The Student Success Specialist is primarily responsible for providing direct one-to-one services to assigned program participants, planning and providing financial aid and financial literacy activities, and developing and facilitating the SSS Program's services and activities. The position is a 12-month, full-time position that follows the staff schedule. This position will not be institutionalized. This position is funded in whole or in part, by an external grant and is subject to immediate termination if the grant funding ceases. No employee who is in such a position may file a grievance over the termination of the position. While it is possible that grant funding may be renewed, the current funding for this position ends on September 30, 2025. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provides support through one-to-one (maintains a specified case-load), small group and large group meetings, programming and other outreach to program participants.
- Serves as the advisor and recruiter for the TRIO-SSS Sophomore Ambassadors Program (student planning committee).
- Manages a caseload of approximately 55 students by advising them on academic skills, financial aid, financial literacy, graduate/professional school preparation and career development.
- Inputs meeting notes into Lacai and EAB database.
- Coordinates, markets, implements and evaluates financial aid and financial literacy programs.
- Co-creates and distributes communications to program participants.
- Prepares and reviews data for Annual Performance Report (APR).
- Assists with programmatic planning, implementation, evaluation, and updates.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university required; degrees in Education, Educational Psychology, Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs & College Counseling, Social Work, or other closely related field is preferred.
- Must have at least 2 years' experience working with underrepresented populations; preferred TRIO Alumni and/or TRIO experience;
- Must clear and maintain a favorable background investigation and clearance
- Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
- Must have valid driver's license, motor vehicle liability insurance and personal injury insurance; or have a self-reliant source of transportation to conduct business on a daily basis
- Experience working with diverse college student populations including students with disabilities;
- Experience with coordinating group activities and extra-curricular events;
- Experience with advising, financial aid processes, career counseling, student development, and/or experience working with first-generation, low-income students is preferred.
- Demonstration of a strong commitment to student success.
- Display a strong commitment to the mission of the institution and ability to articulate the value of a Marianist, Catholic education.
- Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong public relations and customer service skills with an ability to implement diplomacy and discretion at all times; ability to work effectively with communities across the university.
- Must have high ethical standards and a strong sense of confidentiality; ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines; thrive in a complex work environment; display solid problem solving and interpersonal skills; work well independently and as part of a team; professional demeanor, appearance and strong work ethic required
- Must have a high attention to detail and be able to organize workflow, coordinate activities, balance simultaneous projects without loss of efficiency in a multi-tasked environment, and manage multiple priorities to meet deadlines.
- Proficiency in the use of social media platforms to include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram among others.
- Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel; experience with virtual meeting platforms such as zoom.
- Ability to develop congenial and productive working relationships with administrators, faculty, staff, and students
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Working conditions are in an office environment and university campus setting. Must be able to move across the university campus to conduct day to day business.
- While performing this role, the employee will be regularly required to sit, walk, and stand; talk and hear, both in person and by telephone; and use hands repetitively to operate standard office equipment; and occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds.
- Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Frequently communicates with others using approved technological resources; must be able to exchange accurate information through designated systems within a timely manner.
- Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. St. Mary's University is a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages all qualified candidates apply.