Training and Development Specialist

Colorado Christian University•Lakewood, CO

13h•Onsite

About The Position

The Training and Development Specialist (TDS) is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the Director of Retention in the College of Adult and Graduate Studies (CAGS). The primary responsibility of the TDS is to facilitate the development of Student Service Advisors (SSAs). Through expertise of existing and emerging advising systems, the TDS assists all Office of Student Success staff with the consistent application of resources. By coordinating online and in-person training sessions, individualized coaching, and regular professional development opportunities, the TDS serves as the primary coordinator for SSAs for the development of advising-related skills. The TDS also actively supports the Office of Student Success Leadership Team with the implementation of technological advancements, process efficiency improvements, and troubleshooting complex and challenging obstacles that inhibit student retention and persistence. This position requires excellent communication skills, a high level of mastery of advising duties, creative problem solving ability, technological expertise, and a Christ-centered leadership philosophy. The TDS is a crucial member of the Office of Student Success, and is vital to the achievement of goals relating to student retention, persistence and program completion. A polished, professional demeanor and appearance are required. Hours may vary depending on need and may include evenings and weekends.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, Master's degree preferred. Professionals with education and/or experience commensurate with the duties described will also be considered.
Two or more years of service as an academic advisor strongly preferred.
Effective oral, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
Exceptional customer service, problem solving, decision making, and creative thinking skills in a fast-paced environment are greatly desired.
Self-confidence, patience, empathy, and availability when building rapport with constituents.
Understands and adapts quickly to multi-generational needs and characteristics.
Creative, out-of-the-box ideas and takes initiative to find solutions while clarifying and enforcing CCU’s expectations and policies.
Flexibility, adaptive to change, and teachable; ability to actively locate appropriate resources to assist with unfamiliar situations, is comfortable asking questions, and recognizes and learns from mistakes.
Ability to maintain cohesive working relationships, views conflict positively, and operates with honesty and respect in all communication.
Familiarity with adult education and academic environment.
High technology proficiency including Microsoft products.
Committed follower of Jesus Christ, who believes there is no salvation apart from faith in his atonement on the cross, by grace alone becoming "born again" thus beginning a personal relationship with Christ, the Son of God.
Able to effectively communicate personal faith and apply biblical principles and convictions in the workplace.
Must have a strong sense of calling to the ministry of Colorado Christian University.
Regularly attend and be engaged in meaningful involvement in a Bible-believing evangelical local church.
Knowledgeable about the Word of God and passionate about Christian education.
Must be a traditional evangelical Christian whose lifestyle is in consonance with sound Christian principles, is compatible with CCU’s Statement of Faith, and is in agreement with the Strategic Priorities promulgated by the University.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual speaking and writing proficiency in Spanish/English preferred.

Responsibilities

Contribute to CCU’s mission: CCU provides Christ-centered higher education to transform students to impact the world with grace and truth. The TDS contributes to this mission by fostering the development of advising skills that are used as a key aspect of student retention and persistence.
Train newly-hired SSAs and existing staff in: advising strategies, customer service, student communication (email and phone), degree planning, consistent use of technological resources, at-risk student engagement and support, and university policies and procedures.
Lead formalized advising performance quality initiative (Advising with Purpose), including the creation of evaluation rubrics for advisor/student interactions.
Assist with training relating to new departmental technological advancements, including Salesforce, Marketing Cloud, and advising-related data.
Assist Directors of Retention and Senior Director of Retention with effective guidance and support for SSAs in handling complex, time-sensitive advising tasks within the available systems.
Develop and maintain all training materials utilized by SSAs including training manual documents, complex student sample scenarios, multimedia trainings, and other training resources, within the departmental LMS training course.
Provide virtual training for SSAs through scheduled webinars.
Establish an assessment process for training methodology and effectiveness.
Review new Standard Operating Procedures and train existing staff in procedural execution.
Collaborate directly with OSS leadership on unique departmental projects as assigned.