Student Retention Specialist (temporary)

About the role

Under the supervision of the Director of Student Success at North, Central, or South Seattle College, the Student Success Specialist provides enrollment, retention, and completion support to Seattle Promise students. The role includes direct academic advising, development, coordination, and facilitation of Seattle Promise programming such as Readiness Academy, Campus Connect, mandatory quarterly check‑ins, quarterly Study Hall requirements, and satisfactory academic progress navigation. The specialist also assists with program development, data collection and analysis, and implements strategies to retain students, support academic achievement, and lead to successful degree or credential completion. The position may require occasional evening work to meet program needs and is funded through September 31 2027 with possible extension.

About us

Seattle Colleges is a district of three colleges—North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and South Seattle College—and five specialty training centers, making it the largest and most diverse community college district in Washington. The district is committed to a welcoming academic climate that reflects the diverse backgrounds of its community.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with campus and district staff to enhance student persistence, academic achievement, financial support, and degree completion for Seattle Promise.
• Track students, collect, analyze, and report data on enrollment, milestone achievement, degree completion, and post‑college plans.
• Assist students with the Seattle Promise enrollment process, including assessment, placement, program selection, and quarterly registration.
• Plan and facilitate quarterly workshops, Study Halls, and Campus Connect events to promote retention and credential completion.
• Assess student progress toward milestones and degree requirements; make referrals for additional support as needed.
• Guide students in maintaining scholarship eligibility and completing FAFSA/WASFA and other financial aid requirements.
• Determine quarterly program eligibility for caseload students.
• Collaborate with faculty to promote student success.
• Serve as primary contact for Seattle Promise students and college staff regarding program questions.
• Represent Seattle Colleges and Seattle Promise at external meetings.
• Contribute to program priority development, including building campus and community involvement.
• Assist students in developing educational, career, and life goals; promote life‑planning and academic success.
• Advise on course selection, individualized educational goals, admissions requirements, transfer processes, and graduation applications.
• Conduct classroom presentations on college transitions.
• Participate in outreach and recruitment activities as needed.
• Supervise part‑time hourly staff, work‑study students, interns, and/or volunteers.
• Communicate respectfully and effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with various disabilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education, student development, psychology, human relations, or a related field.
• At least two years of experience advising college and/or high‑school students in an education or social‑services setting, or an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience.
• Authorization to work in the United States on a regular basis (no visa sponsorship).

Skills

• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication abilities.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines with attention to detail.
• Experience working effectively with diverse populations, including various racial, ethnic, religious, linguistic, gender, age, sexual orientation, socioeconomic, and disability groups.
• Highly motivated self‑starter; flexible and able to thrive in a dynamic environment.
• Strong organizational and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, student database systems, and student‑success technologies.

Benefits

• Competitive pay rates
• Promotional opportunities
• Medical, dental, and retirement plans
• Paid sick and vacation leave
• Transportation benefits
• Tuition waivers
• PEBB wellness plan
• Washington State Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Professional development, committee, workgroup, and affinity‑group opportunities

Pay

Salary range: $63,411 – $87,567 annually (depending on experience). Anticipated starting salary: $78,900.

Schedule

The position may require occasional evening work to meet program needs.