Graduation & Retention Coordinator

Sacramento Portal • Sacramento, CA

18d

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Academic Advising Center Director, and the specific direction of the Associate Dean for the College, the Student Services Professional III ( SSP III ) performs a variety of complex and/or sensitive professional student service work from preadmission to the university through graduation. This work includes analysis of needs, considerable advisement of policy and eligibility requirements and the use of planning, interviewing and counseling techniques. Assignments require the application of a high degree of judgment, persuasiveness, imagination and professional skills and knowledge in the specified program or service area as well as a general understanding of the interrelationships and need for coordinated action to develop integrated solutions crossing organizational lines. When appropriate, the SSP III develops approaches for possible implementation that meet specific program needs. The purpose of this work is to assist students in making timely progress toward their degree objectives; to provide learning experiences that supplement those in the classroom; and to assist and encourage students to utilize effectively the knowledge, skills and abilities learned during their university careers. The Graduation and Retention Coordinator works within the College of Health & Human Services to collaborate with Chairs/faculty to identify and develop academic plans that will help students persist through graduation. The Graduation and Retention Coordinator runs advising-related reports and analyzes data in conjunction with Chairs and designated advisors to determine targeted intervention strategies. Additionally, the incumbent partners/supports faculty in advising students on the major and creating opportunities for students in the College to decrease time to degree. The incumbent requires considerable administrative planning to develop creative solutions that integrate approaches across organizational lines. The Graduation and Retention Coordinator is also responsible for recognizing specific program needs and for collaborating with academic departments to improve and develop approaches for implementation for student engagement and success. Minimum Qualifications Knowledge and Abilities: The following knowledge and abilities as well as those listed at the lower levels in the Student Services Professional series are required for appointment into this classification. Thorough knowledge of the principles of individual and group behavior. General knowledge of the principles, practices and trends of the Student Services field as well as general knowledge of the policies, procedures and practices of the program area to which assigned; general knowledge of individual counseling techniques; general knowledge, or the ability to rapidly acquire such knowledge, of the organizational procedures and activities of the specific campus to which the position is assigned. Working knowledge of student services programs outside the program to which immediately assigned. Ability to analyze complex situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action; advise students individually and in groups on complex student related matters; determine appropriate courses of action and proper techniques to utilize while engaged with individuals in personal interactions of an argumentative or sensitive nature; interpret and evaluate descriptions and explanations of problems brought forward by individuals or student organizations, analyze and define the problem, draw valid conclusions and project consequences of various alternative courses of action; carry out a variety of professionally complex assignments without detailed instructions; and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with a variety of individuals. Experience: Possession of these knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent of three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience. One year in the program area to which assigned may be preferred but is not required. A master’s degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a directly related field may be substituted for one year of experience. A doctorate degree and the appropriate internship or clinical training in counseling or guidance may be substituted for the three years of experience for positions with a major responsibility for professional career or personal counseling. Education: Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field, including or supplemented by upper division or graduate course work in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution where such are job-related.

Requirements

• University student services experience (e.g. advising, admissions, student programming or development)
• Experience working with students from various ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Ability to independently prioritize, plan and organize work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to provide direct programs and/or services to a diverse student population
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in a diverse environment
• Ability to compile, prepare, write and review reports
• Proficiency using standard office software packages (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite)
• Familiarity working with school-based record/data systems/software (example: PeopleSoft)
• Ability to understand, interpret, analyze and apply complex rules, regulations and procedures
• Ability to understand and analyze the nature of problems presented by constituents, present solutions, and project the consequences of alternative courses of action
• Ability to carry out complex assignments without detailed instructions
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with students considered to be “at-promise”
• Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, College Student Personnel, Educational Counseling, or related field
• Experience with or a general understanding of program coordination
• Knowledge of General Education in the California State University system.
• Ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule that may include occasional evening or weekend work hours

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level