Senior Student Services Specialist

Position Title:

Senior Student Services Specialist

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree.
Experience as an academic advisor in higher education.
Experience working with graduate students and graduate faculty.
Experience managing a diverse portfolio of programs and events.
Experience with higher education academic standards, policies and procedures.
Experience with student management systems.

Job Description:

The Ivy College of Business Graduate Programs Office at Iowa State University is looking for a Senior Student Services Specialist to play a key part in overseeing and enhancing a wide array of graduate programs, including the Des Moines and online Professional MBA program, distance education, and residential programs on the Ames campus. This individual will handle a diverse portfolio of graduate programs, coordinating admissions and managing course enrollment planning in collaboration with office staff and Directors of Graduate Education (DOGEs).

This position will primarily be based at the Iowa State University campus in Ames, with expected travel to the Des Moines campus 3-4 times a month. The role involves daily interactions with prospective and current students, as well as with faculty and staff. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, in addition to technological and organizational proficiency, are essential. The ability to serve as a leader, work independently on unique projects, and collaborate on diverse team projects is vital. The office environment is fast-paced and innovative, with a strong focus on providing exceptional service to students, staff, faculty, and guests. The team fosters a welcoming environment centered on teamwork and student success.

Key responsibilities include serving as an academic advisor for the Professional MBA (PMBA), Real Estate Development (MRED), Accounting Analytics (MAA), Healthcare Analytics and Operations (MHAO), Financial Technology (FINTECH), and other emerging professional master’s and certificate programs. The position will plan and implement orientation programming for all Ivy graduate students in the fall and spring terms and coordinate communication for new student orientation and onboarding. Additionally, the position will oversee 3-4 graduate students who will provide support for graduate programming and MBA faculty. In Des Moines, the role will help with campus operations, including serving students, faculty, and guests, overseeing course offerings, and assisting with campus events.

This position offers the opportunity to work closely with graduate students who are eager to engage with staff and faculty in personal and meaningful ways. Working with these students is more than just transactional interactions— getting to know them and understanding what’s going on in their world is a key part of this role, while also understanding and following program and college policy. This position offers opportunities for innovation. The role allows someone with energy and creativity to design new programming events and make meaningful connections. The opportunity to work with professional students—many of whom are working professionals themselves, bringing diverse perspectives from around the world—gives this position a broad and diverse scope. The position will also play a key role in the admissions process, helping to screen and admit students based on established criteria, which means you’ll actively shape each program. Finally, as a main point of contact for managing space at our Des Moines location, the position will work closely with the property manager and handling rental agreements, office/classroom oversight, and inter-office communication and coordination, which adds a unique dimension to the job. This is a dynamic role within graduate education in the Ivy College of Business, with plenty of opportunities to innovate and influence the future of the programs!

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship. 

 
Level Guidelines
• Senior-level position possessing high-level professional and/or technical skills working independently under minimal supervision to support ISU’s mission and department or work unit goals
• Applies senior-level professional knowledge and expertise to work requiring greater latitude
• Solves moderately complex problems and regularly exercises judgment to determine appropriate action
• Regularly exercises judgment to resolve problems and determine appropriate action on a broad set of issue and problems. May provide recommendations reg