Student Success Specialist

Posting number: 202600065

Department: Division of Student Life and Success

Division: Academic Advising

Job classification: Student Success Specialist

Posting type: Open

Categories: Education, Training, Student Services, Higher Education, Counseling

Summary

JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Student Success Specialist has three primary areas of responsibility that contribute to the success and retention of undergraduate students: serving as the application administrator for Starfish; coordinating early alert/intervention efforts for students of concern; and providing holistic support to assigned Undeclared advisees as well as mentees in an academic recovery program.

OUTCOME:
A positive impact on student success and retention via college-wide use of a comprehensive system that facilitates coordination, transparency, documentation, and accessibility; coordination and collaboration in early alert/intervention efforts; and professional advising/mentoring that facilitates students’ academic exploration and development.

Examples of duties

Starfish Application Administration (39%)

• Implement and execute the vision and goals associated with continuous improvement of Starfish; participate in meetings with stakeholders and partners
• Provide consultation to departments across campus to determine how Starfish may be used to meet their needs/requests; design, test, and maintain system elements
• Teach students, faculty, and staff how to use the system; create resources to support their use of its tools; and serve as a primary point-of-contact for questions and troubleshooting
• Work with EAB’s (formerly the Education Advisory Board) Strategic Leader as well as Library and Technology Services to develop, update, and/or troubleshoot system features, functions, and configurations
• Communicate system updates and reminders to the campus community in a timely manner
• Monitor important announcements from EAB and remain informed of product updates

Direct Student Support (39%)

• Serve as the primary advisor for a caseload of Undeclared students; guide them through exploration, planning, and registration processes; and monitor/offer assistance with their academic performance
• Mentor assigned students in Back on Track—an academic recovery program for students on academic probation
• Support advisees and mentees in understanding and navigating the College’s academic tools, requirements, policies, and procedures
• Contribute to new student onboarding via summer orientation, group sessions, and/or individual meetings as part of the Academic Advising Center team

Early Alert/Intervention Coordination (20%)

• Coordinate with colleagues across departments to monitor, escalate, and respond to flags/concerns raised in Starfish with a particular focus on student well-being and academic success
• Develop and implement outreach/intervention strategies to connect with students of concern and share information about resources, services, and options
• Contribute to the efforts of an interdepartmental early intervention team and/or CARE Team

Other Duties as Assigned (2%)

• Attend advising-related professional development workshops or seminars

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred
• Three years of professional experience working in diverse academic environments at a college or university, preferably involving direct experience in academic advising at the college or university level 
• One year of experience coordinating successful, collaborative student support initiatives

Supplemental information

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills; keen interest in working with and helping students in an academic environment
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple assignments as well as anticipate deadlines
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team of advisors within the Academic Advising Center, along with faculty, staff, and students within the academic community
• Excellent computer skills including familiarity with Windows environment, Microsoft Office products, and academic advising software
• Knowledge of academic environments, particularly in higher education, and principles of student development theory and academic advising
• Commitment to working with and helping students in an academic environment, focusing on career and professional development
• Knowledge of the Federal Educational Right to Privacy Act (FERPA) and sensitivity to student academic