Financial Wellness and Career Program Specialist (SUA2) - University College

Nestled in the scenic foothills of western Pennsylvania, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) offers more than a place to work—it offers a vibrant campus community where innovation, collaboration, and natural beauty come together. Our picturesque campus features tree-lined walkways, historic architecture, and welcoming green spaces that create an inspiring environment for learning, working, and connecting.

At IUP, employees are part of a supportive and engaged community dedicated to student success, academic excellence, and meaningful impact. Located in the charming college town of Indiana, Pennsylvania—just over an hour from Pittsburgh—our campus combines small-town warmth with access to the cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities of a major metropolitan area.

Whether enjoying a walk across the Oak Grove, collaborating with colleagues in dynamic academic spaces, or engaging in the many cultural and community events hosted throughout the year, IUP offers an exceptional place to build a career and make a difference.

Position Summary & Description

This position is posted in accordance with the (SCUPA) Collective Bargaining Unit.

Position Summary:

Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) invites applicants for the Financial Wellness and Career Program Specialist (SUA2) in the University College Department.

The Financial Wellness and Career Program Specialist provides holistic, student-centered support to Act 101 students by addressing financial and academic barriers that impact persistence, retention, and graduation. The specialist provides financial literacy education, individualized financial wellness sessions, career and academic coaching, basic needs support and develops programming and workshops to promote financial literacy and education.

The position works collaboratively across the institution to empower students to develop financial wellness skills, navigate university systems, strengthen academic success strategies related to financial progress, and build confidence in achieving their educational and career goals through a financial lens.

This is a temporary, grant-funded position ending June 30, 2027, with the possibility of extension contingent upon funding renewal.

• Provide individualized financial wellness and career coaching to Act 101 students through one-on-one appointments, outreach, and follow-up communication

• Assist students with budgeting, financial planning, banking basics, credit awareness, debt management, and responsible borrowing
• Educate students on financial aid processes, FAFSA completion and renewal, scholarship opportunities, loan counseling, and financial literacy topics
• Support students experiencing financial hardship by connecting them with emergency aid, textbook assistance, food resources, housing support, transportation assistance, and other basic needs resources
• Assist students in understanding university billing, refunds, payment plans, and financial obligations
• Promote financial wellness initiatives and develop educational materials, workshops, and presentations related to student financial success
• Utilize early alert systems, student success technologies, and institutional data to support financial intervention and follow-up efforts
• Support students on academic probation or experiencing academic difficulty to understand satisfactory academic progress requirements and maintaining eligibility for financial aid programs
• Develop and facilitate workshops, presentations, and outreach initiatives focused on financial literacy, wellness, academic success, college transition, career readiness, and student persistence
• Participate in orientation programs, student success initiatives, and campus events that support Act 101 students.
• Assist with development of peer mentoring, student engagement, and community-building opportunities
• Promote awareness of Act 101 services and resources through outreach and communication efforts
• Collaborate with Financial Aid and Student Billing staff, navigators, academic advisors, University College staff, Career & Professional Development Center staff, and other campus partners to coordinate student support
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports related to student participation, outreach, programming, and outcomes
• Assist with assessment, data collection, and reporting requirements associated with Act 101 and institutional retention initiatives
• Support compliance with state, institutional, and program regulations and requirements
• Participate in professional development activities and remain current on trends and best practices related to student success, financial wellness, and higher education support services
• Perform other duties as assigned

Position Qualifications

Minimum Experience and Training:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum 1-3 years’ experience working in student success, career coaching, financial literacy education, or related support services.
• Proven success working with at-risk, exploratory, or academically vulnerable student populations.
• Experience with critical thinking and problem solving.
• Proven experience working with data and information to inform actions.
• Experience facilitating workshops, outreach, or educational programming.

• Candidates must communicate effectively and perform well in the interview(s).
• Candidates must have communication skills and cross-cultural abilities to maximize their effectiveness with diverse groups of students, colleagues, and community members.

IUP is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace. We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, applicants and employees with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process or to perform the essential functions of a position.

Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, consistent with the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity.

Applicants who require an accommodation during the recruitment process are encouraged to contact human-resources@iup.edu.

All offers of employment are contingent upon verification of earned degrees through the receipt of official transcripts, confirmation of work eligibility, and satisfactory completion of background checks.