What are the responsibilities and job description for the Student Success Navigator position at Briar Cliff University?
Student Success Navigator
Briar Cliff University seeks to fill the position of Student Success Navigator, beginning June 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. This is a full-time, 12-month staff position that reports to the Associate Provost for Student Success. The Student Success Navigator supports the academic and personal development of students in alignment with the Catholic and Franciscan mission of the institution. Collaborating with other Success Navigators, this position provides holistic, student-centered coaching to individuals experiencing academic difficulty, including those on probation, those identified through early alert systems, and those facing acute academic or social challenges.
Grounded in Franciscan values such as respect for the dignity of each person, compassion, community, and care for the whole person (mind, body, and spirit), the Student Success Navigator fosters student resilience, belonging, and persistence to graduation. The successful candidate will engage in holistic student support and coaching, participate in early alert and retention initiatives, provide support for students with acute needs, ensure appropriate data tracking and assessment of students they see, partner with faculty, advisors, student life staff, and campus ministry to support student success in a personalized, community-oriented environment, coordinate the use of Early Alert tracking software on campus, supervise Student Peer Mentors, and perform other duties as related to the position.
The successful candidate should have a bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, student affairs, or a related field, 1–3 years of experience in student support services, advising, or coaching, a demonstrated ability to work effectively with students facing academic or personal challenges, experience supervising others, and a commitment to the mission and values of a Catholic, Franciscan institution. A master’s degree in higher education, counseling, or a related field, and experience in a small, private, or faith-based college setting are preferred, but not required.
Founded in 1930 and rooted in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, Briar Cliff University is a vibrant, values-based community dedicated to academic excellence and personal growth. Located on the scenic Loess Hills overlooking the Missouri River, "The Cliff" maintains a tight-knit learning environment with a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Academically, the university offers over 30 undergraduate programs and several respected graduate degrees, including recognized programs in Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Sports Management. Our commitment to the student-athlete experience is equally robust; as members of the NAIA and GPAC, the Chargers have earned 19 conference championships and were recently honored as an NAIA Champions of Character Gold Level institution.
A city of 85,000 stretching across the corners of Iowa, South Dakota, and Nebraska (referred to as “Siouxland”), Sioux City is nestled along the Sioux River approximately 90 miles from both Omaha, NE, and Sioux Falls, SD. The city offers a vibrant, friendly community with a cost of living that is attractive for families and individuals alike. Sioux City possesses a bustling riverfront, a lively downtown arts and entertainment scene, numerous parks, and rich cultural opportunities, combining small-town charm with the amenities of a larger metropolitan area. As a regional hub for business and culture, the city features over 50 parks, the historic Orpheum Theatre, Tyson Events Center, and a mix of national retailers and award-winning local favorites. Sioux City has twice been named an “All-America City,” highlighting its strong community and significant quality of life.
Interested candidates should visit the Briar Cliff University employment website for more information and to apply. Candidates should:
- A letter of interest describing the alignment of the candidate's qualifications with the position requirements
- Current curriculum vitae
- Graduate and/or undergraduate transcripts (unofficial copies are fine at this point)
- Contact information (only) for three professional references
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The offer is contingent on a successful background check and final background approval. If you have any questions about this position, contact Brian Peterson at Provost@briarcliff.edu.