Student Success Specialist

University of St Thomas•St. Paul, MN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of St. Thomas invites qualified candidates to apply for a Student Success Specialist position supporting First Generation, Commuter, and Limited-Income Students within the division of Student Affairs. The University of St. Thomas embraces belonging and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity and personal attention call us to embody and champion an inclusive environment. The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic. This commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good. A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission. The First-Generation, Commuter, and Limited-Income Student Success Specialist serves as a dedicated advocate, coach, and program manager supporting students who may face barriers to academic success due to first-generation college status, commuter experiences, and/or financial constraints. Guided by the University of St. Thomas mission and commitment to the common good, this position provides holistic support that promotes student retention, persistence, belonging, and personal development. Through individualized coaching, proactive outreach, resource navigation, inclusive programming, strategic partnerships, and data-informed practice, the Specialist helps students navigate institutional systems, access critical resources, overcome barriers, and achieve their educational goals. This position requires some evening and weekend hours. Grounded in the Principles of Good Practice for Student Affairs at Catholic Colleges and Universities and the university's commitment to human dignity, belonging, and educational access, this position helps ensure that first-generation, commuter, and limited-income students have the resources, relationships, opportunities, and support necessary to flourish academically, personally, professionally, and spiritually. Through direct student support, institutional collaboration, and advocacy for student success, this role contributes to a campus community where all students can thrive and fully realize their potential.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
Minimum of three years of relevant experience in higher education, student services, community-based organizations, social services, or related settings
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and active listening skills
Ability to establish trust and build effective relationships with students from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, competing deadlines, and student needs
Ability to respond appropriately to students experiencing personal, financial, or academic challenges
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of programs and events

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Education, Sociology, or a related field
Experience in Catholic higher education or other mission-driven educational institutions.
Experience developing and implementing programs for first-generation, commuter, or limited-income student populations.
Bilingual/multilingual abilities in Spanish, Somali, Hmong, or other languages reflective of our student population
An equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills have been acquired may be substituted.

Responsibilities

Serve as a primary resource and advocate for first-generation, commuter, and limited-income students.
Provide individualized guidance, problem-solving support, and referrals to appropriate campus resources.
Build meaningful relationships with students through proactive outreach, regular follow-up and ongoing support.
Develop targeted communication strategies for distinct student cohorts (i.e. degree completion messaging for seniors).
Identify student concerns and barriers to success and advocate for responsive solutions that support student persistence and well-being.
Design and facilitate workshops, educational programs, social events, and initiatives that support academic achievement, financial wellness, life skills development, and community connection.
Coordinate signature initiatives such as Tommie Take-Off, First-Generation Celebration Week, commuter student engagement opportunities, and student recognition events including First-Gen Pinning ceremony for graduating students.
Ensure programs are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of students balancing work, family, financial, and academic responsibilities.
Create opportunities for peer connection and community building among participating students.
Partner with faculty, academic advisors, Retention and Student Success, Financial Aid, Campus Ministry, US Bank Goals Coach, Student Diversity and Inclusion Services, Residential Life, Career Services, Parking Services, and other campus partners.
Coordinate referral networks and wraparound support systems for students experiencing academic, financial, or personal challenges.
Leverage partnerships across campus to increase engagement of first-gen students with high impact practices.
Participate in committees, task forces, and institutional initiatives focused on student success, retention, equity, and belonging.
Facilitate monthly first-gen advisory board meetings
Promote awareness of the unique strengths, experiences, and contributions of these student populations across the institution.
Create welcoming environments where students experience connection, support, and personal growth.
Manage basic need resources the First-Gen Tommie and Commuter Student Office (i.e. meals from Minnesota Central Kitchen and accessible healthy snacks)
Develop initiatives that reduce stigma associated with accessing resources and encourage help-seeking behaviors.
Support students in exploring their values, strengths, goals, and aspirations while fostering confidence and self-efficacy.
Utilize data and assessment practices to evaluate effectiveness and improve student outcomes.
Track student engagement, participation, retention, and other success indicators associated with programs and services.
Utilize institutional technology platforms, student information systems, CRM tools, and case management systems to document student interactions and coordinate outreach efforts.
Collaborate with campus partners to identify, pursue, and support grant opportunities that enhance resources, programming, and student success outcomes for first-generation, commuter and/or limited income students.