About This Role
The Retention Specialist oversees the implementation, coordination, and evaluation of the Program Leading to University Success (PLUS) programming, which includes tutoring, study groups, supplemental instruction, and academic coaching. This role supports students at Eastern Washington University on both the Cheney and Spokane campuses, focusing on retention strategies and academic success. The position also involves supervising student workers and providing leadership in developing an academic coaching program.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the implementation, coordination, and evaluation of PLUS programming (academic coaching, study groups, tutoring & specialized programs)
- Facilitate the instruction of students on student success strategies
- Direct the recruitment, hiring, supervision, training, and evaluation of student employees (undergraduate and graduate) to become peer tutors, study group leaders, academic coaches, and office aides as a co-supervisor with the other retention specialists and Director
- Define clear performance expectations, ensure accountability, and provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and mentoring to PLUS student staff
- Design and implement professional development for quarterly meetings with student staff e.g. leadership, student engagement and customer service
- Design, implement, and evaluate academic success strategies curriculum for PLUS
- Manage academic support programs
- Oversee the day-to-day delivery of academic services and proactively analyze student trends to forecast and prepare for upcoming quarterly needs (academic coaching, study groups, tutoring, specialized programs)
- Maintain rigorous data tracking: providing weekly progress updates and comprehensive end-of-term and yearly statistical analysis to the director
- Manage and analyze EWU student retention data using EAB Navigate system, EagleNet & other systems adopted by EWU
- Utilize EAB Navigate Tutoring platform in support of EWU's student success needs
- Design and implement comprehensive Navigate training modules for student employees, ensuring all new users are proficient in platform operations and functions
- Facilitate and oversee student alerts and cases within the Navigate platform, ensuring timely referrals and connections to campus resources
- Collaborate with faculty, CAAR advisors, and campus administration to champion the EagleCare Network, fostering a culture of shared responsibility and a seamless support experience for EWU students
- Develop a network of campus and community stakeholders to deliver integrated support services and collaborative events designed to streamline the student experience and bolster academic success
- Support high-impact student success initiatives and transition programs designed to aid student integration and persistence throughout the academic lifecycle, as assigned, that require similar skills, duties and working conditions
- Design and deliver quarterly study skills workshops tailored to the specific needs of academic departments and individual classes, ensuring alignment with departmental goals under the director's guidance
- Assist in the management of Spokane service initiatives, collaborating with the director to implement regional programming and student support outreach
- Execute a quarterly Virtual Reality supplemental tutoring program, collaborating with faculty to provide high-tech, interactive academic support for specific classes as assigned
- Coordinate PLUS outreach initiatives for prospective and incoming students by representing the program at assigned high-profile recruitment events, including Admitted Student Days and New Student Orientations
- Partner with grant-funded and identity-based programs (e.g. CAMP, MESA, McNair, Chicana/o/x Studies, and Title III etc.) to coordinate holistic student support and streamline cross-departmental referrals
- Represent the department on university-wide committees focused on student success and retention, contributing to institutional policy and initiative development under the direction of the director
- Maintain a student and faculty-centered front office environment that is responsive, professional, and helpful
- Support the PLUS Director with administrative tasks and provide coverage for the Spokane office as needed
- Perform other duties as assigned requiring similar skills, duties and working conditions in support of the evolving needs of student success initiatives
Requirements
- Master's degree in counseling, education, English, psychology, social work, sociology, or related fields of study from an accredited university/college
- Work experience coordinating university programs that provide academic services to multiple participants
- Work experience utilizing university educational best-practices, particularly in the areas of student learning and/or academic support to facilitate student success inside and outside of the classroom
- Evidence that demonstrates an ability to build partnerships and work effectively in a team setting
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and time while under pressure to meet deadlines
- Excellent presentation, public speaking, and writing skills
- Candidate must demonstrate interest, ability and/or experience promoting cultural competency, universal accessibility, and/or diversity
Nice to have:
- Experience coordinating a university or college student success program, specifically a Peer Academic Coaching program
- Experience working with university students
- Work experience involving hiring, supervising, training, and/or organizing employees or volunteer staff
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and disability insurance and retirement
- Generous vacation and sick leave accruals
- 13 paid holidays per year
- Tuition waiver for employees and eligible family members
- Discounted EWU sports tickets
- Full access to campus workout facilities at a minimum fee
- Free transportation through STA buses
Important Details
- Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., with evening and weekend on-call responsibilities
- Term of Appointment: 12 Months
- Application deadline: October 23, 2026 (screening of applications will begin on this date; a three-day notice will be provided prior to closure of recruitment)
Application Process
- Attach a detailed cover letter explaining how you meet each of the required qualifications (and preferred qualifications, if applicable), preferably in a bulleted list or table
- Attach a chronological resume including work history and major duties, education, and any specialized training or skills related to the position
- List at least 3 professional references including: names, titles, organization name, phone numbers, email addresses, and connection to you
- Complete the online application form and respond to the online questions, if applicable
- Provide a Mission Statement Response on how you would contribute to EWU's mission of providing an inclusive, equitable, and transformative learning experience, driving the pursuit of knowledge with affordable academic excellence, and serving first-generation, Pell-eligible students
- Do not upload resumes that include photos of yourself
- Interviews might be conducted via Zoom (camera must be enabled); candidates must be able to demonstrate competence using Zoom and other technologies
Conditions of Employment
- This position will be involved in the receipt of, or accountability for, university funds or other items of value, as well as unsupervised access with the developmentally disabled, vulnerable adults or children under the age of 16
- The offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion and passing of a background check prior to beginning employment
- All new employees must comply with EWU Immunization Policy 602-02 and provide proof of immunity or vaccination to MMR before beginning work at EWU; waivers are available for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs
- This position is covered by the Public School Employees of Washington Collective Bargaining Agreement
- After starting employment, employees will complete the required training via Canvas, including Workplace Belonging training and asynchronous New Employee Orientation
About the Company
Eastern Washington University is a regional, comprehensive public university with an enrollment of over 10,000 students, recognized for its distinctive approach to hands-on learning that leads to in-demand careers. It offers a wide array of bachelor's and master's degrees in over 100 fields of study, as well as applied doctorates, providing accessible pathways to career success and personal development to students of all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. EWU has been recognized as a '26 -'27 College of Distinction.
