CAREERS AT EASTERN
Retention Specialist - E99484
- 492367
- Cheney, Washington
- Office of Academic Affairs
- Exempt
Job Title:
Retention Specialist - E99484
Location:
Cheney
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt
Work Schedule Type:
Regular
Work Schedule:
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. This position requires evening and weekend on-call responsibilities.
Term of Appointment:
12 Months
Job Summary:
The Program Leading to University Success (PLUS) is currently seeking skilled and team-oriented candidates for the following position: Retention Specialist. The Retention Specialist will oversee the implementation, coordination, and evaluation of PLUS programming (Tutoring, Study Groups, Supplemental Instruction, and/or Academic Coaching) in order to support students at Eastern Washington University on both the Cheney and Spokane campuses. The position will also be responsible for the hiring, supervision, training, and evaluation of student workers, including GSAs. The PLUS Retention Specialist will collaborate with PLUS team to provide support to students by utilizing retention strategies and programs that will help the students persist and graduate and by designing, implementing, and evaluating academic success strategies curriculum for PLUS presentations, workshops, and events provided for faculty and various departments on campus. This position reports to the Director of PLUS, and will provide leadership in growing and implementing an exemplary and comprehensive academic coaching program.
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 $54,951.00 - $66,012.00. 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-briefing/benefits/insurance/
Applications are open and accepted until recruitment is closed. Screening of applications will begin on October 23, 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.
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. 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 ’26 -’27 College of Distinction (CoD), the second consecutive year it has received the national recognition.
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.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
EWU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, age, marital status, families with children, protected veteran or military status, HIV or hepatitis C, status as a mother breastfeeding her child, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, as provided for and to the extent required by state and federal laws.
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.
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 and asynchronous New Employee Orientation.
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.
Physical Demands:
Contact Human Resources at jobs@ewu.edu to obtain a copy of the Essential Functions Analysis which will describe conditions of employment, such as physical demands.
Protective Equipment:
University, local, regional, and state mandates for public and personal protection should be followed as needed.
Required Qualifications:
- 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.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 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.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
It is strongly recommended that you print a copy of these instructions and the position posting before you begin to complete the online application, as the instructions will not be viewable once you begin the application process.
Required documentation includes all of the items listed below.
- Attach a detailed cover letter in which you explain how you meet each of the required qualifications [and preferred qualifications, if applicable]. It is preferred that you provide the information in a bulleted list or as a table within your cover letter.
- 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 (these can be identical to the references listed on the application).
- Complete the online application form and respond to the online questions, if applicable.
- Mission Statement Response - EWU’s mission is to provide an inclusive, equitable, and transformative learning experience, driving the pursuit of knowledge with affordable academic excellence. We are committed to serving first-generation, Pell-eligible students. How would you contribute to this mission?
- Please do not upload resumes that include photos of yourself.
Proposed Job Duties & Responsibilities
Direct Support & Retention of Students (40%)
- Oversee the implementation, coordination, and evaluation of PLUS programming (academic coaching, study groups, tutoring & specialized programs) which includes College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA) training for student employees, transition programs and other student success initiatives that include academic coaching, study groups, tutoring, and specialized programs.
- 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 that include academic coaching, study groups, tutoring, and specialized programs.
- 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 etc.
- Design, implement, and evaluate academic success strategies curriculum for PLUS which includes: College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA) training for student employees, transition programs and other student success initiatives that include academic coaching, study groups, tutoring, and specialized programs.
- 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).
Administrative and Evaluation (40%)
- 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.
- 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.
Engagement and Outreach (15%)
- 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.
Other (5%)
- 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Eastern Washington University is committed to diversity and inclusivity. We recognize that our success is dependent on how well we value, engage, include, and utilize the rich diversity of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni. We believe that prejudice, oppression, and discrimination are detrimental to human development, and that a vibrant and diverse campus community enhances the learning environment of the populations that we serve. We are committed to treating all with dignity and respect, and to working collectively on an ongoing basis to build and maintain a community that understands, celebrates and promotes diversity, while promoting inclusivity at all levels.
EWU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, age, marital status, families with children, protected veteran or military status, HIV or hepatitis C, status as a mother breastfeeding her child, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, as provided for and to the extent required by state and federal laws.
Office of Equal Opportunity
Join a team dedicated to student success, faculty excellence and community collaboration. At Eastern, our goal is simple: to create an environment where students succeed at their highest level in fulfilling their goals in their education, career and life. Students are at the center of all that Eastern does. For our faculty and staff, this focus means more than just coming to work every day. We strive for excellence in everything we do; we foster a culture of respect, commitment and honesty; and we work to create environments for personal transformation that enrich the lives of individuals, families, communities and our society at large.
Working at Eastern also means living and working in a glorious region noted for its affordable housing, good schools, short commutes, over 220 sunny days per year, abundant lakes and mountains, short hops to larger cities (Seattle, Portland, Vancouver), and endless recreation opportunities.
For additional information, visit EWU’s website.
Annual Security Report Notification
The Annual Safety and Fire Report is provided in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Act of 1998 and the associated amendments including the recently adopted Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013. Per Federal Regulations (34 CFR Part 668), it is required that a copy of Eastern Washington University’s Clery Act Report, otherwise known as the Annual Security and Fire Report, be provided to each employee and student. This report includes statistical information for three previous calendar years concerning reported crimes which occurred on EWU’s campus; certain off-campus buildings or properties owned or controlled by EWU and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, EWU’s campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security issues, such as policies and or procedures concerning sexual assault, alcohol use, the Drug-Free Schools Act and other matters. Eastern Washington University Police Department will provide a paper copy of the this report upon request. To request the report call (509) 359-6310. Or click on the following link: Annual Safety Report
Additional Information:
EWU Campus Map
EWU Human Resources
EWU Benefits Office
City of Cheney
West Plains Chamber of Commerce
Spokane Chamber of Commerce