Student Engagement Specialist II - Access, Engagement & Success

Rochester Institute of Technology•Rochester, NY

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Student Engagement Specialist II - Access, Engagement & Success advances first-generation student success through academic coaching, programming, and coordinated academic support. This role carries a substantial coaching caseload, working closely with first-generation students to assess needs, monitor academic progress, and strengthen resource awareness, leadership capacity, and long-term planning. Academic coaching is developmental and structured to gradually foster independence, self-advocacy, and sustained academic momentum. In addition to direct student support, the Specialist assists in the design, coordination, and supervision of engagement-driven programming that strengthens retention and student belonging. This includes maintaining strong campus partnerships, collaborating across departments, and ensuring programs are detail-oriented, well-executed, and aligned with institutional student success priorities. The role uses student engagement and success data to inform outreach strategies and targeted interventions. The Specialist also supports implementation of the Summer Experience, including delivery of student success workshops and structured transition programming that prepares students for a strong academic start and continued persistence.

Requirements

Knowledge of program management and event planning.
Knowledge of student advising and coaching.
Skill in managing and implementing student success programming.
Skill in allocating and managing budgets.
Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks.
Ability to communicate effectively and engage with a wide range of personalities.
Bachelor's degree in related field.
3 years of relevant experience.
Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.
Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

Maintains day-to-day operations for assigned program area, to include student engagement activities and event management.
Ensures operations and activities adhere to grant guidelines.
Serves as a mentor and advocate to participants and provides individualized advising and counseling services.
Encourages participation in tutoring, program workshops, and other resources to facilitate student success and retention in the program.
Performs outreach and meets regularly with participants to discuss needs, monitor progress, and assist with the resolution of academic and/or personal challenges.
Develops an action plan for each fiscal year.
Allocates funds for program activities and monitors budget expenditures for program grants to ensure fiscal responsibility.
Manages the timely submission of financial reporting.
Fosters and develops relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
Works collaboratively to develop and implement programs and resources focused on student retention and the elimination of achievement gaps.
Represents the program on and off campus at professional activities and recruitment events.
Oversees the internal and external marketing of the program through electronic and print communication, partnering with university communications staff to promote the visibility of the program.
Other duties as assigned.