College Navigator

University of Arkansas System•Batesville, AR

27d

About The Position

The College Navigator provides holistic, case-managed support to students from onboarding through goal completion. The position serves as a primary guide for academic advising, career assessment, course registration, and financial aid navigation to support student retention and program completion. The Navigator assists all student populations with their enrollment and support needs and maintains accurate student records. The position is governed by state and federal laws and institutional policy. The role includes advising students through their academic journey, helping them understand campus resources and academic expectations, and assisting students and families with financial aid processes. It also provides direct assistance with student inquiries and connects students with specialized campus support programs and resources. The Navigator represents the department in institutional activities and completes professional development and other duties related to student success and institutional goals.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience leading to the competencies needed to perform the essential duties.
Understanding of student services, holistic retention strategies, and the community college model and mission.
Working knowledge of financial aid processes, including FAFSA, Arkansas SAMS, and institutional scholarships, and regulations such as FERPA, Title IV, Title IX, and ADA/Section 504.
Understanding of enrollment, compliance, and support needs for high school concurrent and dual-enrollment, professional skills training, international, and veteran/dependent students.
Familiarity with workforce development programs, transfer pathways, career assessment tools, and degree auditing.
Familiarity with student information systems, CRM platforms, and data reporting tools.
Advanced interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills for engaging diverse students, families, faculty, and community partners.
Strong organization and attention to detail to manage a high-volume caseload, prioritize tasks, and maintain timely student records.
Critical thinking skills to navigate student challenges, resolve conflicts, and build consensus.
Hands-on skills using Workday, Microsoft Office Suite, and virtual communication tools to track and document student progress.
Ability to independently manage a dynamic caseload and guide new and continuing students through advising, registration, and retention milestones.
Ability to build collaborative working relationships with faculty, financial aid, the Processing Center, student support services, and external partners.
Ability to adapt to changing institutional policies, state regulations, and enrollment trends while maintaining strict confidentiality of student records.
Ability to work effectively with all student types.
Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in a relevant academic discipline or in higher education/educational leadership.
Two or more years of progressively responsible student affairs experience.

Responsibilities

Use a case management model to support student satisfaction, retention, program completion, and data collection.
Document student interactions, advising notes, and enrollment updates accurately and promptly in Workday.
Provide ongoing academic advising, career assessment, and course registration from program entry through goal completion.
Guide students through orientation and onboarding, including campus resources, academic expectations, and student rights and responsibilities.
Assist students and families with FAFSA, Arkansas SAMS, and institutional scholarship opportunities.
Provide baseline information and assistance with college application and admission processes in support of the Processing Center.
Support international, veteran and veteran-dependent, high school concurrent and dual-enrollment, and professional skills training students with enrollment and financial aid processes.
Address applicant and student inquiries promptly, providing assistance or making appropriate cross-departmental referrals.
Connect students with specialized programs and campus resources, including TRIO Student Support Services, Career Pathways Initiative, UACCB Foundation, Career Closet, the Learning Resource Center, mental health counseling, and veterans services.
Represent the department on institutional workgroups and campus committees and at campus community events.
Participate in continuous professional development and required training.
Perform other duties related to student success, retention, enrollment support, and institutional goals as assigned.