Student Achievement Specialist, GEAR UP Kamiakin & Southridge HS; Kennewick, WA

Student Achievement Specialist, GEAR UP Kamiakin & Southridge HS (Kennewick, WA)

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:
January 4, 2026

Washington State University (WSU) Tri Cities GEAR UP program is now accepting applications for a Student Achievement Specialist at Kamiakin & Southridge High Schools, in Kennewick, WA. As a Student Achievement Specialist (SAS) you will provide student mentoring and monitor and collect student data for assessment and reporting requirements. You will be responsible for increasing GEAR UP students' engagement in their education, positive academic behaviors, family connection to critical school-based information, and post-secondary access support for students and families.

Your duties include but are not limited to family outreach and education on college readiness, student and academic support services, student advising, assessing participants' needs, and creating individual action plans. You will work closely with school personnel and community partners, and participate in classrooms, lunch, before and after school, evening, and weekend activities. The GEAR UP Program is funded with federal funds by a Department of Education grant whose purpose is to increase the number of low‑income and underrepresented students who graduate from high school and complete post‑secondary education.

This is a temporary, full‑time position assigned to Kamiakin High School and Southridge High School in Kennewick, WA.

This is a full‑time (100% FTE), temporary position expected to end on September 29, 2026. Renewal is dependent on program needs and/or if additional funding is secured. The position is overtime eligible and is an on‑site/in‑person role with work locations in Kennewick, WA.

Monthly Salary: $4,050.92. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities. Successful candidates typically begin near the mid‑point of the salary range. For additional information, please review WSU's Administrative Professional Compensation.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.

• Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of professional work experience in student services or related education/experience. A Master’s degree may substitute for one (1) year of experience. Any combination of relevant education and professional experience may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis.
• Two (2) years of experience providing instruction or direct outreach services to students and/or working with parents in individual or group settings.
• Proficiency in the use of computers and MS Office software programs (Excel, Outlook, Word).
• Willingness and ability to travel overnight and work a flexible schedule, including frequent nights and weekends.
• Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver's license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.

• Demonstrated knowledge of school programs, student success, the school community and/or parental involvement in community and/or school setting.
• Familiarity with organization and operation of school/district administration and university/community college systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of people: peers, university and school administrators, faculty, staff, students and parents, and the general public.
• Experience managing, tracking, and reporting program data.
• Experience in student academic support programs.

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