Student Engagement Specialist - Part time

Grand Rapids Community College • Grand Rapids, MI

2d • $20 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Student Engagement Specialist serves as a student engagement strategist within the Center for High-Impact Experiences. This position supports the full continuum of student engagement, from initial connection to the Center through program participation, degree or transfer completion and with specific emphasis on the Bridges to College and other areas of the Center. The Specialist helps students navigate Center opportunities, overcome barriers, and progress through high-impact experiences aligned with their personal, academic, and career goals.

Requirements

• Associate degree or comparable combination of relevant education and experience required.
• Familiar with Customer Relations Management software.
• Experience using databases, documenting interactions, and/or tracking progress.
• Ability to take initiative to improve the Center’s workflow/processes, anticipate future project and resource needs, recommend process improvements, and proactively identify potential issues before they become operational challenges.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with students and provide supportive coaching that encourages engagement, growth, and informed decision-making.
• Ability to anticipate student needs, proactively implement outreach and follow-up strategies to promote sustained student participation and success.
• Ability to think strategically about student engagement by connecting individual student goals with opportunities across Center programs and supporting progression through multiple high-impact experiences.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills with the ability to interact effectively, empathetically, and professionally with diverse student populations, faculty, and staff.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate documentation, track student participation, and ensure timely follow-up and accountability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including comfort with public speaking and presentations to small and large groups.
• Proficiency with technology and data systems, including all aspects of the Google Platform interface and experience utilizing databases or student information systems to support program tracking and communication.
• An interest in working with diverse student populations, who represent a wide range of age, ethnicity, national origin, and ability.
• Demonstrated responsiveness, initiative, and organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to perform routine and unexpected duties.
• A willingness and an ability to learn college systems.
• High energy level with enthusiasm and an interest in helping and supporting students and colleagues.
• Ability to work under pressure while possessing mature judgment and flexibility in regards to interruptions and schedule changes.
• Must use good judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations in a professional manner.
• Must be able to work flexible hours (i.e. evenings and night) including occasional weekends.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment that calls for flexibility/adaptability and the ability to handle multiple interruptions and make quick decisions.
• Only applicants living in the state of Michigan can apply for GRCC careers.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement student engagement communication strategies that connect GRCC students to opportunities within the Center for High-Impact Experiences and support sustained participation in Center programs.
• Utilize CRM tools, Navigate and communication platforms to deliver targeted, personalized outreach that promotes awareness, reinforces key milestones, and encourages progression.
• Maintain structured, confidential tracking records of student engagement, including interactions, participation, and progression.
• Identify opportunities for outreach, and inform strategies that support continued student involvement and success.
• Collaborate with Center staff and faculty partners to remain aligned with program priorities, student engagement strategies, and evolving initiatives.
• Participate in team discussions to ensure consistent messaging and coordinated support for student engagement across Center programs.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by contributing to the review of student engagement trends and participation patterns.
• Share observations and insights to help strengthen engagement strategies and program effectiveness.
• Assist with collecting and organizing program data and contribute to assessment, evaluation, and end-of-program reporting to support continuous improvement.
• Perform other related duties aligned with student engagement, program participation, and Center initiatives as assigned.
• Follow College policy on the Family Educational Right to Privacy Act (FERPA).

Benefits

• Wellness Program : Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an onsite gym membership .
• Retirement Plans : Secure your future with our retirement options

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree