Retention Manager, TRIO Student Support Services at Pierce College – Puyallup, Washington

Please Note: Pierce College is seeking to fill two (2) Retention Manager vacancies. The salary range for this position is $76,548.00 - $94,708.00 annually. The salary will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and related experience. Typically, new hires start no higher than $79,738.00/year, based on Pierce College's Administrative/Exempt Compensation Plan.

The mission of Pierce College is to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world. The Pierce College District is committed to being an anti-racist institution; to truly be anti-racist we must work deliberately to eliminate barriers that have prevented the most promising and capable students from entering and thriving in college.

The Student Achievement Support Services (SASS) TRIO Student Support Services Retention Manager is primarily focused on closing college access gaps, increasing persistence, degree completion, and college/university enrollment for prospective and enrolled students in SASS TRIO SSS programs.

The Student Engagement Services division oversees several Department of Education federal grants and programs:

• TRIO Programs: Student Support Services, Talent Search, Upward Bound

• Institutional Programs: Black and Brown Scholars

This position joins a dynamic team that provides holistic and culturally responsive services, with a specialized focus on students who have been historically marginalized and disenfranchised. The Retention Manager is responsible for direct case management of up to 140 TRIO SSS students and for developing retention strategies to ensure persistence, degree completion, and university transfer after graduation.

The Retention Manager provides academic coaching, career exploration, financial aid and literacy workshops, coordinates university tours, and facilitates educational enrichment activities that align with student and TRIO SSS grant goals. This position reports to the Director of College Services, Puyallup, SASS Department.

For more information Student Engagement Services Division please visit https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/student-engagement-services.

More about the TRIO Student Support Services programs

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS Classic)

The TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program at Pierce College Puyallup provides proactive academic, personal, financial coaching and mentoring to 140 first generation, under-resourced students, and students with disabilities.

The TRIO SSS program aims to increase the retention, completion and transfer of students to four-year universities. The TRIO SSS programs at Pierce College Puyallup are funded 100% through a federal TRIO grant by the U.S. Department of Education until September 24, 2030. This TRIO SSS Classic program is contingent upon continued federal funding.

TRIO Student Support Services Disability Support Services (SSS-DSS)

The TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Disability Support Services (DSS) program at Pierce College Puyallup provides proactive academic, personal, and financial coaching and mentoring to 100 first-generation, under-resourced students, and students with disabilities.

The TRIO SSS-DSS program aims to increase the retention, completion and transfer of students to four-year universities. The TRIO SSS-DSS programs at Pierce College Puyallup are funded 100% through a federal TRIO grant by the U.S. Department of Education until September 24, 2030. The programs are contingent upon continued federal funding.

About the District

Pierce College is a high-performing, mission-driven, data-informed, student-focused district committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. For 55 years, Pierce College has developed a national reputation for academic excellence and support services to ensure student success. The district is proud of the many awards and recognitions it has received. Pierce College is an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction and was the 2017 recipient of their prestigious Leah Meyer Austin Award, given for measurable improvements in student outcomes.

Named as a Top 5 Finalist and a Rising Star for the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, Pierce College Fort Steilacoom was recognized for exceptional achievements in student learning, certificate and degree completion while in community college and after transferring to a four-year institution, employment and earnings rates after graduation, and access for and success of minority and low-income students. Pierce College District was named as a Top 10 finalist for the 2021 Aspen Prize and a Top 25 for 2023. Pierce is also one of 30 original AACC Guided Pathways colleges and one of first five College Spark Washington pathways colleges. We have bold goals to have all students on a career pathway to increase completion rates for all students and to close achievement gaps by 2027.

Pierce College at Fort Steilacoom

Located on a beautiful 140-acre site adjacent to a 340-acre community, recreational park, and Waughop Lake. Want a feel for our District, take a peek with aerial campus views!

Pierce College at Puyallup

Located on an expansive site with 125-acres of wooded land including modern facilities and beautiful hideaways.

Pierce College at JBLM

Located at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord military sites, serving many of our military and active duty families serving our country.

Our colleges enjoy a strong presence in the communities in which they serve and participate in numerous partnerships with business, community, government, and educational organizations.

The Retention Manager will be responsible for the following, but not limited to:

Providing Direct Student Engagement & Retention Services

• Oversee and serve as the retention manager lead for the Puyallup TRIO SSS Classic or Disability Support Services program.

• Create a brave and collaborative environment that centers anti-racism, equity, and solidarity that is inclusive to the experiences of students, staff, and college community.

• Plan strategic and collaborative engagement activities and events for TRIO SSS students.

• Coordinate campus services and resources to support student engagement and retention in collaboration with SASS department staff, other college staff and external community partners.

• Provide culturally appropriate direct services to a TRIO SSS caseload of students from diverse backgrounds, including first-generation students, students with disabilities, and/or under-resourced students.

• Assess students using program-specific intake forms, exploring past educational experiences, identifying cultural barriers to success, and other barriers to program completion and make appropriate referrals to internal and external partners.

• Provide holistic and culturally sustainable support services to new, continuing and returning students.

• Create an atmosphere for SASS TRIO SSS students to feel affirmed, empowered and valued.

• Develop, implement and coordinate strategies that meet SASS TRIO SSS programs objectives for persistence, completion, college/university enrollment for student caseload.

• Work on the development, implementation, and support of innovative practices, policies and programming that promote student achievement and degree completion with an emphasis on closing equity gaps in college access and completion.

• Provide systematic communication with students through multiple methods, including district approved technology and student progress reports which may reflect barriers resulting in referrals to internal or external resources.

Provide External and Internal Engagement Services

• Promote SASS TRIO SSS programs to individuals, college community, and local community organizations.

• Conduct quarterly culturally responsive, financial, educational workshops for program students and college campus community, student ambassadors and student workers to meet the needs of program students.

• Plan, organize, coordinate activities, events, and collaborate with department staff to implement student induction for new incoming students.

• Promote external engagement efforts which may include visitations to secondary schools and community- based organizations as needed to meet program federal goals.

• Assist with informing the college community of current equity issues impacting TRIO SSS students and sharing best practices and recommendations to ensure student success.

• Represent the college at external community functions and meetings.

• Assist with the development and/or selection of marketing and promotional materials, including media packages to increase engagement and enrollment for students in SASS TRIO SSS programs.

• Work in collaboration with Student Engagement Services division teams to ensure division goals are met.

Administrative Support

• Maintain administrative record keeping, student contracts for annual performance reports, and documentation for student and program outcomes.

• Complete monthly reports for travel, purchase card, and/or finance reconciliation.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education Required:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Education, Business, Social Work, or related field of study or four (4) years of equivalent education and/or relevant professional experience or a combination of education and equivalent professional experience, provided it fully meets all essential job duties.

  • Examples of equivalent professional experience may include, but are not limited to, leadership or supervisory responsibilities; program development, coordination, and evaluation; student, client, or community support services; grant funded or compliance related work; training or facilitation experience; policy or procedure development; partnership or stakeholder engagement; administrative or operational roles of increasing scope; military or public service; or demonstrated expertise gained through relevant, professional experience. A combination of education and equivalent professional experience may be considered, provided it fully meets all essential job duties.

Experience Required:

• Two (2) years or more experience or providing direct service to clients/students.

• Experience working in diverse communities from marginalized and disenfranchised backgrounds such as first generation, low income, students with a disability, and students from diverse ethnic/cultural backgrounds.

Required Competencies:

Multiculturalism

• Strives to eliminate barriers for marginalized and disenfranchised students and ensures that new barriers are not created.

• Values organizational diversity; treats others with respect; promotes cooperation; and effectively manages relationships.

• Helps create a work environment that embraces and appreciates diversity.

• Sees the value of cultural, ethnic, gender, and other individual differences in people and creates an environment of learning about, valuing, encouraging, and supporting differences.

Communication

• Communicates verbally and in writing the requirements of SASS TRIO SSS programs in a manner that supports student success.

• Works collaboratively with internal and external customers to satisfy program expectations.

• Effectively communicate with and assists students and internal/external community members by being attentive, identifying issues, providing options, fulfilling services, and exercising knowledge of program policies and procedures to assist others.

Teamwork

• Ability to work cooperatively with others; participates and fosters teamwork, and positively influences others within a team.

Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to notice, interpret, and anticipate others' concerns and feelings, and to communicate this awareness empathetically to others.

Personal Responsibility

• Adheres to high standards of integrity and honesty; demonstrates commitment to the organization and its mission, vision, and values.

Customer Relations

• Ability to anticipate, assess, and respond effectively to the diverse needs of customers, making excellent customer service a high priority in order to attract, support, and maintain our customer base.

• Identifies customer needs through courteous questioning and a sincere desire to be helpful.

Job Management

• Takes responsibility for own performance by setting goals and balancing critical job requirements through the proper use of task management, results orientation, stress management, and problem-solving skills.

Ability & Willingness

• Willing to maintain the highest level of confidentiality at all times.

Computer Skills

• Competent with MS Office products.

• Compose, send, and respond to electronic mail.

• Use e-mail functions such as calendars and meeting requests; navigates the internet to find and download information.

Experience, Skills & Abilities

• Independently analyzes complex problems and determines best solutions or actions to resolve or respond to difficult situations.

• Prioritizes and performs multiple tasks in the same timeframe, handles interruptions appropriately, and returns to incomplete tasks.

• Documents and updates information in written or electronic form to maintain accurate and complete records.

Application Process

To be considered for this position, applicants must:

• Meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.

• Complete the online application profile and apply for the specific job opening at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr.

• Cover Letter: Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.

• Résumé: Upload (attach) detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience.

• Transcripts: Transcripts are not required in order to apply for this position; however, if you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to bring copies of unofficial transcripts showing completion of the required level of education and/or coursework. International transcript must include a foreign transcript evaluation. For a list of approved credential evaluation services, visit: https://www.naces.org/members.

  • Please note: Certain positions require specific levels of educational attainment such as a post-secondary degree, licensures or certifications. In order to evaluate applicant materials to determine if the minimum qualifications are met, information regarding your education and experience should be included in your application materials.

  • Applications without transcripts attached, may receive notification that their application materials are incomplete. If you receive a notice and information has been provided elsewhere in your applications materials, please disregard. (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required upon hire).

• References: Upload (attach) a list of at least three (3) professional references with names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. One of which must be your current or most recent supervisor. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted.

• Supplemental Question: Provide a response to the following question.

How have you incorporated multicultural responsiveness into your professional growth? Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words.

To learn more about our Equity, Engagement, and Belonging efforts, please visit: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/equity-engagement-and-belonging.

Please Note

To ensure consideration, application materials should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.

All correspondence regarding your application status will be sent to the email address associated with your SCHOOLJOBS.COM account. Please make sure to check your spam folder periodically, in the case of an automated, incorrect delivery.

Terms of Employment

This is a full-time administrative - exempt position. The primary work location will be at Pierce College, Puyallup campus. Frequent travel to Pierce College campuses or other sites may occur. Standard work hours are between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, with occasional evening and weekend hours required.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $76,548 .00 - $94,708.00 annually. The salary will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and related experience. Typically, new hires start no higher than $79,738.00/year, based on Pierce College's Administrative/Exempt Compensation Plan.

There is an outstanding benefits package which is worth an additional value equivalent to about 30% of your salary. A comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long- term disability insurance plans; vacation, sick and personal leave; reduced tuition; and retirement benefits are also provided.

Physical Work Environment

This position works indoors in an office environment that requires visual concentration, dexterity, and precision, and is subject to frequent noise and interruptions, and operates in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. The position requires the ability to sit for four (4) or more hours per day. Occasional travel using a personal vehicle is required.

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the application and employment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. Requests should be made to the District Human Resources Office by calling 253-964-7342. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.

Screening & Interview Process
Only those candidates who have complied with the application process and meet the required qualifications will be considered. Following the review of application materials, the most qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Check the email account you used for the application process for communication regarding the status of your application. Application materials submitted to Pierce College are the property of the College and will not be returned.

Please Note

This is a competitive selection process. Your application materials will be reviewed and evaluated based on the minimum qualifications listed for the position. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the district’s needs will be eligible for further consideration.

Notification of application status normally occurs 4 to 6 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include written, oral and performance examinations, and final interviews.

Conditions of Employment

Prior to the start of employment, the finalist for this position will be subject to a criminal background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Conditional offer letters will be accompanied by a declaration and authorization to release information form to be completed by the applicant. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law RCW 28B.112.080.

An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the district to sponsor an H-1B visa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.

Pierce College has adopted a Drug Free Workplace policy. As a condition of employment, employees must agree to abide by the requirements established in that policy.

Equal Opportunity

The Pierce College District is an equal opportunity employer. The Board of Trustees and Pierce College District are committed to providing equal opportunity and will not discriminate in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices. Decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal.

For more information about this position or assistance regarding your application, please contact the Human Resources office at: jobs@pierce.ctc.edu.

Questions regarding equal employment opportunities or discrimination may be directed to the following:

Sean Cooke

Title IX Coordinator & ADACO / Section 504 Coordinator

(253) 840-8472

Deena Forsythe

Vice President for Human Resources

(253) 964-6586

Paula Henson-Williams

District Affirmative Action Officer

(253) 864-3229