Academic Advisor- Running Start Job Listing at Bellevue College in United States of America (Job ID 15331)

Description

Opportunity Description  

Seattle Central College is looking to hire an Academic Advisor- Running Start (Program Specialist 3) in the Running Start Office.

Salary Range for this position is $61,512 to $80,820 annually (depending on experience).

Opportunity is open until filled, first review of materials will begin January 19, 2026. 

Position Summary

This Program Specialist 3 is a full-time, classified position, in Advising, Transfer, and Running Start at Seattle Central College. The position reports to the Director of Advising, Transfer, and Running Start and is responsible for providing new student enrollment and retention to students participating in the Running Start program at Seattle Central College. Additionally, the incumbent in this position is expected to conduct outreach visits and student information sessions, as well as support departmental efforts in the new student onboarding and advising process. The Program Specialist 3 position will primarily provide support to the Running Start office and will work in collaboration with the Advising and Transfer Center. The role will have liaison and content expert responsibilities for the Running Start program and will travel offsite to visit partner high schools throughout each quarter. 

This position is typically scheduled to work Monday through Friday 8:00AM to 5:00PM. The schedule may vary depending on program needs. May be required to work evenings and weekends as needed. This position works at Seattle Central College but will travel to partner high schools across the greater Seattle area.

This position works primarily on-site with occasional remote days as allowed by division.

This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement with representation by WFSE.

About Us

We are a district of three distinct colleges: North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and South Seattle College and five specialty training centers. Which makes us the largest and most diverse community college district in the state of Washington, we are leaders in change and innovation. 

Seattle Colleges is committed to recruiting dedicated faculty and employees who together create a welcoming academic climate that reflects the diverse backgrounds of our community, including ethnicity, national origin, religion, race, gender, gender identity, age, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, disability, political status, and sexual orientation.

As a Seattle Colleges employee, you will gain access to a great benefits package including: 

• Competitive Pay Rates 
• Promotional Opportunities 
• Great Medical, Dental, and Retirement plans 
• Paid Sick and Vacation Leave 
• Transportation benefits 
• Tuition Waivers
• PEBB Wellness Plan 
• Washington State Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Seattle Colleges staff and faculty also enjoy professional development opportunities and enrichment experiences in areas of their choice, including committee, workgroup, and affinity group opportunities.

Application Procedures:

• Attached current Resume
• Attached cover letter addressing how your background intersects with the job

Required application materials must be completed and submitted online

Notice to Applicants: 
Please note that Seattle Colleges has moved to holding interviews virtually using video conference options such as Zoom or Teams. As such, if you are selected for an interview, please be prepared to hold your interview virtually.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a regular basis. The employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Seattle Colleges is unable to extend post-completion optional practical training (OPT) to F-1 students who receive STEM degrees.

What you will be working on:

• Provide academic/transfer advising and career exploration for new and continuing students in both individual and group settings; advise students on a variety of topics related to their educational and professional goals.
• Assist students with the development of short-range education plans and new student academic support.
• Determine student eligibility for program participation, selection of appropriate classes, and tracking of academic progress. Refer to instructional and student services departments as necessary.
• Independently assist students with the Running Start application and admissions process, new student advising/orientation, and enrollment into the program.
• Regularly conduct high school site visits, lead information sessions, table at academic fairs and events, and host parent nights to promote and explain the Running Start program to prospective students and families.
• Work with departmental staff to coordinate Running Start sessions at new student orientation events with specific focus on the needs of new Running Start students.
• Assess program and departmental outcomes data and contribute feedback to advance program goals.
• Serve as liaison and content expert for the Running Start program, working closely with high school counselors and college/district staff; support program and departmental leadership in presentation and reporting regarding departmental performance, including providing feedback on events and ongoing evaluation of services.
• Participate on various student-focused committees and attend trainings and professional development that focuses on equity-competent advising and ways to improve access and support for the institution's diverse student community.
• Participate in departmental events and activities, including Advising and Faculty Roundtable, transfer fairs, workshops, classroom advising, etc.

This description is not intended to cover every aspect of this job, we are a team that works together to meet the needs of those we serve, and every member of the team is expected to contribute, even beyond the specific responsibilities listed in this posting.

What you bring as a candidate: (Any Equivalent Combination of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education and Experience)

• Demonstrated experience with working effectively with persons from diverse backgrounds, such as racial, ethnic, religious, linguistic, gender, age, sexual orientation, socio-economic, and with diverse physical and learning disabilities.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in education, student development, psychology, human relations, or related field.
• Two or more years of experience or equivalent advising college and/or high school students in an education or social services setting.
• Ability to travel offsite to high schools in the greater Seattle area.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines while being attentive to detail.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity and proficiency with various technologies, including but not limited to student database systems and student success technologies.
• Ability to utilize professional judgement in a publicly funded program.

Physical Demands and Disability Accommodation

Persons with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodation in all aspects of employment with Seattle Colleges. This includes, but is not limited to, recruitment, application, interviewing, hiring, training, termination, conditions of employment, and any other employer-supported activities. Applicants requesting accommodation should contact Human Resources.

OFFICE SETTING:

Seattle Colleges follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides the following information as a guideline for applicants: 

• Ability to operate office equipment, receive and interpret data, and prepare various materials
• Ability to exchange information with supervisor, lead, co-workers, and students
• Ability to provide 1:1 support, present to small groups, and work at a computer exercising repetitive hand motion
• Work is performed primarily in office settings with frequent interruptions and encounters noises typical of these settings 

Notice of Non-Discrimination Statement

Seattle Colleges is committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity for all its students, employees, and applicants in education, employment, services and contracts, and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, age, hair texture or protective hairstyles, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, status as an honorably discharged veteran or disabled veteran or military status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability. In addition, reasonable accommodations will be made for known physical or mental limitations for all otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Further, Seattle Colleges is committed to ensure that all employees and students work and learn in an environment that fosters mutual respect and professionalism, free from all forms of "bullying" behaviors, including "cyber bullying."

Students, employees, and applicants at Seattle Colleges can reach the Title IX Coordinator or ADA/Section 504 Coordinator for questions about discrimination, harassment or grievance procedures.

Background Check Statement 

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. 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. In addition to the background check, candidates will complete Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Form WA HB 2327 as required.