Student Success Navigator

Student Success Navigator

Located just outside of Seattle, WA, Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) was founded in 1949, and is the only public institute of technology in the state of Washington. LWTech offers 12 bachelor's degrees, 42 associate degrees, and 70 professional certificates in 41 areas of study, including STEM-focused programs in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. LWTech serves the Eastside and is located within the city of Kirkland, which is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Washington. Kirkland is home to companies such as GoDaddy, Google, Astronics and EvergreenHealth, and the college is within minutes from Microsoft and Nintendo. Learn more about LWTech's Mission, Vision, Values, and Core Themes LWTech is committed to increasing its cultural diversity with an emphasis on equity and inclusion among its staff and faculty. We serve a student population of 6,500 that come from a variety of backgrounds. We strongly value diversity and are working to improve access and successful educational outcomes for all students. We are actively seeking applicants that will help to balance our employee workforce to align with our students and community. Questions regarding the College's commitment to diversity and our campus culture may be directed to Human Resources. For more information on our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Council, please visit the link.

Summary Student Success Navigators provide comprehensive, case-managed academic advising to an assigned caseload of students, supporting their progress from program entry through completion or transfer. This position supports a designated academic pathway that may include certificate, associate degree, and bachelor's degree programs. The Navigator conducts proactive outreach, monitors student progress, identifies barriers to success, and coordinates interventions and campus resources. The position collaborates with faculty, other advisors, and campus partners to support student success and contributes to advising resources and training. This position reports to the Director of Advising.

Essential Functions

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manage an assigned caseload of students, providing proactive, individualized academic advising from entry through completion or transfer.
• Evaluate placement information and both high school and college transcripts.
• Develop degree plans.
• Assist students with course selection and registration.
• Explain degree, certificate, and program requirements.
• Help students navigate college processes, policies, and resources.
• Provide timely referrals to appropriate internal and external resources and advocate for students experiencing academic or procedural barriers.
• Maintain regular communication with students regarding academic progress and requirements.
• Provide transfer and career planning support.
• Participate in Academic Advising Office drop-in hours and provide advising assistance to students across LWTech programs.
• Use EAB Starfish and other student systems to monitor academic progress, respond to early alerts, document advising interactions, make referrals, and develop degree plans.
• Collaborate regularly with faculty, deans, and campus partners regarding program requirements, changes, student progression, and academic concerns.
• Facilitate New Student Orientation (NSO) sessions and provide accurate program and advising information to groups of students.
• Develop and maintain advising materials, including flyers, online resources, and webpage content.
• Perform office operations and administrative duties requiring initiative, sound judgment, organization, and attention to detail.
• Assist the supervisor in developing and maintaining office procedures, completion initiatives, training, cross-training, and professional development activities.
• Represent the college at professional and community organizations and participate in conferences, training, and professional development activities.
• Maintain regular and satisfactory attendance and punctuality.
• May supervise, train, and provide direction to assigned student and/or classified support staff; provide backup support to other college staff as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum years of education and experience: Bachelor's degree or above and at least one (1) year of academic advising, educational planning, career advising, or case management in a higher education setting. – OR – Associate's degree and at least three (3) years of academic advising, educational planning, career advising, or case management in a higher education setting. – OR – Some college and at least five (5) years of academic advising, educational planning, career advising, or case management in a higher education setting
• Experience working effectively with diverse student populations, colleagues, and campus or community partners.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and other computer applications used for data entry, web-based activities, and written communication.
• Ability to learn and effectively use student information systems and advising technology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in education, student affairs, counseling, communication, psychology, social work, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• One (1) year or more of experience in a community or technical college setting.
• Experience using ctcLink (PeopleSoft), EAB Starfish, or similar student information and advising systems.
• Multilingual skills are desirable in support of LWTech's diverse student population.

Core Competencies:

• Communicate effectively through verbal, written, and electronic methods with students, colleagues, and community partners, including individuals for whom English is not their primary language.
• Provide student-centered service and build effective, supportive relationships with students and campus partners.
• Apply knowledge of college policies, procedures, programs, and resources to support student success.
• Manage an assigned caseload effectively, including prioritizing tasks, monitoring student progress, documenting interactions, and following through on student needs.
• Collaborate effectively in a team environment and contribute to shared goals and outcomes.
• Identify barriers, assess situations, and develop appropriate solutions and referrals.
• Demonstrate an equity-minded approach to advising and the ability to work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds, identities, experiences, and circumstances.
• Demonstrate openness to feedback, professional development, continual learning, and self-improvement.
• Exercise sound judgment, initiative, organization, and discretion in carrying out assigned responsibilities.