Associate Director of Scholar Supports

This is a grant-funded position for an initial term of three years, with the possibility of extension contingent on securing additional funding.

ORGANIZATION

Rainier Scholars is a comprehensive academic enrichment program that supports students of color over a 12-year journey – from 5th grade to college graduation. We seek to serve those who are most under-represented on college campuses and have the greatest number of barriers to achieving a college education: 85% qualify as low-income, 90% would be the first in their family to earn a college degree. Our program offers rigorous academics, leadership development and personalized support for scholars, providing access to educational pathways and myriad opportunities previously unimagined.

With a budget size of $10 million, a staff team of 50+ full-time employees and 715+ scholars and families whom we currently serve in Seattle and Tacoma, Rainier Scholars has established a positive brand for our unwavering commitment to education, proven success rate, and sustainable impact. We grow new generations of diverse college graduates, career professionals, and community leaders.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate Director brings clinical expertise and care to scholars in grades 5 through 8. The role offers direct mental health support and proactive wellness programming to help scholars thrive. Working in partnership with program leadership, this role leads case consultation, coordinates support planning, supervises and develops the Academic Coaching team and Student Advisors, and contributes to Tacoma’s broader scholar wellness and summer programming priorities.

Reporting to the Director of 5th through 8th Grade Programs, the Associate Director works closely with the Associate Director of School Programs and Academic Coaches to support scholars’ social, emotional, and behavioral growth, and partners with the recruitment team on mental health screenings for prospective students.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Mental Health & Scholar Wellness (~30%)

• Provide direct clinical and mental health support, proactive counseling, and wellness initiatives, including group counseling and affinity clubs
• Consult on and facilitate monthly 7th grade workshops that build healthy relationships and boundary-setting skills
• Lead mental health screenings for prospective students during recruitment season
• Connect scholars and families with community-based service providers as needed
• Join select weekly classes to offer additional scholar support

Scholar Support, Case Consultation & Collaboration (~30%)

• Partner with Director of 5-8, Associate Director of School Programs, and Academic Coaches to support scholars’ social, emotional, and behavioral needs
• Shape Scholar Success Plans with Director of 5-8 and Associate Director of School Programs, including mental health and social-emotional interventions
• Lead data collection and analysis to strengthen mental health referrals
• Build and sustain relationships with school counselors and key middle school personnel

Staff Leadership, Supervision & Development (~25%)

• Lead all aspects of hiring, onboarding, supervising, and developing two Academic Coaches, including goal setting, regular one-on-ones, ongoing feedback, and annual performance reviews
• Lead the hiring, onboarding, supervision, and coaching of Student Advisors during 5th and 6th grade summer programming, including orientation and training
• Train staff to recognize and respond to scholars’ mental health and social-emotional needs, including when and how to refer, and guide them through complex situations and escalation decisions
• Foster a supportive, collaborative team culture

Overall Scholar Wellness & Support (~15%)

• Support 5th and 6th grade summer programming
• Own Conclave curriculum development, updates, and delivery, and prepare teachers to deliver it with confidence
• Oversee monthly scholar socials and affinity groups that build community
• Contribute to the Tacoma leadership team
• Other duties within the scope of scholar mental health support and program operations may be assigned.
• This role balances clinical practice, case consultation, staff supervision, and program support. The approximate allocation of focus reflects the nature of the role and may shift based on organizational priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related mental health field

• Clinical license or license-eligibility (e.g., LSWAIC, LMHCA, or equivalent) for the state of Washington

• 3+ years of experience working with early adolescents in a clinical or community-based mental health setting

• Experience facilitating group counseling or workshops for youth

• Demonstrated experience providing individualized mental health support to youth, including crisis response

• Understanding of how trauma, ADHD, and executive functioning challenges intersect with academic performance

• Experience supervising staff and providing performance feedback

• Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment

• Functional knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Adobe), Google Docs, and databases, with familiarity analyzing data

Preferred

• Full independent clinical licensure (e.g., LICSW, LMHC)

• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish

• Experience with school-based or community-based youth wellness programming

• Experience teaching or facilitating curriculum focused on racial identity development, social-emotional learning, or resilience for early adolescents

• Knowledge of community-based mental health and social service resources in the greater Tacoma area

• Experience working with students from first-generation, low-income, or underrepresented backgrounds

• Fiscal management experience, including creating, overseeing, and managing budgets

• Experience with data collection and analysis in a clinical or program context

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, & WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Compensation for this role is $85,000 - $93,000 annual salary,commensurate with experience and qualifications. This is a full-time, exempt position, grant-funded for an initial three-year term with potential extension contingent on securing additional funding. Rainier Scholars offers employer-paid medical and dental benefits, employer-paid life and AD&D insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, generous vacation, all-staff holiday closure, personal days, sick leave, and holiday pay.

Rainier Scholars is a workplace committed to wellness and sustainability. This is a flexible, hybrid full-time role based out of our Tacoma office, with 2–3 days/week working in-person. Some evening and weekend work is required, including extended Summer Stretch Academy hours, and the schedule is subject to change as program needs arise.

Our work is rooted in ensuring that people from marginalized communities have the opportunity to thrive in education and careers that they are passionate about. Rainier Scholars is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting an equitable and inclusive environment for our scholars, families, and staff. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and strongly encourage people of color, first-generation college graduates, and people from working-class backgrounds to apply.