First Year Success Navigator

OLIVET COLLEGE•Olivet, MI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The First-Year Success Navigator position is a full-time, 12-month position. The position supports a caseload of students from the time the student deposits through their third semester. In support of their caseload, the navigator will facilitate at least two sections of first-year courses each semester. This position will facilitate student success initiatives related to: Supporting each student throughout the onboarding process, including orientation, registration, and services; Supporting a robust first-year college experience focused on increasing retention rates throughout the first-year experience; Incorporating proactive, data-informed academic advising tools; Fostering a 'success-oriented' mindset by creating a better sense of belonging; Guiding students in initial academic advising practices such as major exploration and academic planning; Promoting campus services for first-year students, such as Career Readiness and Leadership Development, Health and Wellness Center, Comets’ Cupboard, and more. As a member of the Student Transition Team, under the supervision of the Director of Student Transitions and Academic Success, navigators will work collaboratively to ensure the strategic priorities and programs are intentionally supported and assessed. The First-Year Navigators Team will implement and sustain a wide range of data-driven, forward-thinking programming focused on clearly defined and well-coordinated strategies and assessment of student development at The University of Olivet. Success in this role will include but is not limited to improved enrollment, improved retention, persistence, and graduation rates for all students and targeted subgroups that historically underperform in these measures. The navigator will effectively engage and work with faculty and staff to foster the successful implementation of new initiatives and programs for first-year students.

Requirements

Master’s degree preferred (active enrollment with anticipated graduation within two years of employment start date required)
Three or more years of experience in higher education.
Knowledge of best practices related to student transitions and academic advising programs
Experience with retention initiatives and student support
Demonstrated ability to work effectively, both independently and in a diverse team environment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong planning and organizational ability
Knowledge of established and emerging trends, standards, practices, procedures, and techniques in the field
Knowledge of the theories and principles of higher education, undergraduate education, student development, retention, and student learning
Knowledge of curriculum, admissions, and student success programs
Strong management, organization, supervision, and teambuilding skills
Ability to prioritize and implement program activities to efficiently support caseload and other demands
Knowledge of admissions, accommodations, and evidence-based best practices related to retention and student success

Nice To Haves

Preference given to those with experience in Student Life, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, etc.

Responsibilities

Facilitate at least two sections of first-year courses each semester.
Support students throughout the onboarding process, including orientation, registration, and services.
Support a robust first-year college experience focused on increasing retention rates.
Incorporate proactive, data-informed academic advising tools.
Foster a 'success-oriented' mindset by creating a better sense of belonging.
Guide students in initial academic advising practices such as major exploration and academic planning.
Promote campus services for first-year students.
Work collaboratively to ensure strategic priorities and programs are intentionally supported and assessed.
Implement and sustain data-driven, forward-thinking programming.
Engage and work with faculty and staff to foster the successful implementation of new initiatives and programs for first-year students.