Program Specialist - Pathways to Purpose

Job Description

The Office of First Gen has an outstanding opportunity for a Pathways to Purpose Program Specialist to join their team.

The priority application deadline for this recruitment is 10/6/26. All applications submitted by this date will be reviewed.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Assistant Director for the Office of First Gen and as a member of the Pathways to Purpose initiative team, the Pathways to Purpose Program Specialist is responsible for facilitating and advancing gift-funded initiatives designed to improve career mobility and career-connected learning opportunities for UW Tacoma students, particularly first-generation and economically marginalized students. Grounded in principles of partnership, equity, and shared decision-making, the position collaborates with students, faculty, staff, and community stakeholders to implement programs, support institutional change efforts, and ensure student perspectives meaningfully inform project activities, assessment, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Operational leadership for gift-funded initiatives (45%):

• Serve as a core initiative team member and the primary administrative liaison among initiative leadership, faculty, students, staff, and external stakeholders to ensure effective execution and measurable impact of gift-funded initiatives.
• Manage initiative activities and stakeholder engagement, including events, trainings, workshops, and convenings that advance initiative goals.
• Develop and implement communications strategies to inform and engage campus and external stakeholders, ensuring clarity and transparency of initiative objectives and outcomes.
• Monitor and report on initiative performance, maintaining accurate records, timelines, and data to support evaluation and institutional reporting.
• Administer purchasing, contracts, reimbursements, and resource management to ensure fiscal integrity and compliance with university policies.

Recruit, hire, train, and supervise student employees (20%):

• Provide direct supervision, training, and ongoing support for gift-funded student employees who serve as ambassadors, peer leaders, and contributors to initiative planning, assessment, outreach, and decision-making processes in support of the strategic aims of the Pathways to Purpose initiative.
• Facilitate student employee involvement in initiative promotion, outreach, assessment activities, event support, and mini-grant review processes. 

Oversee mini-grant administration and implementation (15%):

• Manage the administration of gift-funded mini-grant programs designed to support career-connected learning and innovative student success initiatives across the university.
• Maintain records necessary for gift reporting, assessment, and continuous improvement efforts.

Cultivate partnerships and engagement with first-generation and economically marginalized students and campus stakeholders (15%):

• Develop authentic partnerships with first-generation and economically marginalized students that recognize and leverage students' strengths, cultural assets, lived experiences, and aspirations regarding career development and educational success.
• Work closely with administrative leads and offices within Academic Success Programs and Career and Social Mobility.
• Serve as a connector among initiative stakeholders to enhance awareness of gift opportunities, support implementation of project initiatives, identify emerging needs, and promote engagement among first-generation and economically marginalized students.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%).

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years of professional experience in program coordination, project management, student services, community engagement, or related administrative roles.

Additional Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience coordinating multi stakeholder projects, events, or initiatives.
• Experience developing and maintaining communications, including email updates, outreach materials, and stakeholder messaging.
• Experience working with students or youth populations, including mentoring, coaching, supervision, or training.
• Ability to manage administrative processes such as scheduling, purchasing, reimbursements, record keeping, or data tracking.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple timelines, deliverables, and competing priorities.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and supporting all populations, including first generation and economically marginalized students.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and the ability to build collaborative relationships across diverse groups.

Preferred Qualifications

• Four or more years of progressively responsible experience in program coordination, student affairs, community engagement, or project administration.
• Experience supervising student employees, interns, peer leaders, or volunteers.
• Experience supporting grant funded or gift funded programs, including reporting, documentation, or compliance.
• Experience developing or facilitating trainings, workshops, or outreach activities.
• Experience with assessment, data collection, or continuous improvement processes.

Working Conditions

• Some evening and weekend work may be required.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$62,112.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$66,600.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

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.