Science and Engineering Student Success Specialist

Science and Engineering Student Success Specialist

Salary

$65,000.00 - $69,000.00 Annually

Location

Main Campus, 6501 S 19th Street, Tacoma WA 98466, WA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

26-13-AP #MON

Division

Academic Affairs

Department

Science, Engineering, & Mathematics

Opening Date

08/05/2026

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

NA

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Who We Are

Priority Consideration Date: September 6, 2026

Located in the scenic Puget Sound area with nearby mountain ranges and Mount Rainier in the distance, Tacoma is surrounded by outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, boating and camping. Tacoma, Washington has been ranked as one of the most livable cities in the country, due to the increasing career opportunities, cultural diversity and community engagement, just to name a few.

Tacoma Community College (TCC) was built on the ancestral territory of Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Puyallup and Squaxin Island Tribes. The 1854 Medicine Creek Treaty forcibly removed them to Reservations to make way for colonizers; we recognize the privilege of utilizing this land has come at a great cost. We honor the resilience of the Puyallup and Squaxin Island people, who still live here, defend their rights, and contribute greatly to the well-being of our community. Our institution aims to increase partnerships and community ties with the local indigenous populations. Moreover, TCC stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and the Black community by further strengthening collaboration with the Black Student Union as well as community entities such as the Tacoma-Pierce County Black Collective, the Tacoma Urban League, and local black-owned businesses. In addition, we strongly support the Stop Asian Hate movement and have an active Asian Pacific Islander Student Club as well as an Asian and Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Coalition. TCC is committed to developing more culturally responsive curricula by infusing and incorporating more educational content focused on the lives, experiences, and contributions of Native, Black, Latine, Asian, and other marginalized communities. We continually strive to become an anti-racist institution.

We are specifically focusing on improved support for traditionally marginalized populations, including Black/African- American, Indigenous, People of Color, Dreamers, justice-involved, immigrants and refugees, Veterans, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community. To this end, TCC seeks applicants who:

• Value intellectual curiosity and innovative teaching
• Welcome difference and model respectful interaction with others
• Recognize and honor the important role that diversity brings to an educational community
• Are committed to educating a racially and socioeconomically diverse student population
• Are committed to teaching in a community college setting
• Care deeply about student success
• Intentionally support and promote efforts related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Honor TCC's mission promoting equitable access to educational opportunities
• Reflect the diversity of our community

Position Summary

The Science and Engineering Student Success Specialist is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing student support services, outreach activities, and programming that advance student recruitment, retention, persistence, completion, transfer, and career exploration within science, engineering, aerospace, and aerospace-adjacent programs at Tacoma Community College. The position supports institutional efforts to strengthen STEM pathways, with a particular focus on increasing student participation and success in aerospace and related industries.

The coordinator works collaboratively with faculty, staff, industry partners, K-12 institutions, universities, and community organizations to provide academic and career support, coordinate outreach and recruitment activities, facilitate experiential learning opportunities, and connect students with campus and community resources. The position also provides leadership and coordination for activities funded through grants and supported programs, including the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program, helping to ensure student success and equitable access to STEM educational and career opportunities.

The position supports Tacoma Community Colleges commitment to expanding access and success for students pursuing STEM degrees and careers, particularly in high-demand fields that contribute to the regional aerospace workforce.

This is a full-time, temporarily funded professional position. This position is set to end June 30, 2027.

Essential Functions

Under the direction of the MESA Director, coordinate and support Tacoma Community Colleges Science, Engineering, and Math Division's engineering efforts and the MESA program to promote student recruitment, retention, academic success, transfer, and completion in aerospace and related STEM pathways.

Student Success, Advising, and Retention

• Conduct student needs assessments, coordinate student intake and orientation processes, and develop individualized support plans that promote academic success, persistence, retention, and transfer.
• Provide mentoring, advocacy, and case management support by assisting students in identifying and accessing campus and community resources, including advising, tutoring, financial aid, counseling, basic needs support, and other support services.
• Foster student engagement through peer mentoring, study groups, leadership development, and community-building activities that support student success.

Program Coordination and Student Engagement

• Coordinate day-to-day MESA program operations, including training and supporting MESA student employees and maintaining a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive student center environment.
• Plan, coordinate, and support student-focused programs and events, including outreach activities, workshops, campus visits, transfer and scholarship fairs, research opportunities, conferences, and graduation celebrations.
• Transport students in college vehicles to MESA-sponsored activities and events and maintain required participation and consent documentation.

Partnership Development and Collaboration

• Collaborate with faculty, staff, advisors, transfer institutions, industry partners, and student support programs to develop, coordinate, and integrate services and activities that enhance student success.
• Support initiatives that increase recruitment, retention, completion, and transfer for students in STEM fields, with particular emphasis on historically underrepresented student populations.

Communications, Data, and Administrative Support

• Coordinate communications and promotional efforts for MESA programs and activities, including collaborating with Marketing and WA MESA to develop print and electronic materials.
• Collect, maintain, and report student participation, success, retention, transfer, and program outcome data; maintain accurate student and program records.
• Coordinate tutoring and advising schedules and communications and provide administrative support for day-to-day program operations.

Professional Development and Cultural Competency

• Participate in professional development activities offered by Washington MESA, Tacoma Community College, and other relevant organizations.
• Demonstrate cultural competence and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and student-centered practices while working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education to Experience Equivalences:

Associates Degree = 2 years | Bachelors Degree = 4 years | Masters Degree = 6 years

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience in student support services.
• Experience in planning, organizing, and delivering academic support services and events
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment with historically non-dominant students pursuing degrees in STEM fields, with an emphasis on promoting equity, diversity, & inclusion

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in STEM discipline from an accredited college or university.

OR equivalent education/experience working in a STEM field or serving STEM students

Duties of the position require knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Ability to actively lead and participate on teams to advance the college towards the completion of shared goals.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of departmental and student records.
• Ability to promote and maintain a healthy and positive work environment with collegial and cooperative work relationships.
• Ability to provide clear and ethical principles to decision-making and use judgment and discretion in sensitive matters.
• Experience working with diverse populations in an educational setting or community-based organization providing educational services.
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Ability to work independently, assume responsibility, and take initiative
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact with a diverse population, both in and outside the college.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.

Conditions Of Employment

• The finalist for this position will be subject to a criminal background check prior to the start of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily prevent employment, but will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by HR staff.

• Tacoma Community College has no responsibility or obligation to sponsor an H-1B visa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.

• Must have reliable transportation to go to community meetings and events.

• Must have a driver's license and transport students in college vehicles to MESA-supported events and activities.

Application Process

• Tacoma Community College application
• Resume and cover letter. In your cover letter indicate how your background and experience meets the qualifications for this position.
• UNOFFICIAL Copies of transcripts for all colleges and universities attended (official transcripts will be required for the successful candidate).
• Diversity Statement: Tacoma Community College is committed to creating and supporting a multicultural climate that welcomes, fosters, respects, and celebrates diversity. Please attach a statement (maximum two pages) describing your experiences with other cultures and communities, your level of cultural self-awareness, and how you have integrated both experience and self-awareness into your living/working environment.

Terms of Employment

This is a full-time, temporarily funded professional position. This position is set to end June 30, 2027. Continuation of this position will be determined by funding. Flexibility in scheduling is required to meet the needs of the department. Some evening, off-campus sites, and weekends are required. The salary for this position is $65,000 - $69,000. This position is exempt overtime eligible with prior notification and approval. Tacoma Community College offers a comprehensive healthcare benefits package for you and your dependents including medical, dental, and vision insurance. Life and long-term disability insurance plans; vacation, sick, and personal leave; and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our employment page/employment benefits: https://www.tacomacc.edu/about/employment/. Degrees must be from accredited colleges or universities recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and verified by the National Student Clearinghouse. International degrees must be evaluated by a credential evaluation service.

Tacoma Community College values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator. Tacoma Community College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, 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). Provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Patricia McCray Roberts, Title VII and Title IX, Building 14, 253-566-5051; Kathryn Held, Section 504 Officer, Building 7, 253-566-5328. Tacoma Community College is a smoke-free/drug free environment. This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed and or modified without notice.

Tacoma Community College

Human Resources

6501 S 19th St Bldg. 14, Tacoma WA 98466

The benefits information presented on this page is a summary of College provided benefits. This information is subject to change and is subject to the provisions of any legislative mandates and College policy changes. For more detailed information about Tacoma Community College (TCC) benefits, please do not hesitate to contact the College benefits coordinator at (253) 566-5024.

TCC offers a comprehensive benefits package which include medical, dental, life insurance, and long- term disability insurance through the Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB), along with retirement benefits through TIAA and the Department of Retirement System

Eligibility

Full-time faculty, classified staff, administrators and professional staff are eligible for benefits. Hourly employees and part-time faculty may be eligible for benefits if, and when, they meet specific criteria and are notified by TCC Human Resources.

Effective Date of Coverage

Coverage begins the first day of the month following the date of hire, or date of achieving eligibility status. If the date of hire is the first working day of the month, coverage begins immediately.

Health Insurance

Medical Plans

Eligible employees have several medical plan options to select from (provided by PEBB). Employees pay a monthly premium through payroll deduction.

Premium Rates Effective January 1, 2024

Resources:

PEBB Website

Medical Plan information

PEBB Medical Plan Comparison

Dental Plans

Employees choose from three dental plans. TCC covers the full dental premium for employees and enrolled dependents.

Resource:

Dental Plan Comparison

Vision

Covered under medical plan chosen.

Waiving Medical Coverage

If you have other employer-based medical insurance, Medicare or TRICARE, you have the option to waive PEBB medical coverage. Dental is mandatory for all eligible employees and cannot be waived, unless enrolled in dental coverage as a dependent under a SEBB (School District Employee Benefits Board) plan.

Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA) & Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) & Limited Purpose FSA

FSA & DCAP accounts allow employees to set aside pre-taxed dollars to cover out-of-pocket health care and/or childcare expenses.

Members of WFSE (HE CCC) and WPEA, will be eligible to receive a $250 FSA card if employed as of November 1, 2023 with an annual full-time equivalent salary of less than $60,000, and is enrolled in a non-CDHP medical plan as of January 1 of the plan year that FSA funds are made available. This card is

issued by PEBB in the following January and does not count against the annual FSA limit, if enrolled in an FSA with Navia.

The Limited Purpose FSA is eligible for employees who are enrolled in a consumer-directed health plan (CDHP) that has a Health Savings Account. The Limited Purpose FSA is only for dental and vision expenses.

Resource:

Navia Benefit Solutions

Life Insurance

Benefits eligible employees, lawful spouse or same-sex domestic partner, dependent children under 26 years of age are eligible to enroll in life insurance. Coverage is effective first of the month following the date of employment for basic coverage; for optional coverage, amounts become effective the first of the month following approval date.

Basic Coverage: $35,000 Basic Term Life & $5,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) This is employer-provided at no cost to the employee.

Supplemental Life Insurance Coverage(s): Any supplemental term life insurance and AD&D coverage for employee, lawful spouse, qualified same-sex domestic partner, and family is available at additional cost to the employee.

Resource:

MetLife Life Insurance

Long Term Disability (LTD)

Basic LTD: Provides 60% of the first $400 pre-disability earnings, reduced by any deductible income at no cost to the employee.

Supplemental LTD: Supplemental LTD coverage to replace at 60% or 50% of full pre-disability earnings is available at an additional cost to the employee.

Resource:

PEBB Long-Term Disability Insurance

PAID LEAVE

Classified staff, Administrators, and Professional staff are eligible for paid vacation, sick leave, and personal leave, along with paid federal holidays. Classified Monthly vacation entitlement amounts can vary from 11.33 to 16.67 hours per month depending on the length of state service. Administrator/Exempt Professional vacation leave is 16.00 hours per month. Monthly sick leave entitlement is 8.00 hours per month based on 100% FTE position and will be prorated accordingly if less than 100% FTE. Annual personal leave entitlement varies depending on employee type. Full-time classified, administrators, and professional staff are paid for all federal holidays.

Full-time faculty receive 84.00 hours of paid sick leave per academic year along with 28.00 hours of personal leave. Full-time faculty are paid on an annual contract and do not receive pay for federal holidays.

Part-time faculty receive sick leave each quarter using a formula based on the total FTE% from the cumulative teaching contracts issued to them that quarter. They would receive 7.00 hours of personal leave if they are issued a multi-quarter appointment at the start of the academic year. Part-time faculty do not receive pay for federal holidays.

Part-time hourly and student employees receive 1 hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked in a month (and fractions, thereof). Up to 40 hours of sick leave can carry over from one calendar year to the next.

If a part-time hourly or student employee is hired into a full-time position, the sick leave hours earned in the part-time position do not carry over to the full-time position. Part-time hourly and student employees are not paid for federal holidays.

Monthly entitlements are given at the beginning of the following month.

All employees in salaried positions may take up to five days of paid bereavement time off for the death of a family member. This is separate from the sick leave or vacation leave.

RETIREMENT

Retirement participation is mandatory for retirement benefit eligible TCC employees. Employees are offered a choice between two retirement plans and that choice is generally irrevocable while employed at TCC.

Classified Employees and (retirement eligible) Part-Time hourly:

Classified employees and eligible part-time hourly employees must choose between the Public Employees Retirement Systems (PERS) Plan 2 or Plan 3. More information about these plans can be found at this link: Department of Retirement Systems Plans

Faculty:

Faculty can choose to enroll in the State Board Retirement Plan (SBRP) with the plan administrator being TIAA or the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) Plan 2 or Plan 3 administered by the Department of Retirement System (DRS). Prior history in any of these plans may limit current plan choice. Click here to compare TRS Plan 2, TRS Plan 3, and SBRP.

SBRP -TIAA - This is a Defined Contribution Plan. The employee contributes a mandatory defined amount and the state matches the employee's contributions. Contribution rates are based on age.

TRS Plan 2 - A 401(a) defined benefit plan. TCC and employee contribute a percentage of salary to fund the plan. Your monthly benefit at retirement will be based on your earned service credit and compensation.

TRS Plan 3 - A 401(a) hybrid plan with Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution components. The defined contribution portion of the plan is funded through mandatory employee contributions. The employee may choose between six contribution options. TCC contributes to Defined Benefit part.

Administrative/Exempt Employees

Administrators and Exempt employees may choose to participate in the State Board Retirement Plan (SBRP), administered by TIAA, or the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Plan 2 or Plan 3, administered by the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). Prior history in a Washington State Retirement Plan may limit plan choice. Click here to compare PERS Plan 2, PERS Plan 3, and SBRP.

SBRP/TIAA - This is a 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan. The employee contributes a mandatory defined amount and the state matches the employee's contributions. Contribution rates are based on age.

PERS Plan 2 - A 401(a) defined benefit plan. TCC and employee contribute a percentage of salary to fund the plan. Your monthly benefit at retirement will be based on your earned service credit and compensation.

PERS Plan 3 - A 401(a) hybrid plan with Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution components. The defined contribution portion of the plan is funded through mandatory employee contributions. The employee may choose between six contribution options. TCC contributes to Defined Benefit part.

PERS Rates Effective September 1, 2023

TRS Rates Effective September 1, 2023.

State Board Retirement Plan (SBRP) - Contributions Rates:

Contributions are based on your age:

Voluntary Retirement Savings:

State Board Voluntary Investment Program (SBVIP):

SBVIP is a voluntary, optional, unmatched retirement savings plan, operating under Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), administered by TIAA. SBVIP participants may contribute on a pre-tax and/or after-tax (Roth) basis, up to the annual IRS limit and can start and stop their contributions at any time during employment. Contact Human Resources to start/stop contributions.

Deferred Compensation Program (DCP):

Tax-deferred savings plan administered by the Department of Retirement Systems. New Full-time employees are automatically enrolled in DCP 3 months after hire at a contribution rate of 3%. Employees are sent a notification letter within approximately 30 days of hire. This notice includes information about auto-enrollment and the necessary steps to take if one chooses to opt-out or make changes to their DCP enrollment. Contributions can be changed at any time during employment. Following the initial auto- enrollment possibility, employees would contact DRS to setup contributions and can contribute on a pre- tax basis up to the annual IRS limit.

Tuition Waiver

Administrative, Classified, Full-time Faculty, and Part-Time faculty employed for more than 50% FTE are eligible to register for space-available classes, up to 10 credits per quarter, with the State Employee Tuition Waiver program. Class registration and any applicable class fee will still apply. Click here for the Tuition Waiver form.

Liberty Mutual

PEBB members may receive a discount of up to 12% off Liberty Mutual's auto insurance rates and up to 5% off of Liberty Mutual's home insurance rates.

Contact Liberty Mutual at 1-800-706-5525 and mention that you are a State of Washington PEBB Member (client #8246) or visit a local Liberty Mutual office and let them know you are State of Washington PEBB Member (client #8246) for a quote.

Collective Bargaining Agreements:

WFSE Higher Education Community College Coalition: WFSE (HE CCC) CBA

WPEA Higher Education: WPEA CBA

WFSE Represented Exempt Bargaining Unit: WFSE-Exempt CBA

TCC Faculty Negotiated Agreement: TCC Faculty Negotiated Agreement

01

Which best describes your level of education?

• Attending HS / Obtaining GED or equivalent
• Professional certifications, college or other educational certifications
• High School graduate or equivalent
• Some College
• Associates degree from an accredited college or university
• Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university
• Masters degree or higher from an accredited college or university

02

What is the field or discipline of your degree?

03

How many years of experience do you possess working in a STEM field or serving STEM students?

• None
• Less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years to less than 6 years
• More than 6 years

04

Do you have experience in student support services?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have experience in planning, organizing, and delivering academic support services and events?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you possess a valid drivers license? This position requires the ability to transport students in college vehicles to events and activities, as well as commuting to community meetings and events.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Tacoma Community College

Division Academic Affairs Address 6501 South 19th St

Tacoma, Washington, 98466

Website http://www.tacomacc.edu