Student Services Specialist (Makamakalehua First-Year Student Coordinator) (0097724)

University of Hawaii•Hilo, HI

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Hawai'i at Hilo (UH Hilo) is a public liberal arts and sciences university on the Island of Hawai'i, recognized for its integration of cultural immersion and place-based research that leverages the island's extraordinary geological, biological, and cultural diversity. A comprehensive, regional campus within the ten-campus University of Hawai'i System, UH Hilo offers high-quality undergraduate and select postgraduate education, with distinctive strengths in areas such as marine science, geology, astronomy, and Hawaiian language revitalization, while advancing research, scholarship, and creative activity that support community needs, environmental stewardship, Indigenous knowledge systems, and workforce development for the State of Hawai'i. The Kipuka Native Hawaiian Student Center (Kipuka) advances Native Hawaiian student success by fostering culturally responsive learning environments, programs, and support services. Grounded in the philosophy that Native Hawaiian-centered approaches strengthen success for all students, Kipuka welcomes and engages the broader UH Hilo community through its programs and initiatives. Makamakalehua is Kipuka's comprehensive student success initiative, providing coordinated transition, engagement, and success programming from entry through graduation. The Makamakalehua First-Year Student Coordinator operates within a shared student success framework alongside the Makamakalehua Second-Year Student Coordinator and the Makamakalehua Student Development Coordinator. Together, the team collaborates to align program design, peer mentorship, assessment, and campus partnerships, while each coordinator maintains primary responsibility for their respective student populations and programmatic areas. The First-Year Student Coordinator leads initiatives that support students' transitions to UH Hilo through culturally grounded practices rooted in Hawai'i values, 'olelo Hawai'i, relationship-building, and place-based learning. Through these efforts, the coordinator supports students' transition to UH Hilo and fosters belonging, engagement, leadership development, academic success, and meaningful connections to Hawai'i Island, community and place.

Requirements

Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Education, Hawaiian Studies, Indigenous Studies, Sociology, Psychology, Social Sciences, Human Services, or related field and 3 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for student success, student engagement educational programming, community engagement or related programs; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of student success, student engagement, or student development in education as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with student success, student engagement, or student development in education.
Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer, apply word processing software, and student information and engagement systems (e.g., Mentor Collective or similar platforms).
If applicable, for supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
Demonstrated experience working with diverse student populations in ways that are culturally responsive and inclusive.
Demonstrated proficiency in 'olelo Hawai'i and the ability to integrate Hawaiian language into programming, student engagement activities, and educational environments.
Demonstrated knowledge of Hawai'i values, culturally grounded approaches to student engagement, and the role of place-based learning in supporting students success, belonging, and community connection.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Education, Hawaiian Studies, Indigenous Studies, or closely related field.
Knowledge of student development, transition, and belonging theories, as well as evidence-informed practices that support first-year student success, persistence, and engagement.

Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, and manage the Makamakalehua First-Year Student Program, including the development and implementation of a structured peer mentorship program that supports students' academic, cultural, and social transition to UH Hilo. Ensure program activities align with Kipuka's student success framework through the integration of Hawai'i values, 'olelo Hawai'i, place-based learning, and evidence-informed student success practices.
Administer and manage the peer mentorship platform (e.g., Mentor Collective or similar systems) including coordinating mentor-mentee matching, facilitating and monitoring communication and engagement, and training and supervising peer mentors in effective platform use; serve as the primary liaison with the platform provider and participate in regular coordination meetings to support implementation and continuous program improvement.
Recruit, hire, train, supervise and evaluate peer mentors supporting first-year student programming.
Coordinate and oversee peer-mentor-led workshops, events, and activities that promote first-year student success and foster connection to place, community, and campus through culturally grounded engagement opportunities, leadership development, and relationship-building.
Design and facilitate additional programming that integrates Hawai'i values, 'olelo Hawai'i and place-based approaches in collaboration with the Makamakalehua coordinator team to foster connection, belonging, and student success among first-year students.
Develop and facilitate ongoing training and professional development for peer mentors, including leadership development, communication skills, culturally responsive practices, Hawaiian values-based approaches to student support, and referral protocols.
Build partnerships with UH Hilo departments, faculty, student services, and community partners to support coordinated services and referrals for first-year students.
Maintain accurate records of student participation and engagement and assist with program assessment, evaluation, and reporting efforts.
Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed, and perform other duties in support of Makamakalehua initiatives and broader campus student success efforts.
All other duties as assigned.