual

Other Compensation

-

Benefits

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent)

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit

Not Applicable

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem‑solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 (https://policy.uw.edu/directory/po/executive-orders/eo-81-prohibiting-discrimination-harassment-and-sexual-misconduct/).

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail].

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28B.112.080).

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.