Career & Technical Scholarship Advisor

Summary:
Across the state, Washington has more science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) and health care jobs than it can fill, yet our higher education system cannot keep up with the demand for skilled employees. The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) is a unique, public-private partnership designed to address our talent shortage. WSOS fuels the state’s economy by providing scholarships and a continuum of support services to low- and middle- income students who are pursuing a graduate degree, bachelor’s degree, associate degree, certificate, or apprenticeship in a high-demand trade, health care or STEM program in Washington state.

Reporting to the Career & Technical Scholarship (CTS) Manager, the CTS Advisor will support the design and execution of Scholar programming and services to promote persistence and career development for Scholars enrolled in the Career & Technical program. The CTS Advisor, in collaboration with Washington community and technical colleges, will work to augment Scholars’ academic achievement to support on-time completion of a credential in an eligible trade, STEM or health care field. Additionally, the CTS Advisor will collaborate with other WSOS staff in support of Scholars’ career development.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Assist with the development, implementation and continuous improvement of annual programming designed to support college persistence and career development
• Execute CTS initiatives, ensuring smooth and efficient programming leading to Career & Technical Scholar persistence and career placement
• Work collaboratively and build relationships with community and technical college staff to help identify resources to meet the holistic needs of Scholars
• Connect Scholars who are encountering barriers to on- or off-campus resources that can assist in program persistence or career placement
• Work in collaboration with the Industry Engagement Manager to identify and coordinate worksite-based career development opportunities
• Preferred Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Education and Experience:
• Associate degree or equivalent experience
• Two years of relevant professional experience working with community and technical college students
• Dedicated to understanding and supporting the unique needs of students from diverse backgrounds
• Passion for empowering people toward college success

Core Competencies:

• Able to thoughtfully consider and embrace new ideas and different perspectives
• Focuses on accomplishing team goals rather than a personal agenda
• Communicates goals, objectives and strategies frequently and aligns them with work and tasks
• Regularly reflects on challenging situations as opportunities to identify learning opportunities; engages others in reflection
• Proactively and independently identifies potential challenges
• Awareness of inequities that exist at multiple levels (personal, interpersonal, organizational, and systemic)

Knowledge of:

• Barriers to achievements and challenges of diverse students
• Strategies to improve ways to serve first-generation, non-traditional and diverse students
• Systems of power and oppression and how they impact the lived experience of students of color, first-generation college students and students from low-income families
• Challenges faced by college students, particularly in their first year of college, and understanding support systems that exist to promote persistence

Skill in:

• Communication including but not limited to verbal, written and public speaking
• Analytical problem solving including the ability to think critically, conduct research, analyze program options and clearly explain alternatives
• Leveraging technology and other creative solutions to enhance productivity and grow efficiencies
• Strategies to foster relationships with students, particularly students from diverse backgrounds or with diverse experiences
• Motivating others to stay the course toward the team’s objectives
• Project management and time management, including dealing with multiple and competing deadlines

Ability to:

• Communicate clearly, respectfully and promptly with staff, community members and Scholars via email, text, mass texting, phone, video conference and in person
• Travel and work alternative schedules as needed including evenings and weekends
• Track and report monthly expenses reliably and responsibly
• Work independently and under supervision in an energetic, fast-paced team environment
• Balance competing priorities, work under pressure, complete tasks on time and be responsive
• Prioritize, work under pressure, complete tasks on time and be responsive

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid state driver’s license or identification card
• Proof of a reliable means of transportation
• Complete a criminal background check absent of offenses impacting ability to perform in
• the role

 WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds; walking, sitting, bending, twisting, and reaching
• Travel within the state of Washington up to 25 percent of the time
• Open to dialogue about issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness
• Typical office environment with moderate noise levels from standard office equipment
• Completing work consistently on a personal computer

BENEFITS:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Health, dental, vision and prescription coverage; long-term disability, short-term disability and life insurance
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• Matching 401(k)

HOW TO APPLY:
Priority application deadline is November 5, 2020. The position will remain open until filled. To apply, please send all of the following documents:

• Cover letter outlining your interest in the position
• Resume highlighting relevant aspects of your experience
• Personal diversity or equity statement (maximum of 300 words): The purpose of this statement is to identify candidates who have professional skills, experience and/or willingness to engage in activities that would enhance organizational and educational equity.

Please email the above to jobs@waopportunityscholarship.org

Equal employment opportunities and diverse staffing are fundamental principles of WSOS. To learn more about the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, please visit www.waopportunityscholarship.org. People who have personal experience as a first- generation, under-resourced, or underrepresented student like the majority of those WSOS serves are especially encouraged to apply.