Student Development Specialist

The College of New Jersey • Ewing Township, NJ

8d • $55,142 - $88,215 • Onsite

About The Position

The New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) provides financial assistance and support services (e.g. counseling, tutoring, and developmental course work) to students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds who attend institutions of higher education in the State of New Jersey. TCNJ's EOF Program provides services in the form of financial assistance and programmatic support that facilitates student transitions that lead to college readiness, positive adjustments, personal development, academic success, and student persistence to graduation.

Under the supervision direction of the EOF Associate Director, the EOF Student Development Specialist serves as an academic advisor, career and financial aid counselor, and provides personal and social support to assigned students, referring them to appropriate College resources as needed. This position collaborates with the EOF team to develop and implement student engagement and success experiences in alignment with the academic and holistic developmental needs of program scholars, offering holistic support services from enrollment through graduation in direct support of the mission and goals of the Program and College. The EOF Student Development Specialist will also assist in the research and analysis of relevant data, the preparation of Office of the Secretary of Higher Education/EOF Central reports, and the completion of other related projects, while serving as a liaison to assigned Schools at the College.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's degree.
• One year professional experience in an institution of higher education or in education, higher education or other field that is directly related to the functions of the position to be filled or equivalency as determined by the appointing authority. The minimum education experience standards for positions classified under this class title will vary depending upon the requirements of the specific position to be filled. In each case, these minimums will be determined at the discretion of the appointing authority. Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute required experience on a year-for-year basis (30 credit hours is considered one year of college.) A Master's degree in a field related to the position to be filled may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, social justice, and student success.
• Strong counseling skills necessary. Ability to establish rapport with students and work in both individual and group formats. Asset-based approach to supporting students, families, and communities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced ever-changing environment, with minimal supervision. Demonstrated experience developing strong working relationships with both internal and external partners.
• Effective communication (verbal and written), interpersonal, organizational, critical thinking, and leadership skills. Strong attention to detail and ability to effectively prioritize deadlines.
• Proficient computer skills (e.g., MS Office Suite; Email & Calendars; Zoom; Adobe; Blackboard/Canvas) and familiarity with internet-based software programs and student information systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Symplicity, etc.).
• Ability to work a flexible schedule as needed to accommodate evening or weekend programming activities.

Nice To Haves

• Master's Degree, preferably in education, social work, counseling, or related field.
• Minimum two (2) years experience serving a diverse student population from backgrounds with limited access to academic and financial resources.
• Experience working in a higher education opportunity program and/or experience serving a diverse student population from backgrounds with limited access to academic and financial resources strongly preferred.
• Previous event planning and knowledge of financial aid experience preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish, English/Arabic, or English/Haitian Creole) highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a case manager/advisor for a cohort of approximately 125 EOF program students. Provide ongoing comprehensive support services, such as academic, career, and financial aid advising to ensure persistence to timely graduation. Transition EOF initials, Plus, transfer, undesignated/transitional, and readmit students through individual and/or group meetings.
• Manage all aspects of caseload needs, enrollment roster, referrals, academic strategy recommendations, student outreach, and all components of the EOF On-Track Advising Model. Develop personalized interventions for students with less than full-time enrollment status, EOF Early Alert notifications, probation/dismissal/Promise Award appeals, separation status, and post-graduate transitions. Serve as a Foundations of Success facilitator.
• Manage EOF grant state roster for assigned cohort, including verification of students’ grant eligibility and enrollment before awarding/adjusting/removing grants in NJFAMS. Maintain ongoing follow up with students to resolve verification issues.
• Coordinate student development programming, such as semesterly kick-off and wrap-up sessions. Serve as primary liaison to Alumni Affairs and the EOF chapter of the Alumni Association as it relates to student programming. Advise the EOF Student Alliance. Handle all registrations and arrangements for student leadership opportunities, including conferences.
• Provide programs, seminars, and workshops regarding adjustment and transition issues related to academic and student development in order to enhance student success (persistence, retention, and performance).
• Oversee the administration of peer mentor activities (such as training, networking events, evaluations, etc.).
• Assist in the sponsoring of special events as assigned by the Associate Director and other related duties as assigned. Coordinate and facilitate such activities in order to meet program goals and recognize the achievements of EOF program students.
• Participate in designated professional development activities to enhance skills related to role and maintain awareness of current and changing trends in higher education and opportunity programs. Chaperone students to leadership development opportunities, some of which may require overnight/out of state travel.
• Assist in the research and analysis of data relevant to the operation of the EOF program and preparation of assigned Office of the Secretary of Higher Education/EOF Central reports. Provide outcomes and narrative for the annual report and Foundation Donor reporting.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit plans covering medical, dental and prescription plans
• Generous leave entitlements program and Energy Savings Program
• Employee and dependent Tuition Waiver and Reimbursement Program
• Pension, retirement, and deferred compensation plans, group life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee affinity groups
• New Jersey State Employee Discount Program (Pet insurance, cell phone plan discounts, discounted amusement park tickets, etc.)
• Access to extensive learning opportunities

What This Job Offers

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