Position Title: Advisor, Running Start  

Classification: AFT Staff

FTE: 1.0  FTE. Position may also be cyclic (less than 12 calendar months, with designated work period e.g. August to June or September to July, etc.) via applicable job posting. 

Schedule: 40 hours/week, Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required and scheduled in advance. 

FLSA Status: Overtime Eligible

Job Summary 

The Advisor for Running Start supports high school students participating in Washington State's dual enrollment program, which allows them to earn college credit tuition-free while completing high school requirements. This role focuses on helping students successfully transition into college-level learning by providing holistic, student-centered academic and career advising. The advisor assists students in developing educational plans, selecting appropriate coursework, and building foundational skills such as self-advocacy, time management, and effective use of campus resources.

The position also supports student success and retention by helping students identify and address barriers to achievement and connecting them with relevant academic support services and campus resources. In addition, the advisor helps students explore academic and career pathways, make informed decisions about their educational goals, and navigate their dual enrollment experience in a way that supports both high school completion and long-term postsecondary and career success.

Reporting Structure/Supervisory Relationship

• This position reports to the Associate Director for Running Start. 

Essential Functions

• Manages group and individual career and academic advising sessions, student engagement opportunities, and high-impact practices in person, online, and via phone, including occasional evening and weekend hours.
• Assists students with academic planning, career exploration, and transfer pathway development, while identifying barriers to success and connecting students with appropriate academic, financial, and social support services.
• Supports and coordinates Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) intervention strategies for students identified as at risk of not meeting academic standards.
• Develops and implements outreach, onboarding, and first-year experience initiatives to support student transition and engagement in the Running Start program.
• Plans and facilitates advising workshops, orientation sessions, and informational meetings for students, families, and partner institutions.
• Fosters and maintains relationships with high schools, parents, and community partners to promote awareness and participation in Running Start.
• Supports process improvement efforts related to advising practices, student communication, and service delivery to enhance the student experience.
• Represents the college at professional events and serves on committees as assigned to support institutional goals and student success initiatives.
• Provides advising and customer service support within Orca Central, ensuring students receive timely and accurate assistance with enrollment and student services.
• Contributes to ongoing improvements in Guided Pathways, advising systems, and student engagement strategies to strengthen retention and completion outcomes.
• Performs other related duties of a similar nature or level

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Working knowledge of academic advising principles, including degree planning, transfer pathways, and dual enrollment programs, particularly within Washington State community and technical college systems.
• Working knowledge of high school graduation requirements, college admissions processes, and articulation agreements between secondary and postsecondary institutions.
• Knowledge of student development theory, with emphasis on adolescent and emerging adult learners navigating early college experiences.
• Skill in academic and career advising, including education planning, course selection, and guiding students through transfer and credential pathways.
• Skill in coaching students in goal setting, self-advocacy, academic readiness, time management, and college success strategies.
• Skill in communicating complex academic policies and procedures in a clear, accessible, and student-centered manner.
• Skill in maintaining accurate records and documenting student interactions within advising and student information systems.
• Ability to assess student needs, identify barriers to success, and connect students with appropriate academic and support resources.
• Ability to build effective relationships with high school students, families, and educational partners while maintaining appropriate boundaries in a dual enrollment environment.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and contribute to an inclusive, equitable, and student-centered learning environment.
• The ability to actively contribute to a work and learning environment that treats everyone with respect and dignity, while engaging diverse perspectives, backgrounds and experiences to enhance the College's mission, vision, and promise. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an institutionally accredited college or university.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse student populations, including high school and early college students.

OR

• Equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient for the person to perform the duties. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree. 
• Bilingual skills (Spanish, Ukrainian, Punjabi, Russian, Mandarin, American Sign Language or Unified English Braille).
• Experience working in a community college setting, particularly in student advising, student success, and/or student retention.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others. 

Licensure, Certification & Other Necessary Requirements

• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal background check and sexual misconduct review. 
• Occasional travel to meetings, conferences and training sessions.
• Possession of a valid state of Washington driver's license may be required.

Salary:

• This is a 12-month, full-time AFT (American Federation of Teachers) Staff represented position with an annual salary starting at Step 1 $55,498.00, with period increments to Step 7, $64,361.00.

Benefit Package:

• The position comes with a full benefit package, including health, dental, life, long-term disability insurance and a retirement plan.
• Accrues 8 hours per month of sick leave and 16 hours per month vacation leave.

*Additionally, as a Washington State, public higher education institution, WCC offers the following:

• Whatcom Community College is a qualified employer for the PSLF program. If you work for the College full time, have had Direct Loans and are on an eligible repayment plan, you are eligible to apply.
• Full-time employees are eligible to apply and participate in the Whatcom Community College Employee Tuition Program, which provides a tuition waiver for available and eligible WCC courses.

Start Date:

• As soon as can be arranged with the successful candidate.

Application Due Date:

• For guaranteed consideration, applications should be received by Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026, at 5:00pm. Position open until filled.

How To Apply

A completed application consists of an online application and:

• Cover letter detailing relevant experience and how the applicant is prepared to meet the duties of the position.
• Current resume.
• Values statement that responds to the following prompt:

Short Reflection (1 page max): One of the core values of this institution is building an inclusive and supportive campus. This core value is reflected in our strategic plan, goals and in the work that we do every day. Please describe your experience in building an inclusive environment that supports a sense of belonging.

• Official transcripts of any degrees listed as part of the minimum requirements will be required upon hire, but not as part of the application process.