Student Success Specialist

New England College of Optometry•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 the Center for Academic and Professional Achievement (CAPA). Reporting to the Director of CAPA, the Student Success Specialist provides hands-on success coaching, academic skills development, and initiatives supporting student growth and well-being. This highly student-facing role involves building relationships with students, collaborating across the College, solving problems, and developing engaging programs that help students thrive throughout their optometric education. The role typically follows a hybrid schedule, with approximately three days per week on campus and two days working remotely. The schedule may vary according to student needs, program activities, and departmental priorities; some weeks may require five days on campus, particularly during orientation and other 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; ability to build trusting relationships with students and collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and academic leadership.
Ability to recognize student needs, exercise sound judgment, maintain appropriate professional boundaries, and connect students with relevant resources.
Strong organizational and project management skills, including coordinating multiple programs, managing competing priorities, and following projects through to completion.
Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative, student-centered team.
Creativity, initiative, and willingness to develop new ideas and adapt programming in response to student needs.
Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Zoom, and student information or database systems.
Commitment to maintaining student confidentiality and following applicable 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, help them navigate academic challenges, identify needs, 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 for students throughout their optometric education.
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 strategies to support student progress.
Oversee the Peer Tutoring Program, including tutor recruitment, training, matching, and scheduling.
Assist in coordinating annual New Student Orientation, including in-person and virtual presentations and ongoing transition programming.
Coordinate the First-Year Guide peer mentoring program, including recruiting, training, and supporting peer mentors.
Collaborate with CAPA colleagues and campus partners to develop student wellness programming and initiatives that foster 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 developing 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.
Contribute ideas, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop creative approaches to evolving student needs.
Collaborate with CAPA team members and campus partners on departmental priorities, special projects, and student-focused events and initiatives.
Perform other related duties as assigned by leadership.