Student Success Specialist

Susquehanna University•Selinsgrove, PA

14h•Onsite

About The Position

The Student Success Specialist provides direct, individualized support to students enrolled in Susquehanna University’s grant-funded TRIO Student Support Services and Act 101 (REACH Scholars) programs. This on-campus, student-facing position requires regular in-person availability for appointments, outreach, programming, and collaboration with campus partners. The Specialist supports students’ academic success and financial well-being through coaching, financial education, proactive outreach, and referrals. The Specialist helps students develop skills in time management, organization, planning, prioritization, task initiation, study strategies, and self-advocacy. The role includes monitoring academic progress, creating actionable support plans with students, and following up to assess progress and adjust strategies. The Specialist also develops and facilitates financial education workshops, helps students identify and apply for scholarships and other financial resources, and collaborates with Student Financial Services and other campus offices to address barriers to success. Accurate documentation and routine administrative work are essential. The Specialist maintains meeting notes, student records, action plans, and referral updates; manages scheduling and student communications; and supports data collection, program tracking, and reporting. The position contributes to culturally responsive programming that strengthens students’ confidence, connections, and engagement. Periodic evening and weekend availability is required based on student needs and program priorities. The position is grant-funded and classified as exempt under FLSA regulations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
At least one year of experience required; undergraduate experience, internships, and/or volunteer work may count. Relevant areas include college access programs, academic support services, student support services, financial literacy or education, and financial aid offices.
Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, including the ability to build supportive relationships, collaborate with campus partners, and maintain professional boundaries.
Ability to teach and reinforce academic and executive functioning strategies through individualized, student-centered coaching.
Strong organizational and logistical skills, with the ability to balance appointments, outreach, documentation, programming, and administrative work while maintaining attention to detail.
Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, accurate, concise meeting notes and program communications.
Creativity, empathy, and cultural responsiveness in supporting students and developing relevant programming.
Proficiency with scheduling tools, spreadsheets, data entry, and student support systems, and ability to learn new technology.
Willingness to participate in ongoing training in academic coaching, executive functioning strategies, financial education, and relevant financial aid processes.
Ability to stand or sit for extended periods and move about campus.
Ability to talk and hear instructions; occasional manual dexterity and use of fingers, hands, and arms to feel, handle, and reach; occasional stooping, crouching, and bending; and ability to occasionally lift 10 pounds.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require employer sponsorship for employment authorization; the university does not provide visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Two to three years of experience preferred.
Experience working with first-generation students, students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and students with a disability preferred.

Responsibilities

Meet regularly with assigned students for individualized academic coaching and monitor progress toward academic and personal goals.
Teach and reinforce strategies for time management, organization, planning, prioritization, task initiation, studying, test preparation, and self-advocacy.
Help students create weekly schedules and academic action plans, break assignments into manageable steps, and assess the effectiveness of their strategies.
Proactively contact students experiencing academic difficulties, missing appointments, or needing additional support.
Monitor academic performance and engagement and coordinate appropriate interventions with faculty and campus partners.
Refer students to tutoring, accessibility services, counseling, financial resources, and other supports, and follow up on referrals.
Participate in training and case consultation with the Executive Functioning Skills Trainer and apply relevant strategies in student coaching.
Develop and support culturally responsive programs, workshops, mentoring opportunities, and educational trips.
Maintain regular on-campus availability for in-person student meetings and program activities.
Support the Senior Director of Student Support and Development with student support and program priorities.
Provide individual financial counseling and assist students in seeking and applying for financial support.
Plan workshops and events that promote healthy financial behaviors and administer assessments of students’ personal-finance knowledge.
Generate and update lists of internal and external financial aid sources and scholarship programs.
Support students applying for financial support for graduate and professional degree programs.
Monitor FAFSA completion rates and assist students as needed.
Collaborate with faculty and staff on strategies and programs for students experiencing financial difficulties.
Complete timely meeting notes documenting concerns, strategies, next steps, referrals, and follow-up needs.
Maintain student records, appointment information, action plans, and service documentation in designated university systems.
Manage appointment scheduling, reminders, student communications, and follow-up tasks.
Track student participation, services provided, and progress toward established goals.
Assist with data entry, record reconciliation, program assessments, and preparation of information for grant and institutional reporting.
Coordinate program logistics, including registration, attendance records, materials, and communications.
Maintain confidentiality and follow university requirements for handling student information.