Student Success Specialist

The New England College•Boston, MA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The New England College of Optometry (NECO), a professional graduate school in Boston’s Historic Back Bay neighborhood, seeks a collaborative, student-centered professional to join its Center for Academic and Professional Achievement (CAPA). Reporting to the Director of CAPA, the Student Success Specialist supports students through individual success coaching, academic skills development, and programs that promote student growth and well-being. This highly student-facing role involves frequent direct interaction with students, problem-solving, collaboration across the College, and developing engaging support programs. The role provides individualized coaching in study strategies, time management, and organization; connects students with campus resources; and conducts proactive outreach in collaboration with CAPA and campus partners. It also develops and assesses academic success resources, maintains records of student interactions, and collaborates with faculty and staff on student success needs. Program responsibilities include overseeing peer tutoring, coordinating aspects of New Student Orientation and the First-Year Guide peer mentoring program, and collaborating on wellness programming. The specialist also assists with exam proctoring and ADA-related testing logistics, board preparation initiatives, committee and policy review work, departmental assessment and reporting, and student-focused projects and events. The position typically follows a hybrid schedule, with approximately three days per week on campus and two days remote. The schedule may vary with student and program needs; some weeks may require five days on campus, particularly during orientation and major student events. Occasional evening and weekend work may be needed. This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary of $75,000.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field.
1–3 years of relevant professional experience in higher education, student affairs, student support, or a related field.
Experience working directly with students and supporting initiatives related to academic success, student engagement, or well-being.
Knowledge of student success strategies, academic skills development, and approaches to supporting students in higher education.
Strong interpersonal, active-listening, and communication skills, including the ability to build trusting student relationships and collaborate with faculty, staff, and academic leadership.
Ability to recognize student needs, exercise sound judgment, maintain professional boundaries, and connect students with relevant resources.
Strong organizational and project management skills, including coordinating multiple programs, managing competing priorities, and completing projects.
Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative, student-centered team.
Creativity, initiative, and willingness to develop new ideas and adapt programming to student needs.
Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Zoom, and student information or database systems.
Commitment to maintaining student confidentiality and following College policies and procedures.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

Provide individualized success coaching to strengthen students’ study strategies, time management, organization, and other academic skills.
Build relationships with students, identify their needs, help them develop strategies, and connect them with appropriate campus resources.
Conduct proactive outreach based on student engagement, academic performance, and other indicators of need, in collaboration with CAPA and campus partners.
Develop, implement, and assess academic success programs and resources.
Maintain accurate and timely records of student interactions and follow-up in accordance with College policies and confidentiality requirements.
Collaborate with faculty, Academic Affairs, and campus partners to identify student success needs, share relevant trends, and develop support strategies.
Oversee the Peer Tutoring Program, including tutor recruitment, training, matching, and scheduling.
Assist with coordinating annual New Student Orientation, including in-person and virtual presentations and ongoing transition programming.
Coordinate the First-Year Guide peer mentoring program, including mentor recruitment, training, and ongoing support.
Collaborate on student wellness programming and initiatives that foster student engagement, connection, and well-being.
Assist with exam proctoring and ADA-related testing logistics in coordination with CAPA and relevant departments.
Collaborate on board preparation initiatives, including programming and strategies for students preparing for licensing examinations.
Participate in College committees and policy review processes, including the annual Student Handbook review, as appropriate to the role.
Assist the Director of CAPA with departmental assessment, annual reporting, and evaluation of student success initiatives.
Identify opportunities for improvement and develop creative approaches to evolving student needs.
Collaborate on departmental priorities, special projects, and the planning and implementation of student-focused events and initiatives.
Perform other related duties as assigned by leadership.