Graduation Specialist

Posting Details

Position Information

Position/Classification Title

Working Title
Graduation Specialist

Position Number
819921

FLSA
Exempt

Appointment Type
Permanent - Full Time

Tenure Track
No

FTE
1 = 40 hours/week, 12 months

If time limited, duration date

Department Hiring Range
The salary is competitive and will be determined based on the candidate's educational background, relevant experience, qualifications, and demonstrated expertise.

EEO-1 Category
Professionals

SOC Code
21-1012 - Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors

Position Overview

Be an Eagle - Where Purpose Takes Flight!

Are you ready to make an impact? At North Carolina Central University (NCCU), we are more than an institution-we are a community rooted in a legacy of excellence and transformation. A historically Black university located in Durham, North Carolina, also known as 'The City of Medicine,' NCCU has been a cornerstone of education since 1910, fostering innovation and progress.

Join our team and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and exclusive perks designed to support your work-life balance. At NCCU, your professional growth will be nurtured, and your contributions will help shape the future for our students and the community we serve. Become part of a legacy that drives change and achievement.

An opportunity awaits you at NCCU, where your purpose can take flight.
Visit NCCU.edu.

Employee Benefits

Employee Benefits available to NCCU permanent employees include the following and more:

• Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave
• Community Service Leave
• NC State - Health Benefits
• NCFlex - Vision, Dental, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and more
• 11-12 Paid Holidays
• Teachers and State Employees Retirement System (TSERS)
• Optional Supplemental Plans - 401k, 403b, 457b and 457
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Campus Recreation Center Discount
• University Bookstore Discount and more.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

The Office of the Provost is responsible for all matters pertaining to academic programs. This includes oversight of academic program planning, the quality and delivery of instruction, strategic budgetary planning and collaborative research initiatives. The Officeo f the Provost is also responsible for all recruitment initiatives and matters associated with enrollment management. Additionally, this office fosters opportunities for high-quality and appropriate academic advising, monitoring, mentoring, nurturing and coaching to ensure the academic and personal success of students.

Primary Purpose of Position

The primary purpose of the Graduation Specialist position at North Carolina Central University is to advise junior- and senior-level students on their academic plans, progress, and academic and career goals while helping them make informed educational decisions and successfully meet graduation requirements. The position requires a strong understanding of undergraduate academic programs, academic advising best practices, university policies and procedures, and available student support services. Graduation Specialists are responsible for providing individualized guidance, monitoring students' academic progress, identifying potential barriers to graduation, and helping students develop plans to remain on track toward degree completion. Because the position involves extensive interaction with students, strong written and verbal communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a student-centered approach are essential.

The Graduation Specialist must also be able to interpret individual student needs, maintain confidentiality, and collaborate across academic programs and university offices to address student concerns and connect students with appropriate resources. Reporting to the Coordinator of Upper Division Professional Academic Advising, the position will support an academic department, college, or central advising office. NCCU is seeking Graduation Specialists who can serve across its various colleges and schools and effectively bridge academic programs and student-support services to promote student success and timely graduation.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to cultivate and maintain positive, professional relationships with diverse student populations, faculty, staff, and campus partners.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to effectively prioritize responsibilities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, academic departments, colleges, and campus offices to support student success.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and competing priorities simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex academic information, policies, procedures, and requirements to diverse audiences.

Minimum Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, or an academic field directly related to the responsibilities of the position; Master's degree preferred.
• Three to five years of professional experience in a higher education environment, with demonstrated experience in academic advising, student support, or a related area.
• Proficiency with Banner and degree-audit systems, with the ability to learn and effectively utilize new advising technologies and software as required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of academic programs, degree requirements, university policies and procedures, and student-support resources.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse student populations.

Licenses or Certification required by Statute or Regulation

None

Pre-Employment Requirement

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application.
• Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD 214 form or those seeking National Guard Preference must attach as NG23A form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting.
• Final candidates are subject to criminal background checks, and education/license verification prior to employment.
• North Carolina Central University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Consistent with the policy of the State of North Carolina, North Carolina Central University (NCCU) reaffirms that it has been, and will continue to be, the policy of this University to be an equal opportunity employer. North Carolina Central University is committed to providing educational opportunities and prohibits discrimination against students, applicants, employees, or visitors based on race, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, or veteran status. Any individual alleging discrimination based on sexual orientation cannot grieve beyond the University's internal grievance process. In keeping with this policy, and to further the principle of equal opportunity, all other personnel matters such as recruitment, selection, hiring, promotion, compensation, performance appraisal, disciplinary actions, benefits, transfers, separations, reduction in force, grievance procedures, company-sponsored training, education, tuition assistance, and social and recreational programs will also continue to be administered in accordance with this policy.

Work Location
Fully On-site (dedicated office at Duty Station)

Primary Responsibilities and Duties

Function
Administrative

Describe the specific tasks and responsibilities related to the function.

• Increase the University's graduation rate by developing targeted interventions and providing comprehensive academic advising support to students eligible to transition from University College.
• Assess students' academic progress, identify barriers to degree completion, and develop individualized plans to support timely graduation.
• Advise students on degree requirements, course selection, academic policies, and pathways toward successful completion of their degree programs.
• Collaborate with academic departments, colleges, and student-support offices to address students' academic needs and facilitate successful transitions.
• Monitor student progress and proactively engage students who may be at risk of delayed graduation.
• Connect students with appropriate academic, career, and student-support resources to promote persistence and degree completion.

Function
Leadership

Describe the specific tasks and responsibilities related to the function.

• Play a leadership role in monitoring and tracking the retention, progression, and graduation of students within the assigned population through the use of predictive analytics.
• Analyze student data to identify trends, potential barriers, and students who may be at risk of delayed progression or non-completion.
• Develop and implement proactive interventions based on predictive analytics and student success indicators.
• Collaborate with academic advisors, faculty, and campus partners to address student needs and promote persistence and timely degree completion.

Function
Assessment and Decision Making

Describe the specific tasks and responsibilities related to the function.

• Assist in reviewing and approving academic appeals, withdrawal requests, change-of-major requests, course substitutions, and course override requests.
• Evaluate student requests in accordance with university policies, academic requirements, and established procedures.
• Review academic records and supporting documentation to determine appropriate actions and ensure students remain on track toward degree completion.
• Communicate decisions and provide guidance to students regarding academic options, requirements, and next steps.

Function
Campus Collaboration, Outreach & Recruitment

Describe the specific tasks and responsibilities related to the function.

• Advise students individually and in group settings regarding general education core and departmental requirements, course selection, academic policies and procedures, and available campus resources.
• Develop, review, and update individualized academic plans to support timely progress toward degree completion and graduation.
• Explain and interpret NCCU academic policies, procedures, degree requirements, and graduation expectations to students.
• Assess students' academic needs and refer them to appropriate academic, career, and student-support resources.
• Assist students in identifying realistic academic and career goals aligned with their interests, strengths, and degree pathways.
• Monitor students' academic progress and provide proactive guidance to address challenges that may impact persistence and graduation.

Function
Collaboration and Campus Engagement

Describe the specific tasks and responsibilities related to the function.

• Utilize university information systems and advising technology to support the delivery of effective academic advising services.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of student academic progress and degree completion requirements.
• Monitor student records and degree audits to identify outstanding requirements and potential barriers to graduation.
• Collaborate with the Registrar's Office and departmental advisors to verify academic records, resolve discrepancies, and ensure accurate progress toward graduation.
• Use advising data and technology to support informed decision-making, student tracking, and timely academic interventions.

Function
Leading Work Teams

Describe the specific tasks and responsibilities related to the function.

• Serve as a member of appropriate departmental, college, and university-level advisory committees.
• Participate in Commencement activities and other university events that support student engagement and success.
• Support recruitment and outreach initiatives, including recruitment events, campus visits, Open House, Junior Day, Senior Day, and Community College Day.
• Represent the department, college, and university at student recruitment and advising events.
• Provide academic advising and program information to prospective students, families, and campus visitors.
• Participate in and support advising programs and other initiatives designed to promote student recruitment, retention, and success.

Function
Student Services & Advising

Describe the specific tasks and responsibilities related to the function.

• Assist with orientation programs for new NCCU students, providing academic information and guidance to support a successful transition to the university.
• Provide individualized academic advising to new, returning, transfer, and international junior- and senior-level students.
• Advise students on course selection, major and program options, ca