Student Success Specialist

Job Summary

Central Washington University is recruiting a Student Success Specialist to join our Academic Achievement team in Ellensburg, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. The role is a campus-based position, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. Were offering a competitive salary plus the awesome CWU benefits.

Who we are:

We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.

Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. Youll find robust academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~8,300 students.

Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for seven out of eight years, CWU was a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. RentCafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025.

Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.

Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A

What we offer:

Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator.

The Role:

The TRIO Student Success Specialist is a grant-funded position responsible for providing holistic academic advising, support for financial literacy and student aid, career and/or graduate school counseling, instruction, advocacy, and support services to first-generation, low-income, and/or disabled students in the TRIO SSS Program. Students Success Specialist facilitate workshops designed to help students develop effective academic habits and practical life skills. This position is also responsible for documenting student participation and progress, giving presentations to faculty, staff groups and/or visiting students. This position is funded by a federal grant through August 31, 2030.

All employees are expected to uphold and contribute to CWUs vision, mission, and values, fostering a culture of student success and institutional excellence.

Job Duties

Advising:

• Provide academic and career counseling, support services, and resource referrals to a caseload of TRIO SSS students.
• Complete intake and assess students interests, needs and goals.
• Develop meaningful and appropriate interventions and services.
• Assist students in the development and monitoring of Individual Success Plans.
• Guide and support students in effective communication with CWU student services and academic departments.
• Analyze and interpret student data and placement results and advise students about degree and graduation requirements, course articulation, appropriate course loads and course selection.
• Assist students with the process of pursuing their major, understanding the curriculum and making effective academic progress.
• Collaborate with faculty departmental or college advisors, the Registrar, and Financial Aid to resolve student issues.
• Provide information and direct assistance with locating and applying for Federal student financial aid, state resources, and public and private scholarships.
• Assist students with resumes, cover letters, and scholarship applications and provide nominations and/or letters of recommendation, as appropriate.
• Assist students with researching and applying for graduate school, professional training, summer research, and/or internships.
• When required work with family members of students to support student success and ensure basic needs are being met.
• Design and lead program activities and workshops that aid TRIO SSS students in developing effective academic habits and practical life skills.
• Teach or co-teach UNIV 101 Transition to CWU and/or UNIV 102 Strategies for College Success Courses.

Administrative Support:

• Maintain current and accurate records in MyCWU.
• Generate reports to document student participation and progress.
• Assist director with administrative management of programs, including purchase requisitions, contract management, PCard tracking and reconciliation, travel planning and expense reports.
• Assist Director with preparation of periodic program reports and the annual federal Annual Performance Review.
• Review student applications for TRIO SSS gran aid and assist the Director with selection, distribution, and tracking of aid through the post-awards office.
• Hire and supervise student employees, including office staff, peer mentors, and tutors.
• Assist with the direction and formulation of TRIO SSS Program policies, procedures, and services while maintaining regulatory compliance.
• Participate in federal TRIO Priority Training sessions, committee work with state and/or regional TRIO associations, and conferences related to supporting underrepresented student populations.
• Advocate at CWU for the needs of both individual students, and all first generation, low-income, and disabled students with the goal of overcoming systemic barriers.
• Represent TRIO SSS at campus events and visits from prospective students.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• 4 years of progressively responsible experience in education, counseling, or related field and/or Bachelors Degree
• Experience working in a student service position in higher education.
• Demonstrated commitment to understanding and serving the needs of marginalized populations.
• Demonstrated ability and/or experience working collaboratively with students and/or colleagues to foster a supportive and effective learning and work environment.
• OR applicable combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters Degree or equivalent in education, counseling or related field.
• Experience working with special student populations such as non-traditional and underrepresented students and students with disabilities.
• Knowledge of learning strategies and ability to provide students with alternative methods and techniques for learning.
• Experience with federally funded educational programs and university financial aid policies.
• Ability to facilitate an appropriate counseling session with diverse students who have a variety of needs.
• Bilingual in Spanish.
• Background that provides evidence of overcoming barriers like those encountered by students in the TRIO SS target populations.
• Computing and data management skills and experience using Student Information Systems for advising students and tracking degree progress.
• Demonstrated participation in programs designed to promote student success.
• Experience or interest in mentoring students from a variety of backgrounds.
• Life experiences that demonstrate an ability to contribute to CWUs vision, mission, and values.

Competencies

• Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines, and work schedules.
• Judgement: Makes timely, informed decisions. Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action.
• Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals. Encourages participation and mutual support.
• Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities. Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives.
• Commitment to Belonging: Values the uniqueness of every individual and fosters an environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to thrive.

Dont meet every single requirement? At CWU, were committed to creating a welcoming and genuine workplace. If youre excited about this role but your experience doesnt align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. This could be the opportunity youre looking for!

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

Salary: The Hiring Departments expected hiring range is $46,209 - $55,450 annually. Individual placement within the hiring range is based on the candidates current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the full annual salary range for this position is $46,209 to $64,692.

Schedule/Appointment: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm (1 hour lunch) / This grant funded position is currently funded through August 31, 2030. Continuation of this position past 8/31/2030 is contingent upon renewed funding being obtained.

Working Conditions: Work is performed in an indoor office setting with frequent in-person interactions. It is essential to be able to remain at a desk/computer workstation for prolonged periods of time, perform extensive data entry and other computer-related tasks and create/maintain filing systems for departmental records. Some evening or weekend work and/or occasional travel may be required.

Benefits: CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance, along with vacation and sick leave plans depending on employment classification. For additional information please visit Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator.

An employee of CWU may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program if the employee has student loans. To learn more, visit: https://ofm.wa.gov/state-human-resources/public-service-loan-forgiveness-program.

How To Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the on-line application and attach:

• A detailed cover letter clearly demonstrating how your education and experience: (a) meet the required (and, as applicable, preferred) qualifications, and (b) demonstrate the ability to perform the responsibilities as described by the posting;

• Resume including work history, education, training; and

• Contact information for three professional references.

Screening Begins: August 3, 2026

Priority will be given to applications received by the screening date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Contact Information

Name: Maria Sanders

Title: Director TRIO Student Support Services

Email: Maria.Sanders@cwu.edu

Phone: 509/963-2027

Website:https://www.cwu.edu/academics/academic-resources/academic-achievement/student-support-services.php

Please contact Human Resources at hr@cwu.edu or 509-963-1202 if you require technical assistance with the on-line application process.

Conditions of Employment

Background Check/Reference Check Process:

Prior to employment, final candidate(s) will be required to sign a Sexual Misconduct disclosure in pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080 and submit to a background check. All information obtained through background investigations will be strictly confidential and revealed only to those required to have access.

Notice to Prospective Employees:

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement

Central Washington University is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution. Central Washington Universitys policies and practices affirm and actively promote the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in education and employment. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran is prohibited. The university provides an internal procedure for reporting discrimination and affords protection against retaliation for participating in the complaint process. Central Washington University complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and executive orders including when soliciting bids and in the fulfillment of all contracts with governmental agencies. Direct related inquiries to Civil Rights Compliance, 202 Barge Hall, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7501; Telephone 509-963-2050; or email crc@cwu.edu.

Reasonable Accommodations

Central Washington University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at HR@cwu.edu or call 509-963-1202. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

For the Central Washington University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (i.e. Clery Report) which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, available online here or call CWU Police and Parking Services at 509-963-2959 for a paper copy.