Administrative Assistant for Student Access and Opportunity

Administrative Assistant for Student Access and Opportunity

Salary

$61,332.00 - $72,900.00 Annually

Location

9401 Farwest Dr SW, Lakewood, WA

Job Type

Classified Full Time

Job Number

C2646

Division

Learning & Student Success

Opening Date

10/19/2026

Closing Date

11/9/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Summary

Position Summary:

The starting salary range for this position is $61,332.00 to $72,900.00, with most candidates starting at $61,332.00. This is a full-time, permanent, classified, overtime-eligible position with the Pierce College District. This role is permanent after serving a six-month probationary period. The main work location is the Pierce College Fort Steilacoom campus and standard work hours are between 8:00am and 5:00pm Monday through Friday. This position reports directly to the Associate Vice President for Student Access & Opportunity and requires regular and consistent attendance. This position is eligible for one day of telework after completing the probationary period.

The mission of Pierce College is to create quality educational opportunities to 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. We work to ensure that every student in the Pierce College District feels valued, respected, and inspired to achieve their goals. We provide a brave space for Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ/QTPOC students, students with disabilities, and all students and staff to seek refuge, and an opportunity for them to cultivate their strengths, intelligence, resilience, and creativity.

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

The Administrative Assistant provide confidential administrative support to the Associate Vice President of Student Access & Opportunity in order to advance the institutional mission, with intentional focus on advancing Black & Brown excellence and building an antiracist institution. Responsibilities include records management, data entry, project management in collaboration with the AVP, deans, directors, data system queries and analysis, detailed processing of records, communication and collaboration with other relevant college departments and programs, such as human resources, finance, and other instructional sites. This position is highly relational with a diverse community of students, faculty, staff, and their varying perspectives. The position requires confidentiality related to sensitive student and employee data. This position will coordinate office operations, keep calendars, make travel arrangements, prepare reports, budget, contracts, and support the day-to-day operations of the area. The position reports directly to the AVP of Student Access and Opportunity. This role works in concert with the office of Student Access and Opportunity to advance the equity-centered mission of Pierce College seeking to eliminate areas of inequity in access and success by engaging and supporting a welcoming ecosystem that connect students and employees across the institution.

About the District:

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.

Want a feel for our District? Take a peek with aerial campus views!

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom

Located on a beautiful 140-acre site adjacent to a 340-acre community, recreational park, and Waughop Lake.

Pierce College Puyallup

Located on an expansive site with 125-acres of wooded land with beautiful hideaways.

Pierce College at JBLM

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

Essential Functions

Essential Functions:

Administrative Support

• Actively advance Pierce Colleges goals for equity and belonging in order to provide access and support for our diverse community of learners.
• Provide support while safeguarding the confidentiality for Associate Vice President and office of Access and Opportunity
• Serve as liaison between students, staff, departments, dean, administration, and public.
• Respond to telephone/email/visitor inquiries. Listen/read attentively, identify issues, and assist to resolve complaints or conflicts in a timely manner.
• Assist students and the campus community at large who inquire about services related to Pierce College
• Use knowledge of college policies and procedures to evaluate and explain complex or technical information regarding rules, rights, programs, services, etc.
• Establish organizational tools to assist in the management of the daily activities of a complex team and spectrum of projects.
• Use advanced Excel spreadsheet functions to extract and prepare query data for reports, statistical analysis, charts, etc. to be used in Strategic Enrollment Management and student services projects and assessments.
• Organize and manage Teams resources for complex project management support
• Independently compose, edit, and proof correspondence and emails.
• Prepare agendas, schedule rooms, and manage various arrangements for meetings. Record and distribute minutes.
• Collaborate with the Associate Vice President on process improvements (e.g. budget preparation etc)
• Provide campus-based support as needed
• Coordinate general office operations with other members of the administrative support team
• Support the mission of the college through a culture of inclusion
• Collaboratively create, communicate and apply District priorities to assist the college in achieving its mission.
• Work collaboratively with all staff within enrollment services and financial aid departments
• Contribute to an engaged and supportive team with shared accountability for the equitable success of students and employees across the District.

Office Management

• Maintain a welcoming student serving environment
• Establish organizational processes to assist in the efficient management of office activities

Budget Management

• Use advanced Excel spreadsheet functions to develop systems to track various budgets for departments and programs, contracts, equipment, foundation and student activities budgets, grant budgets
• Provide total cost per assignments, quarter, and annual fiscal year balance. Understand the complexity of the division's academic programs that include varying rates for labs, lectures, per student, special assignments, and others.
• Process expenditures on special assignments, vouchers, purchase requisitions.
• Research state approved rates and prepare travel requisitions for reimbursement, referencing appropriate attached documentation.
• Analyze budget expenditures to report balances to departments and project future needs. Initiate budget revisions between departments as needed.
• Retrieve data regarding a variety of budget reports, salary and benefits information, and grants and contract information.
• Reconcile appropriate budgets with budget status reports.
• Facilitate budget transfers for grant work etc
• Facilitate, document, finance external contracted labor
• Collaborate with Deans and their administrative support teams on interconnected budgets and projects

Other Duties As Assigned

• Attend and actively participate in professional development opportunities as requested by the AVP.

• Participate in the governance and mission of the college

• Participate in committees and task forces as appropriate to ensure collaboration on reducing barriers and promoting retention.

Qualifications

Required Education:

• GED or Highschool Diploma and 45+ quarter credits or 30+ semester credits from an accredited college or university OR equivalent professional experience in administrative, office/clerical, secretarial, bookkeeping, accounting or related roles. For 45+ quarter credits or 30+ semester credits, the equivalent amount of professional experience is 6 months.

Required Experience:

• 2 years of experience in a progressively responsible administrative, office/clerical, secretarial, bookkeeping, accounting or equivalent work.
• Demonstrated experience maintaining records (manual and electronic) and performing data entry with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated experience serving a diverse community of learners representing a broad range of academic, cultural, socioeconomic, ability, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Experience using Microsoft Office suite and Excel for data presentation.
• Experience working in a confidential setting.
• Experience with budget planning, analysis, and reconciliation.

Special Requirements

• The successful candidate must consent to and pass a criminal background check after a conditional offer of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position

Required Competencies: Knowledge, skills, abilities, traits and characteristics:

Job Management: Ability to take responsibility for their own performance by setting clear goals and balancing critical job requirements through the proper use of tasks management, results orientation, stress management and problem solving skills.

Interpersonal skills: Strong, positive interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively; team-oriented; demonstrated trust and sensitivity to and mutual respect for others; remaining calm and tactful in stressful situations while adhering to a high standard of integrity and honesty and maintain confidentiality.

Creative and Innovative Thinking: Develops fresh ideas that provide solutions to all types of workplace challenges

Adaptability & Flexibility:Adapts to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities.

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Critical, creative, reflective thinker; will question, search for answers and meaning; evaluate ideas and information and develop ideas that lead to action.

Computer Competency: Ability to access and move between multiple computer programs/software, such as databases, word processing, and the internet to search for and/or enter/update information. Ability to master new and/or changing software quickly and easily.

Cultural Humility and Vulnerability: Ability to set aside one's own beliefs to center another's experience and create a welcoming environment that is inclusive and conducive to success for a diverse student body through methods, examples, language, and support. Values diversity and possess an understanding of cultural humility and vulnerability; ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, and community members from diverse backgrounds.

Communications: Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly and effectively communicate with individuals and groups within and outside the college. Exceptional customer service skills with the ability to place a high priority on professional excellence.

Prioritization skills: Ability to work in a fast pace, multi-tasking environment with ability to set priorities under pressure, using sound judgement; organization, attention to detail, and with competing deadlines.

Personal Responsibility: Demonstrates responsible personal and professional conduct, which contributes to the overall mission and goals; accepts personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work; earns, trust, respect and confidence from the College community.

Establishing Rapport: Interacts effectively with others to establish and maintain smooth working relationships.

Researching Information: Identifies, collects, and organizes data for analysis and decision making.

Attention to Detail: Diligently attends to the details and pursues quality in accomplishing tasks.

Fiscal: Ability to develop accurate and complete records, manage and monitor budgets; ability to reconcile multiple departmental budgets on a regular and frequent basis.

Team Work: Working effectively and productively with others.

Application Process

Application Requirements:

To be considered for this position, applicants must:

• Meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.
• Complete the online application profile at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr.
• Apply for the specific job opening.
• Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement. (Cover Letter)
• Upload (attach) detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience. (Résumé)
• 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. Please upload current copies of your transcripts, if available. Unofficial copies of all college and university transcripts must include degree received and conferral date. International transcripts must include a foreign transcript evaluation. For a list of approved credential evaluation services visit: https://www.naces.org/members (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required upon hire). (Transcripts)
• Upload (attach) a list of at least three (3) professional references with names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. At least one reference must be your current or most recent supervisor. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted. (References)
• Provide a response to the following question. (Supplemental Question): "How might you impact the College's goal to support all students and to achieve racial and social equity in pursuit of mission within this position?" Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words.
• For definitions of certain equity, engagement, and belonging language, please visit: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/eeb-definitions

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

Terms of Employment:

This is a full-time, permanent, classified, overtime-eligible position with the Pierce College District. This role is permanent after serving a six-month probationary period. The main work location is the Pierce College Fort Steilacoom campus and standard work hours are between 8:00am and 5:00pm Monday through Friday with occassional weekend and evening hours required. This position reports directly to the Associate Vice President for Student Access & Opportunity and requires regular and consistent attendance. This position is eligible for one day of telework after completing the probationary period. This position may be subject to reassignment between campuses or sites.

Salary & Benefits:

The starting salary range for this position is $61,332.00 to $72,900.00 annually with annual increments up to $74,748.00. The salary will be determined based on the candidates qualifications and related experience. Most candidates will start at $61,332.00. Your paycheck is just part of the total compensation package. 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. For more information, please visit our Benefits and Leave website at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr- benefits.

Physical Work Environment:

This position is required to work indoors in an open office environment, which requires visual concentration on detail, dexterity, precision, and is subject to frequent noise and interruptions.

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 states 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 Districts needs will be eligible for further consideration.

Conditions of Employment:

Prior to the start of employment, finalist(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicants 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. 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.

Bargaining Unit:

This position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Washington Public Employee Association (WPEA).

Equal Opportunity:

Pierce College supports and values the dignity of each member of its community and visitors, and is committed to maintaining an environment free from discrimination and harassment. This commitment applies to all levels and areas of operations and programs and is intended to ensure that all students and employees are provided equitable opportunities to realize their goals and to function safely and effectively within the Pierce College environment.

Pierce College recognizes its responsibility under state laws and their implementing regulations to investigate, resolve, implement corrective measures, and monitor the educational environment and workplace to stop, remediate, and prevent discrimination on the basis of 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. Pierce College prohibits discrimination against and harassment of members of these protected classes, as well as any additional class(es) protected by local, state, or federal law. Any individual found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including the possibility of exclusion from Pierce College facilities, dismissal from Pierce College as a student, and/or dismissal from employment, as applicable.

Members of the college community, guests, or visitors who believe they have been the subject of discrimination or harassment should report the incident or incidents to the District Title IX/EEO Coordinator identified below. If the complaint is against that Coordinator, or if for some other reason a report cannot be made to the Coordinator, the complainant should report the matter to one of the alternate designees listed below.

District Title IX Coordinator and District Section 504 Coordinator

Kelly Benson

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom

Cascade Building, Room 237

9401 Farwest Drive SW, Lakewood, WA 98498-1999

253-964-6716

TitleIX@pierce.ctc.edu

District Affirmative Action Officer

Paula Henson-Williams

253-864-3229

PHenson@pierce.ctc.edu

Deputy Title IX Coordinator

District Athletics

Duncan Stevenson

253-964-6612

DStevenson@pierce.ctc.edu

Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Student Conduct

Julie Draper Davis

253-912-2331

JDraperDavis@pierce.ctc.edu

Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Pierce College at Joint Base Lewis-McChord

Ron Burleson

253-912-2242

RBurleson@pierce.ctc.edu

Deputy Title IX Coordinator

EEO/Human Resources

Deena Forsythe

253-964-6586

DForsythe@pierce.ctc.edu

More than Just a Paycheck!

Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision) and dental insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums ranging from $25.00 per month for individual coverage to $483.00 for full family coverage (the state pays dental premiums). Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.

Employees are also covered by basic life and long term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view coverage choices and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.

Retirement and Supplemental Plans

Classified Pierce College Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the state Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) and the State Board Voluntary Investment Program (SBVIP), administered by TIAA-CREF. These are supplemental retirement savings programs (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Leave

Classified employees begin accruing 9.33 hours of vacation and 8 hours of sick leave starting their first month of employment. The amount of vacation an employee can accrue increases the longer they work with us (up to a maximum of 16 hours, 40 minutes per month after twenty-five years of service). A maximum of 30 working days (280 hours) of vacation may be accumulated. Employees also receive two personal leave days after four months of employment.

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Holidays

Full-time employees are entitled to ten paid holidays and a personal holiday of their choice (may be used after four months of employment).

Tuition Reimbursement

Permanent Classified employees working half-time or more may take space-available classes for $5 per quarter with the Tuition Waiver program (typically after a 6 month probationary period).

Public Service Loan Forgiveness:

At Pierce College, we value the contributions of our employees and strive to support their professional and personal growth. One significant benefit of working with us is our eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. As an employee of a qualifying public service organization, you may be eligible to have your federal student loans forgiven after making 120 qualifying payments (10 years). This program is designed to support those who dedicate their careers to public service, giving you the opportunity to significantly reduce your student loan debt while making a positive impact in the community.

Financial Peace of Mind: With Public Service Loan Forgiveness, you can focus on your mission to serve others without the burden of overwhelming student loan debt, allowing you to dedicate your skills and talents to providing quality educational opportunities to a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world.

Flexible Repayment Options: We encourage our employees to explore various repayment plans, including income-driven options that can make monthly payments more manageable during your service as a public employee.

Join Our Dedicated Community Now:

If you are committed to helping Pierce College become an anti-racist institution; ensuring that every student in the Pierce College District feels valued, respected, and inspired to achieve their goals than Pierce College needs you! We provide a brave space for Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ/QTPOC students, students with disabilities, and all students and staff to seek refuge, and an opportunity for them to cultivate their strengths, intelligence, resilience, and creativity. This role that not only enhances your career but also offers financial benefits through programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness. We encourage you to apply!

Bargaining Unit

Classified employees of Pierce College are covered by the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA). For more information, please visit http://www.wpea.org/.

Discounted Health Education Center Membership

Employees of the college receive a discount on Health Education Center membership, which provides access at both campuses to a complete set of cardiovascular and strength training equipment and a full gymnasium at the Fort Steilacoom campus. Personal trainers and physical education classes are also available for an additional fee.

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"How might you impact the College's goal to support all students and to achieve racial and social equity in pursuit of mission within this position?" Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words. For definitions of certain equity, engagement, and belonging language, please visit: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/eeb-definitions

Required Question

Employer Pierce College

Address 9401 Farwest Drive SW

Lakewood, Washington, 98498

Phone 253.964.7342

Website https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr