Provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Advising and Counseling Department to ensure high quality, student-centered advising and counseling services that support student access, retention, and completion. The Director leads and supports a team of faculty counselors and staff by implementing advising best practices, strengthening systems and processes, and aligning departmental services with institutional priorities and student success initiatives. This position advances equitable student outcomes and contributes to the College’s mission and core themes related to student success.
This job description has been designed to indicate employees’ general nature and work performance within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.
Clover Park Technical College celebrates the many individuals that make up our community and embraces the opportunity to learn from both our differences and similarities. CPTC values equity and respect. We seek to create an environment of innovation and excellence and focuses on student success, lifelong learning, and social responsibility.
Please note: those who apply before 4/6 will have priority.
Duty:Provide leadership and supervision for the Advising & Counseling Department
Tasks include:
- Supervise faculty counselors, mental health counselor, staff, and student employees in accordance with negotiated agreements and applicable tenure processes.
- Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment that promotes continuous improvement.
- Provide guidance and support to staff in managing complex student situations and advising challenges.
- Manage staffing coverage, schedules, and leave requests to ensure consistent and reliable student services.
- Develop and implement advising strategies and service delivery approaches that support student success, retention, and completion.
- Plan and facilitate department meetings, professional development, training, and licensure requirements.
- Provide support and backup coverage for the Running Start and International programs as needed to ensure continuity of student services to include serving as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) for the International program and coordination with campus and K-12 partners for the Running Start partnerships.
- Ensure departmental practices and programs align with accreditation standards, federal regulations, and institutional policies.
Duty: Lead strategic initiatives, system improvements, and program development
Tasks include:
- Lead departmental goal setting, assessment, and evaluation processes to support continuous improvement of advising and counseling services.
- Collaborate with Institutional Research, IT, and other campus partners to improve advising data, reporting, and access to student information needed for effective advising.
- Identify operational barriers and implement process improvements that enhance service delivery and student experience.
- Promote advising best practices and case-management approaches across the department.
- Collaborate with instructional divisions and campus partners to align advising services with institutional initiatives, enrollment strategies, and student success goals.
- Evaluate emerging technologies and tools that support advising, case management, and student support services, including optimization of existing systems such as EAB Navigate and ctcLink.
- Manage and oversee departmental budgets and grants.
- Work with staff to develop and document department processes and policies to support operations, consistency in service delivery, and alignment with institutional practices.
Duty: Provide direct support to students and staff
Tasks include:
- Provide triage support during peak periods or staffing shortages to ensure students receive timely assistance.
- Respond to student concerns to identify opportunities to improve the student experience.
- Provide leadership and coordination during crisis or high-needs student situations, supporting appropriate triage, de-escalation, and referral to campus or community resources.
- Serve as a resource to staff when complex student situations arise and help identify appropriate next steps or referrals.
- Provide temporary advising support or assist with program caseload coverage during staff absences or peak periods to ensure continuity of services for students.
Duty: Represent Advising and Counseling in institutional and professional settings
Tasks include:
- Attend and contribute to assigned campus councils, committees work groups, and institutional initiatives.
- Participate in the state Advising and Counseling Council (ACC) and other relevant professional networks.
- Contribute to campus strategic planning efforts including Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) and student success initiatives.
- Advocate for advising and counseling services within institutional planning and collaboration with campus partners.
- Promote equitable student outcomes through culturally responsive advising practices and ongoing professional development.
- Master’s Degree in Education, Higher Education Administration, Public Administration, Management & Leadership, Student Development, or related field.
- Three years of professional experience in academic advising or student success services in higher education.
- Supervisory experience managing professional staff.
- Experience with strategic planning, retention strategies, or case management models.
- Experience using advising technologies, student information systems, or case management platforms
- Experience in behavioral health counseling.
- Experience in financial budgetary management.
- Bilingual language ability
Application Instructions
- Complete application
- Attach your CTC certifications and/or industry-recognized credentials
- Upload a resume and cover letter describing your skills and experience
- Complete Supplemental Questions
All offers of employment at Clover Park Technical College are contingent upon successful completion of background checks, including criminal history. Information obtained from the background checks will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the specific position.
Should you have any difficulties uploading your documents, don't hesitate to contact NeoGov Technical Support at 1-855-524-5627, Mon-Fri 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Pacific Time
Supplemental Information
At this time, Clover Park Technical College is not sponsoring H1-B Visas.
Land Acknowledgement Statement
We acknowledge that we are on the traditional land of the Puget Sound Salish peoples belonging to the Puyallup, Steilacoom, Nisqually, and Squaxin Island tribes and bands, and we honor and thank the traditional caretakers of this land. We value the tribes in our community, and the impact that they continue to make on our college to this day. For more information about CPTC's commitment to indigenous tribes, please visithttp://www.cptc.edu/diversity
Why Work at Clover Park Technical College?
At Clover Park Technical College, we are proud to be part of Washington State's Community and Technical College system, supported by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC). Our institution is dedicated to building strong individuals, families, and communities by providing accessible, high-quality education and training.
Working here means being part of a team that empowers students to develop their skills and talents, preparing them to become engaged global citizens. Our faculty and staff create a dynamic learning environment where students feel supported and motivated to succeed. As an employee, you’ll have opportunities to participate in college events, clubs, and committees that foster engagement and connection. Guest speakers and professional development opportunities further enrich the experience, ensuring that both students and staff continue to grow and thrive.
Our History
Clover Park Technical College is located in Lakewood, Washington. Our college has a rich history of professional and technical education dating back to the 1940s, when Clover Park School District established aWar Production program, training civilians as auto mechanics, aircraft-service mechanics, ship-fitters, welders, and blueprint readers. Now, CPTC offers more than forty programs in Aerospace, Advanced Manufacturing, Health Sciences, Human Services, Business, Hospitality, Science Technology, Engineering, Transportation and Trades.
CPTC has two campuses: Our main campus is located in Lakewood, WA, and our South Hill Campus is located in Puyallup, WA.
Learn more about Clover Park Technical College by visitingAboutCPTC.
Jeanne Clery Statement
Notice of Availability of Annual Security Report: Clover Park Technical College's Annual Security Report is available online athttp://www.cptc.edu/risk/safety/security.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Clover Park Technical College is an equal opportunity employer and committed to principles of diversity. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, marital status, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran.
Non-Discrimination Statement
Clover Park Technical College does not discriminateon the basis ofrace, 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.
For inquiries, please contact:
- Title IX Coordinator: James Neblett, Associate Vice President for Human Resources & Culture 253-589-5533 |james.neblett@cptc.edu
- Section 504/Disability Coordinator: Sarah Addington, Manager of Student Disability Services 253-589-5755 | sarah.addington@cptc.edu
