Retention Specialist PLUS

Job Description

About Eastern Washington University:

Eastern Washington University, a regional, comprehensive public university with an enrollment of over 10,000 students, is one of six state-funded four-year institutions of higher education in Washington, each governed by its own board of trustees. As the region’s polytechnic, we are recognized for our distinctive approach to hands-on learning that leads to in-demand careers. EWU’s 300-acre main campus is located in Cheney, a community of 12,000 residents 16 miles southwest of Washington’s second largest city, Spokane. Eastern also offers programs in downtown Spokane at the innovative, energy-efficient Catalyst building, the SIERR building which is a hub for research, development and advancement of health sciences, and at Riverpoint, a campus shared with Washington State University. In addition, EWU programs can be found at select locations throughout the state, aligned with the needs of the community. Eastern contributes to the vitality of the region and the state through its wide array of bachelor’s and master’s degrees in over 100 fields of study, as well as applied doctorates in physical therapy and educational leadership, offering accessible pathways to career success and personal development to students of all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.

Eastern Washington University has been recognized for its commitment to helping undergraduate students learn, grow and succeed by Colleges of Distinction, a nationally trusted resource guide for college-bound students. The honor recognizes Eastern as a ’24-’25 College of Distinction (CoD).

Money magazine recently named EWU as one of its Best Colleges in America 2024.

Tribal Land Acknowledgement

At Eastern Washington University, we are proud to recognize the land of the Spokane Tribe and other tribes that shared the land for fishing and trading. The Spokane Tribe, Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Kalispel Tribe, and the Nez Perce Tribe are integral to the cultural heritage and traditional ethnological knowledge of the land.

Native American heritage is woven into the fabric of our institution, enriching our community through tribal culture, historical teachings, and tribal language, and is embraced daily by students, staff, faculty, and the Eastern Washington community.

At EWU, we are committed to reflecting on and acknowledging the historical injustices of genocide and the forced removal of tribal peoples and all our relatives. EWU recognizes and honors tribal sovereignty and government to government relationships with tribes.

From here forward, EWU will remain committed to supporting, honoring, and recognizing the Native American community and the dynamic contributions that are shared with our university.

Job Summary:

The Program Leading to Success (PLUS), Eastern Washington University is currently seeking skilled and team-oriented applicants for the following position: Retention Specialist – Program Leading to University Success.

Peers work with other peers in the Learning Commons of JFK Library and in classrooms across both the Cheney and the Spokane campuses. PLUS is certified by the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) to provide internationally recognized tutor training. PLUS Retention Specialists oversee the three main areas (Academic Coaching, Study Groups & Tutoring). PLUS supports EWU’s strategic plan by increasing student access, enhancing student learning, contributing to student development, and expanding student completion.

See Job Duties section for detailed description of the position’s responsibilities. EWU is committed to supporting and promoting a workforce that is welcoming to all and encourages applicants of all backgrounds to apply for this position.

The salary for this position is $53,874 up to $64,648. Where the hired candidate will begin within this range is dependent on education, experience, and skills.

In addition to salary, the university offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and disability insurance and retirement. In addition, EWU offers generous vacation and sick leave accruals, 13 paid holidays per year and fringe benefits, such as tuition waiver for employees and eligible family members, discounted EWU sports tickets, full access to our campus workout facilities at a minimum fee and free transportation through STA buses. For additional information regarding insurance benefits please see our Benefits page: https://inside.ewu.edu/hr/benefits/insurance/.

Applications are open and accepted until recruitment is closed. Screening of applications will begin on May 26, 2026. A three-day notice will be provided prior to closure of recruitment. All materials will be held in strictest confidence; references will not be contacted until candidates have been notified.

Eastern Washington University provides an inclusive, equitable, and transformative learning experience, driving the pursuit of knowledge with affordable academic excellence.

Required Qualifications:

1. Master’s degree from an accredited university/college.
2. Evidence that demonstrates an ability to build partnerships and work effectively in a team setting.
3. Candidate must demonstrate interest, ability and/or experience promoting cultural competency, universal accessibility, and/or diversity.
4. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and time while under pressure to meet deadlines.
5. Excellent presentation, public speaking, and writing skills.
6. Demonstrated ability to apply a responsive and flexible approach that is supportive of the needs including universal access of our students, faculty, staff and the public

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience coordinating a university or college student success program, tutoring program or academic coaching program.
2. Experience working with university students.
3. Work experience involving hiring, supervising, training, and/or organizing employees or volunteer staff.
4. Work experience coordinating university programs that provide academic services to multiple participants.
5. 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.

Job Duties:

Direct Support & Retention of Students

2. Oversee the implementation, coordination, and evaluation of PLUS programming (academic coaching, study groups, tutoring & specialized programs) which includes but not limited to College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA) training for student employees, transition programs and other student success initiatives as assigned e.g. Summer Bridge, Pathways, New Student Orientation, etc.
3. Facilitate the instruction of students on student success strategies which includes College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA) training for student employees, transition programs and other student success initiatives as assigned e.g. Summer Bridge, Pathways, First-Year experience, New Student Orientation, etc. under the supervision of the director.
4. 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.
5. Define clear performance expectations, ensure accountability, and provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and mentoring to PLUS student staff.
6. Design and implement professional development for quarterly meetings with student staff e.g. leadership, student engagement and customer service etc.
7. Design, implement, and evaluate academic success strategies curriculum for PLUS which includes but not limited to College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA) training for student employees, transition programs and other student success initiatives as assigned e.g. Summer Bridge, Pathways, New Student Orientation, etc. under the supervision of the director.
8. 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).

Percent of Time: 40

Administrative and Evaluation

2. Maintain rigorous data tracking: providing weekly progress updates and comprehensive end-of-term and yearly statistical analysis to the director.
3. Manage and analyze EWU student retention data using EAB Navigate system, EagleNet & other systems adopted by EWU.
4. Utilize EAB Navigate Tutoring platform in support of EWU’s student success needs.
5. Design and implement comprehensive Navigate training modules for student employees, ensuring all new users are proficient in platform operations and functions.
6. Facilitate and oversee student alerts and cases within the Navigate platform, ensuring timely referrals and connections to campus resources.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Support high-impact student success initiatives and transition programs designed to aid student integration and persistence throughout the academic lifecycle as assigned. e.g. New Student Orientation, Pathways & Summer Bridge etc.
10. 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.
11. Assist in the management of Spokane service initiatives, collaborating with the director to implement regional programming and student support outreach.
12. Execute a quarterly Virtual Reality supplemental tutoring program, collaborating with faculty to provide high-tech, interactive academic support for specific classes as assigned.

Percent of Time: 40

Engagement and Outreach

2. Coordinate PLUS outreach initiatives for prospective and incoming students by representing the program at high-profile recruitment events e.g. Admitted Student Days, New Student Orientation etc.
3. 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.
4. 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.

Percent of Time: 15

Other

2. Maintain a student- and faculty-centered front office environment that is responsive, professional, and helpful.
3. Support the director with administrative tasks and provide coverage for the Spokane office as needed.
4. Perform other duties as assigned to support the evolving needs of student success initiatives.

Percent of Time: 5

Conditions of Employment:

This position, during the course of university employment will be involved in the receipt of, or accountability for, university funds or other items of value, as well as the 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.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa currently. Sponsorship is not available for this position at this time.

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 for the immunization requirements are available for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs.

This position is covered by the Public School Employees of Washington Collective Bargaining Agreement: https://in.ewu.edu/hr/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/11/EWU-PSE-2025-2027-Collective-Bargaining-Agreement.pdf

After starting employment, employees will complete the required training via Canvas. The Office of Employee Belonging, Development, and Leadership will reach out to you concerning Workplace Belonging training.

Note: Interviews might be conducted via Zoom (camera must be enabled). If so, candidates must be able to demonstrate competence using Zoom and other technologies.

Salary Information:

The salary for this position is $53,874 up to $64,648. Where the hired candidate will begin within this range is dependent on education, experience, and skills.

Posting Date: 05/07/2026
Open Until Further Notice: Yes
Closing Date: 5/26/2026
Screening to Begin: 05/26/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants:
Submit your application materials through our online applications portal provided below. If you are unable to submit through the applicant portal, please contact Human Resources Services at (509) 359-2381.