College Navigator

Wenatchee Valley College•Wenatchee, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The first year experience navigator is a key member of the first year experience team at Wenatchee Valley College. This position provides comprehensive educational planning and support for a diverse population of prospective and enrolled students, with a focus on supporting students with general advising and retention. The first year experience navigator will promote equitable access, facilitate proactive interventions for historically minoritized and under-served students, and enhance academic progress and success.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Strong proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, presentation software and social media.
Applicable combination of education and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
Knowledge of customer service skills and best practices with ability to provide general and specialized student support with professional courtesy, empathy, and interest in positive problem solving.
Speak clearly and persuasively, actively listen and take the time to understand the points being made, including asking questions as appropriate and responding to questions.
Accurate and thorough, look for ways to improve and promote quality, provide feedback to improve performance, monitor own work to ensure quality.
Approach others in a tactful manner, react well under pressure, treat others with respect and consideration and follow through on commitments.
Ability to assess situations and think beyond the immediate issue to anticipate and fulfill future needs before they become complications.
Demonstrated competency and experience working in a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff of varying social, economic, cultural, ideological, gender and racial/ethnic backgrounds and those with physical, emotional and/or learning disabilities.
High level of proficiency and accuracy in Microsoft Office; familiarity with Canvas, PeopleSoft, and other college systems; ability to be cross trained to provide basic technical support.
Knowledge of college processes such as admissions, enrollment, and financial aid; ability to be cross trained to provide student services support.
Maintain a high level of confidentiality and follow FERPA guidelines.

Nice To Haves

Experience with educational planning/academic advising and student support services within an institution of higher education.
Knowledge of articulation and transfer processes among high school, community college, and four-year institutions.
Experience creating digital content (such as Word/PDF documents, and web and learning management system content, as appropriate to the role) in accessible formats.
Experience with student management database systems.
Bilingual written and oral in Spanish/English.
Comfortable translating and engaging the community in both languages.

Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive educational planning and support for a diverse population of prospective and enrolled students.
Focus on general advising, including support for liberal arts transfer, business, STEM, nursing, and allied health programs.
Promote equitable access and enhance student retention, persistence, and completion.
Advise prospective and enrolled students on admissions procedures, degree requirements, transfer and career information, college policies, and related matters.
Support students at Wenatchee, Omak, and online campuses.
Review transcripts for placement and potential transferability of courses.
Assist students with degree plans, course selections, and individualized educational planning.
Support students in overcoming academic challenges to facilitate their progression and completion.
Reach out to students close to completion and provide reverse transfer information.
Collaborate with faculty and staff to support student success and retention.
Serve as a referral agent for students seeking funding, mental health counseling, and basic needs assistance.
Represent the college at professional and community organizations and serve on relevant committees.
Coordinate advisor assignments, establish procedures, and manage data cleanup.
Monitor advisor loads, manage batch processing.
Monitor and manage educational planning communications with students, staff, and faculty.
Stay current on employment trends, career development practices, and transfer requirements.
Understand and utilize campus and community resources effectively.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of WVC programs, curriculum, and transfer opportunities.
Prepare reports and maintain records as required.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.