Native American Student Services Manager

Central Washington University is recruiting a Native American Student Services Manager to join our Tribal Relations team in Ellensburg, Washington. This role enhances the vision for the University and is a campus-based position, allowing you to see the lives you impact firsthand.

About Us

We are a team committed to Changing Students' Lives. Every role at CWU supports and empowers students to fulfill their dreams. Working in higher education offers career growth and variety, akin to a mini city operating across 380 acres. Our campus includes robust academics, libraries, athletics, dining, recreation centers, housing, health services, and public safety for a population of ~8,300 students.

Central Washington University has been recognized as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for 2022-2023 and has received the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award for seven out of eight years. RentCafe also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025.

About the Role

Reporting to the Office of Tribal Relations, the Student Services Manager will collaborate with the Associate Vice President of Tribal Relations, Northwest Tribal Nations, Native American organizations, and CWU student services units to develop and implement culturally responsive pathways and retention programming. This role supports Native American student belonging and success by partnering with campus units to improve policies and practices affecting Native American students.

The Student Services Manager will provide holistic, culturally grounded support for American Indian and Alaska Native students across the student lifecycle—from outreach and recruitment through graduation. Core responsibilities include Native American student engagement, retention programming, non-academic advising, cultural programming, tribal community and family engagement, and outreach to ease the transition into higher education.

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

Responsibilities

• Native Community Outreach, Recruitment, and Admissions
  • Partner with Admissions to represent Native American student services and resources at orientations, preview days, campus visits, and other admissions events.
  • Develop recruitment and admissions strategies for first-year and transfer Native American students, including outreach to tribal schools, tribal colleges, and community events.
  • Visit regional tribal communities and attend tribal conferences (e.g., Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians) to engage prospective students through workshops and outreach.
  • Coordinate with Tribal Education managers and Native American organizations to support retention and college transition, ensuring students connect with resources.
  • Build and sustain respectful partnerships with Northwest Tribal Nations, tribal education departments, tribal colleges, and Native-serving organizations.
  • Partner with university student service units to help Native American students access advising, wellness opportunities, CWU Wildcat Pantry, the Multicultural Center, and other resources.
• Management and Administration
  • Collect and analyze Native American and Alaska Native student data on engagement, retention, and graduation; prepare assessment reports to strengthen programming.
  • Collaborate with the AVP of Tribal Relations to pursue external funding, including grants and philanthropic support, to expand services for Native students.
  • Serve on university committees, task forces, and strategic initiatives; collaborate with academic programs, including American Indian Studies.
  • Identify institutional barriers for Native American students and work with departments to ensure equitable policies and practices.
  • Advise leadership on policies, initiatives, and emerging issues affecting Native students.
  • Serve as a campus resource, providing guidance and training on culturally responsive practices to foster belonging and successful college pathways.
  • Ensure services comply with FERPA regulations and maintain confidentiality.
• Student Engagement and Retention Services
  • Coordinate workshops and resources connecting Native American students to campus life, cultural events, and student organizations.
  • Advise and support Native American student organizations and student-led initiatives.
  • Provide one-on-one non-academic advising and culturally responsive support, including referrals to on- and off-campus resources.
  • Partner with the Multicultural Center to develop cultural programming that meets Native American students’ needs.
  • Coordinate and implement cultural activities during Native American Heritage Month, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and Native American Student Recognition events.
• Supervisor Duties
  • Recruit and hire student staff.
  • Define performance expectations, provide feedback, coaching, and mentoring, and conduct formal performance evaluations.
  • Ensure student staff have necessary resources.
  • Oversee and direct the work of student staff; serve as a mentor and resolve complaints or issues.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Four (4) years of progressively responsible professional experience in Native American student services and/or a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Demonstrated understanding of Native American history, cultural practices, and factors impacting Native American college pathways, preparation, and enrollment.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership/management skills.
• Experience presenting to or working with Native American students, families, and tribal communities in Washington State or those with traditional homelands in Washington.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with students and colleagues to foster a supportive learning and work environment.
• OR an applicable combination of education and experience demonstrating the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Six (6) or more years of progressively responsible professional experience in Native American student services and/or education, and/or a master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Experience running Native American cultural programming.
• Experience working in higher education.
• Demonstrated participation in programs designed to promote student success.
• A record of promoting institutional excellence in the work environment.
• Experience or interest in mentoring students from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to incorporate a variety of perspectives and relevant societal issues into everyday conversations.

Don’t meet every requirement? CWU encourages applications from candidates excited about this role, even if their experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification.

Benefits

CWU invests in your future from day one, offering:

• Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance.
• Retirement and optional savings plans.
• Tuition assistance for you and your dependents.
• Discounts across town.
• Employee Assistance Program for individualized counseling.
• Wellness incentive program.

Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator.

Pay

The hiring range for this position is $58,000 - $65,000 annually. Individual placement within the range is based on experience, education, skills, and abilities. The full annual salary range is $50,830 to $71,161, in accordance with RCW 49.58.110.