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
Millions of jobs, with real people getting hired every day
200,000+
New jobs added daily
7,000,000+
Verified job listings
1,000,000+
Tailored applications submitted
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.
