Academic Advisor, Cultural Learning Communities

Academic Advisor, Cultural Learning Communities

Salary

$68,000.00 Annually

Location

Highline College 2400 S 240th St Des Moines, WA

Job Type

SALARIED OVERTIME ELIGIBLE

Job Number

202610123-AA,BSS

Division

EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND TRANSFORMATION

Opening Date

10/23/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

General Summary

This posting will remain open until filled. Priority consideration for applications received by November 8, 2026.

The Academic Advisor for Cultural Learning Communities provides culturally responsive academic advising, educational planning, student success coaching, and college navigation support for students who identify as Black, African, African American, and members of the African Diaspora. Grounded in Highline College's Guided Pathways framework, this position functions primarily as a student success advisor, helping students explore academic and career pathways, develop educational plans, access resources, and achieve retention, transfer, and completion goals while fostering belonging and community.

Hybrid office environment with in-person and virtual collaboration. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

This position is an exempt, at-will, full-time position.

Essential Tasks

Reporting to the Director of Cultural Learning Communities, this position will be responsible for:

Academic Advising and Student Success Support (70%)

• Provide culturally responsive academic advising and educational planning;
• Create and maintain individualized academic plans;
• Support course selection, degree completion, transfer, and career exploration;
• Conduct proactive outreach and intervention;
• Facilitate advising appointments, workshops, and orientations;
• Maintain advising records and documentation;
• Collaborate with faculty and advising partners.

Student Navigation and Care Coordination (15%)

• Connect students to financial aid, benefits, tutoring, counseling, and other supports;
• Provide case management and success coaching;
• Assist students with FAFSA/WASFA and scholarship navigation;
• Coordinate referrals and follow-up support.

Black Student Success Programming and Community Engagement (10%)

• Facilitate workshops and engagement opportunities focused on academic success and leadership;
• Support culturally affirming activities that promote belonging and Black student success;
• Collaborate with Umoja, Cultural Learning Communities, and campus partners;
• Support mentoring, peer connection, and cohort-building opportunities.

Administrative and Collaborative Responsibilities (5%)

• Maintain reports and assessment data;
• Participate in committees, meetings, and professional development;
• Support development of advising resources and student success materials;
• Participate in special projects, campus events, equity initiatives, and other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of academic advising, student development, Guided Pathways, transfer planning, career exploration, culturally responsive practice, and student success strategies;

• Ability to build relationships, facilitate workshops, manage multiple priorities, communicate effectively, and maintain confidentiality.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Ethnic Studies, or related field;

OR

• Equivalent education/experience; AND
• Three years of experience in advising, student services, college access, case management, or related work supporting diverse student populations.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in career counseling, or university transfer admission/recruitment Experience working with undocumented students;
• Bilingual English and Spanish speaking;
• Extensive understanding of Black/African student assets and funds of knowledge, supporting cultural and community programming that enhance students' sense of belonging;
• Experience working or volunteering with Black/African/African communities Experience working in higher education;
• Post-baccalaureate education or Master's Degree;
• Experience serving a diverse population in a multicultural environment Experience navigating higher education;
• Training or experience in navigation, case management or financial coaching Experience with PeopleSoft (ctcLink).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Standard office environment with ability to use computers, attend meetings, communicate effectively, and produce written reports.

Supplemental Information

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.

THE COLLEGE

Founded in 1961, Highline College was the first community college to be established in King County and is one of 34 community and technical colleges. More than 350,000 alumni have graduated from Highline over the years. Nestled between Seattle and Tacoma, we are located on the traditional village sites of the Muckleshoot, Puyallup and many other Coast Salish tribes.

Highline prioritizes access for all students, staff, and faculty, which is evident in our Mission, Vision, and Values. We are proud Highline strives to improve access to Education for our student community. Those who come to our college bring unique personal experiences, beliefs, and perspectives and make us better. We strive to provide and highlight resources to support our students, staff, and faculty by fostering a equal opportunity focused workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Your online application must include the following to be considered complete:

1. A detailed resume that addresses the MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS of the position;

2. A letter of application/cover letter (two-page maximum, recommended) that addresses your ability to meet the QUALIFICATIONS, and KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES for the position.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• National Criminal Background Check may be required;
• Comply with all college policies.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ONLINE AT:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/highline

NEED APPLICATION HELP?

Should you have any difficulties uploading your documents or navigating the application process, please contact NEOGOV Technical Support at 1-855-524- 5627, Monday - Friday 6:00 AM to 6:00PM Pacific Time.

HIGHLINE COLLEGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Highline College is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We strongly encourage applicants to apply without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legal protected status.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The College complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants needing accommodations in the application process in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources office at (206) 592-3812. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the states free telecommunication access service.

TITLE IX POLICY

Highline College complies with Title IX regulations. For details on our policies, see our website https://humanresources.highline.edu/faculty-and-staff/policies/title-ix/

The College appointing authorities reserve the right and may exercise the option to make an employment decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

The college provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types).

The Title IX Coordinator, Danielle Slota, can be reached at (206) 592-3600 or DSlota@Highline.edu. 2400 S. 240th St. Des Moines, WA 98198. Building 12, President's Office

For accessibility needs, Melanie Lawson, can be reached at (206) 592-3320 or MLawson@Highline.edu. 2400 S. 240th St. Des Moines, WA 98198. Building 12, Human Resources.

Benefits for full time employees are explained in detail on our Benefits Summary page.

01

Do you have a Bachelor's degree in Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Ethnic Studies, or related field or equivalent education & experience?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have three years of experience in advising, student services, college access, case management, or related work supporting diverse student populations?

• Yes
• No

03

I understand that to be consider for this position my application must be complete. Your online application must include the following to be considered complete: 1. A detailed resume that addresses the MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS of the position; 2. A letter of application/cover letter (two-page maximum, recommended) that addresses your ability to meet the QUALIFICATIONS, and KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES for the position.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Highline College (WA)

Address MS 12-A P.O. Box 98000

Des Moines, Washington, 98198-9800

Phone 206-592-3601

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/highline