Unity College - New Gloucester, ME
posted about 1 month ago
About the position
At Unity Environmental University we are on a mission to make environmental education accessible and affordable to all. Our unique model combines a functional hierarchy and project-based structure through our four Sustainable Education Business Units (SEBUs) to promote collaboration and innovation (Distance Education, Sustainable Ventures, and In-Person Education). We prioritize our students' needs above all else, offering a variety of modalities, including in-person, and online. Our innovative and inclusive culture prepares students to tackle real-world challenges and cultivate the next generation of environmental professionals and leaders who can make a positive impact on our world. The New Student Navigator plays a key role in supporting Distance Education students through the initial stages of their academic journey while addressing any potential obstacles along the way. Acting as the first point of contact, the New Student Navigator provides guidance on financial aid and payments, account activation, course readiness, career outcomes, and additional resources relevant to the student experience at Unity.
Responsibilities
- Meet or exceed application to matriculation conversion goals.
- Become knowledgeable and articulate about Unity Environmental University Distance Education, its programs, market niche, strategies, policies and procedures.
- Understand how to work with non-traditional and adult learners.
- Engage new students through phone contact within 24 hours of handoff.
- Maintain student enthusiasm for Unity Distance Education from application through Week 2 of the first term, or throughout the lifecycle of non-degree students.
- Proactively assist students with Unity accounts (Student Portal, Canvas, Unity email, etc.).
- Provide timely and accurate responses to student inquiries, not to exceed 24 business hours.
- Offer program-specific guidance on career outcomes, course requirements, and completion timelines.
- Assist students with financial aid and funding options (e.g. Federal Aid, Military Benefits, other 3rd parties).
- Maintain accurate student records using the University CRM/SIS.
- Participate in regular training sessions, including cross-training to provide support and backfill at any stage of the student lifecycle during high-demand periods.
- Work with Distance Education staff and leaders to develop strategies for effective onboarding and conversion efforts.
- Maintain appropriate records and submit timely reports on all retention activities as needed.
- Pro-actively communicate challenges, successes, and failures with leadership.
- Attend Institution events such as orientations, open houses, graduation, etc.
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree
- Experience in direct customer support, sales/recruitment, or account management.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to create personal connections with students through various mediums (text, email, video).
- Skilled in managing caseloads, planned engagement, and accurate record keeping, maintaining efficiency with multiple contacts.
- Excellent initiative with ability to work both autonomously and in a team with great time management skills.
- Willingness to work with students from diverse political/socioeconomic backgrounds and a wide range of physical and academic abilities.
- Personal commitment to the environmental focus and mission of the Institution.
- Ability to function effectively within a matrix organizational structure, maintaining open lines of communication while being discreet, courteous, and well-poised.
- Valid Maine Driver's License with a good driving record.
Nice-to-haves
- Proficiency in Salesforce
- Experience in Finance, Financial Literacy Coaching, or Financial Aid
- Knowledge of labor market and/or career outcomes for degree holders
Benefits
- Paid holidays off
- 4 weeks of PTO
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Short- and Long-term disability
- Life Insurance
- Retirement Plan with up to 8% match
- Relocation Assistance
