Computer Science Outreach and Onboarding Counselor

Central Washington University is recruiting a Computer Science Outreach and Onboarding Counselor to join our Transfer Center team in Des Moines, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. The role is a campus-based position, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. We're offering a salary, depending on experience, from $45,303 - $51,343annually plus the awesome CWU benefits.

Who we are :

We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students' Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.

Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. You'll find diverse academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~8,300 students.

Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for seven out of eight years, CWU was a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. RentCafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025.

Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.

Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com / watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A

What we offer :

Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more : Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator .

The Role :

The Computer Science Outreach and Onboarding Counselor will provide pre-admission advice and transition onboarding for prospective and incoming students with the goal of recruiting more students and facilitating a successful student transition to CWU. The focus will be on recruiting Computer Science students, but the counselor will also be a generalist and will support potential first-year and transfer students. Pre-admission advice will include application assistance, degree planning support, providing basic information on general education requirements, transferring various associate's degrees, and referrals to academic program or exploratory resources. Work includes outreach to Western Washington high schools, community colleges and community-based organizations and plays a vital role in preparing students for future success at CWU. In partnership with key constituents across campus, the counselor will help the university increase the number of incoming students, especially in Computer Science, as well as increase retention, degree completion rates, with improved time-to-degree. This position will be stationed at CWU Des Moines, with hybrid work arranged as appropriate, and the work will involve significant travel. All employees are expected to support CWU's commitment to diversity and to bring and support inclusion into the university environment.

Job Duties

Computer Science Recruitment and Pre-Admission Advising :

• Visit and present to computer science classrooms at key western Washington high schools and community colleges on a regular and consistent basis.
• Build relationships with computer science faculty and staff at key western Washington high schools and community colleges.
• Represent CWU Computer Science at STEM fairs, coding events, and other appropriate recruiting opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with CWU Des Moines faculty and staff in support of prospective and current computer science students and their community (computer science events, mentoring programs, etc.)
• Advise prospective and onboard incoming students, referring them to appropriate services. Duties are often conducted while visiting community colleges; the incumbent must exercise independent decision making and excellent judgment.
• Advise prospective and incoming students about general education and pre-major or major requirements.
• Provide prospective and incoming students with basic information about financial aid, scholarships, and paying for college.
• Advise and help students to make informed academic decisions about coursework to be completed at their previous schools.
• Explain course articulation and the transfer credit evaluation process to prospective students.
• Analyze and interpret student data, transcripts, and placement results, as well as university policy and procedures.
• Design and deliver presentations to various audiences including prospective students and parents as well as high school and community college faculty, counselors, and other staff.
• Build relationships with counselors and teachers / faculty to provide regular updates and a point of contact for questions.
• Help prospective students understand the transferability of various associate degrees from Washington and neighboring states.

Liaison / Communications :

Transition (Onboarding) Services :

Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Competencies

Don't meet every single requirement? At CWU, we're committed to creating a welcoming and genuine workplace. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. This could be the opportunity you're looking for!

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

Salary : This position has a minimum annual salary of $45,303 and maximum annual salary of $63,424 Tier 1 : $45,303 - $51,343 ( Expected hiring range ) : Considered fair value for a newly hired employee meeting the basic requirements of the job, and those who are new to the role. Tier 2 : $51,344 - $57,383 ( Potentially considered hiring range ) : May be considered if a fully competent applicant has 3-5 years of experience in a similar role, and able to quickly assimilate and consistently meet or exceed performance expectations. Tier 3 : $57,384 - $63,424( Longevity range, not considered for hiring )

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the hiring range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Schedule / Appointment : Monday - Friday, 8 : 00am-5 : 00pm (1 hour lunch); nights and weekends sometimes required

Working Conditions : Work is performed in an office and various other locations throughout campus and the state, depending on the function being performed. Travel, evening, and weekend work will be required for this position. Travel to high schools, community colleges, special events, and CWU Centers will occur on a regular basis.

Benefits : CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance, along with vacation and sick leave plans depending on employment classification. For additional information please visit Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator .

An employee of CWU may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program if the employee has student loans. To learn more, visit : https : / / ofm.wa.gov / state-human-resources / public-service-loan-forgiveness-program .

How To Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the on-line application and attach :

Screening Begins : December 29, 2025

Second Screening Begins : January 12, 2026

Contact Information

Name : Megan McConnell

Title : Director of Transfer Center

Email : megan.mcconnell@cwu.edu

Phone : 509-963-1091

Website : Central Washington University | Transfer Center

Please contact Human Resources at hr@cwu.edu or 509-963-1202 if you require technical assistance with the on-line application process.

Conditions of Employment

Background Check / Reference Check Process :

Prior to employment, final candidate(s) will be required to sign a Sexual Misconduct disclosure in pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080 and submit to a background check. All information obtained through background investigations will be strictly confidential and revealed only to those required to have access.

Notice to Prospective Employees :

Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Statement

Central Washington University is an EEO / AA / Title IX Institution. Central Washington University's policies and practices affirm and actively promote the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in education and employment. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran is prohibited. The university provides an internal procedure for reporting discrimination and affords protection against retaliation for participating in the complaint process. Central Washington University complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and executive orders including when soliciting bids and in the fulfillment of all contracts with governmental agencies. Direct related inquiries to Civil Rights Compliance , 202 Barge Hall, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7501; Telephone 509-963-2050; or email crc@cwu.edu.

Reasonable Accommodations

Central Washington University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at HR@cwu.edu or call 509-963-1202. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

For the Central Washington University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (i.e. Clery Report) which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, available online here or call CWU Police and Parking Services at 509-963-2959 for a paper copy.