Washington State Labor Education and Research Center

Program Specialist 3

Based in Seattle, WA

 

South Seattle College Georgetown Campus is looking to hire a Program Specialist 3 at The Washington Labor Education and Research Center (WA LERC).

Salary Range for this position is $59,724.00 to $76,572.00 annually (DOE)

Opportunity is open until filled, first review of materials will begin March 31, 2025.

Position Summary
The Labor Education and Research Center (LERC) Program Specialist 3 assists the LERC Director by:

• Coordinating multiple aspects of LERC program services;
• Providing technical assistance and specialized, consultation to LERC participants, staff and outside entities;
• Recommending resolution for complex problems and issues related to the LERC; and
• Providing administrative support for day-to-day LERC functionality.

The LERC Program Specialist 3 acts as a program liaison with LERC staff, the Seattle Colleges community, and the Washington State Labor Community. This position requires tasks and knowledge unique to Washington State Labor policies, practices, stakeholders and culture.

This position is full-time, usually working 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, primarily 9-5. The position may require work scheduled in the evenings and weekends as part of the LERC's programming and outreach work.

This position works a hybrid schedule of both remote and on-site work. (Mondays and Fridays are remote, when appropriate, and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays on-site). Please note that the position may require travel across the state, or out of state, to support the LERC's programming and outreach work.

This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement with representation by the Washington Federation of State Employees Higher Education (WFSE HE).

About Us
We are a district of three distinct colleges: North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and South Seattle College, and five specialty training centers. Which makes us the largest and most diverse community college district in the state of Washington, we are leaders in change and innovation.

Seattle Colleges is committed to recruiting dedicated faculty and employees who together create a welcoming academic climate that reflects the diverse backgrounds of our community, including ethnicity, national origin, religion, race, gender, gender identity, age, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, disability, political status, and sexual orientation.

As a Seattle Colleges employee, you will gain access to a great benefits package including:

• Competitive Pay Rates
• Promotional Opportunities
• Great Medical, Dental, and Retirement plans
• Paid Sick and Vacation Leave
• Transportation benefits
• Tuition Waivers
• PEBB Wellness Plan
• Washington State Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Seattle Colleges staff and faculty also enjoy professional development opportunities and enrichment experiences in areas of their choice, including committee, workgroup, and affinity group opportunities.

About the WA LERC
The Labor Center was established in 1987 to provide direct education and research services in higher education to unions in Washington State. The mission of the Labor Center is to deliver high-quality education and training programs for the dynamic and diverse working women and men of Washington State by using best practices of adult education. The curriculum builds the skills, confidence, and knowledge needed for working people to become leaders in efforts to improve their work lives and communities and to promote a just economy through collective action. Though based at South Seattle College, the Labor Center is a statewide organization and a unique program within higher education.

The Center also organizes large public events such as conferences, serves as a resource for faculty, students, and staff, produces the Washington State Workers¿ Rights Manual, teaches classes through Continuing Education at South Seattle College, provides contract training to unions and other workers' organizations, and has a book, film, and training materials library available for public use.

Application Procedures:

• Attached current résumé
• Attached cover letter addressing how your background, skills, and interests intersect with the job

Required application materials must be completed and submitted online.

To Apply:
To be considered for this position, please submit your application directly through our website. Applications submitted via any other methods will not be reviewed. Please copy and paste the following link into your browser to apply: https://hcprd.ctclink.us/psp/tam/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=14681&PostingSeq=1

Notice to Applicants:
Please note that Seattle Colleges has moved to holding interviews virtually using video conference options such as Zoom or Teams. As such, if you are selected for an interview, please be prepared to hold your interview virtually.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a regular basis. The employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

What you will be working on:

• Work closely with LERC staff and director, and the Washington Labor community in defining needs and planning, designing, developing, and conducting specialized program activities; monitor and track participant eligibility and participation in program activities.
• Assist the Director in the preparation of complex comprehensive plans, policies, summaries, recommendations, progress and/or special reports.
• Write and edit publications, reports, pamphlets, and newsletters for internal and external distribution, including but not limited to electronic newsletters, social media, marketing materials, LERC reports, and the Washington State Workers¿ Rights Manual websites.
• Maintain the Will Parry Library, including operations related to lending, maintaining organization, and procurement.   
• Provide HR, budget/financial, and administrative support for LERC department functionality, including but not limited to purchasing, budget tracking and reporting, client contract management, and staff recruitment and onboarding processes.
• Provide logistical support for LERC events (for example, room rental, virtual meeting setup, materials production, food arrangements, fee collection, etc.).
• May be asked to attend LERC related meetings (e.g. Washington LERC Advisory Committee) and/or conferences as a LERC program representative.
• Anticipate potential conflict and attempts resolution before problems occur; plan, evaluate, and consult with staff and outside entities to identify problems, explore solutions and alternatives, and recommend resolutions designed to meet the goals and objectives of the program.
• This position may supervise supportive staff and volunteers.

This description is not intended to cover every aspect of this job, we are a team that works together to meet the needs of those we serve, and every member of the team is expected to contribute, even beyond the specific responsibilities listed in this posting.

What you bring as a candidate:

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent related education and job experience
• Experience including planning, analysis, coordination and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government.
• Experience in a labor organization, as a member, steward or staff person, or a demonstrated interest in the U.S. labor movement, the history and practice of community, or labor or electoral organizing.
• Experience working directly or indirectly with stakeholders and others in the Washington State Labor Community.
• Sensitivity to a variety of diversity issues concerning race, gender, equity and inclusion, and willingness to engage directly in challenging conversations on these topics.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a high level of accuracy in written and numeric work.
• Proficiency in electronic office platforms (such as Microsoft Office Suite / Office 365, or Google Workspace), and excellent skills with remote access tools (such as OneDrive and Teams). Prior experience with fiscal management and publication software a plus.
• Demonstrated successful experience with administrative support, including HR and budget operations.
• Willingness and ability to quickly and independently learn software and web applications and platforms.
• A Valid Washington State Driver's License is required.

Physical Demands and Disability Accommodation
Persons with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodation in all aspects of employment with Seattle Colleges. This includes, but is not limited to, recruitment, application, interviewing, hiring, training, termination, conditions of employment, and any other employer-supported activities. Applicants requesting accommodation should contact Human Resources.

Physical Setting:
Seattle Colleges follows the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and provides the following information as a guideline for applicants:

• Ability to operate hand tools, power tools, and motorized equipment
• Ability to exchange information with supervisor, lead, co-workers, and students
• Physical ability to perform required work, including (but not limited to) the ability to lift at least 50 pounds, and to walk, bend, twist, stoop, squat, kneel, climb, reach, grasp, push and pull on a regular to continuous basis
• Work is performed throughout the campus in a variety of weather conditions and encounters noises typical of these settings

Notice of Non-Discrimination Statement
Seattle Colleges is committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity for all its students, employees, and applicants in education, employment, services and contracts, and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, age, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, status as an honorably discharged veteran or disabled veteran or military status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability. In addition, reasonable accommodation will be made for known physical or mental limitations for all otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Further, the Seattle Colleges is committed to ensure that all employees and students work and learn in an environment that fosters mutual respect and professionalism, free from all forms of bullying behaviors, including cyberbullying.

Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the Director of Legal Compliance.

Background Check Statement
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. In addition to the background check, candidates will complete Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Form WA HB 2327 as required.