Retention Specialist, La Plaza

About the Department:
Multicultural Student Services supports Western's mission, which states that together with our students, staff, and faculty, we are committed to making a positive impact in the state and the world with a shared focus on academic excellence and inclusive achievement. We encourage applications from women, people of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and other candidates from underrepresented backgrounds and with diverse experiences interested in this opportunity.

Established in 2021, the Office of Multicultural Student Services (MSS) is dedicated to supporting and serving all students, with a special focus on those from historically marginalized communities. We provide leadership and guidance for a variety of student organizations and resources, including the Black Student Coalition (BSC), Blue Resource Center (BRC), Ethnic Student Center (ESC), and La Plaza. Soon, MSS will also be home to an Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) cultural center.

The La Plaza Retention Specialist is responsible for the daily operations, programming, and student engagement at the La Plaza Latine resource center.

The Retention Specialist for La Plaza is a key retention agent at Western centering Latine students and that develops and creates bridges to academic and co‑curricular resources, advises and supports students with culturally‑appropriate and inclusive services, and supports the holistic wellbeing and thriving of Western Washington University (WWU) students through co‑curricular programming, supportive advising and counseling, and referrals to other university and community resources.

The Retention Specialist will be supervised by the Director of Multicultural Student Services and will collaborate with the staff and programs within The Office of Multicultural Student Services, LGBTQ+ Western, and Disability Access Center. Together, the three departments make up The Centers for Student Access, Community, and Intercultural Engagement Unit within Academic Affairs.

The Retention Specialist will also collaborate with community partners and organizations to bridge relationships with prospective students, current students, alumni, and community members.

• Program development and management duties include:
  Manage the daily operations of the La Plaza, the Latine Student Resource Center.
• Create, implement, and assess comprehensive co‑curricular programming and events centering Latine identities and experiences such as the welcome event La Bienvenida, Dia De Los Muertos with Whatcom Community College, and the Si SePudo Celebration of Graduates. This program should provide resources, support, referrals, celebrations, and advocacy.
• Provide intersectional programmatic support such as partnering with LGBTQ+ Western, Disability Access Center, and Tribal Liaison Office. Develop, implement, assess, and enhance programs and services for Latine students to support their enrollment, retention, satisfaction, and completion.
• Chair the Latine Student Support Network.
• Chair the Latine Heritage Month committee.
• Support University Admissions, Compass to Campus, and other programs in hosting Latine student‑centered recruitment efforts.
• Create a welcoming and inclusive environment that supports all student success, centering Latine student success.

• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise student employees.
• Supervise 8-10 student employees. Advise ESC clubs, centering clubs celebrating and honoring Latine identity. Includes liaising with Club Activities Office and faculty and staff club advisors.
• Advise individual students to support their development, academic success, and holistic well‑being.
• Provide connections to additional university and community resources as appropriate.
• Provide direct outreach to current and prospective students. Participate in speaking and tabling opportunities and at events including Fall Info Fair and events hosted by Admissions, University Residences, and the Counseling and Wellness Center.
• Foster a supportive and student‑centered environment to empower and equip…