Student Success Splst

TRiO Student Support Services (SSS), federally funded by the Department of Education, at the University of New Mexico-Taos is seeking a part time (.50FTE) highly motivated Student Success Specialist to work in a dynamic student-centered environment supporting program participants (first generation, high financial need, and/or students with documented disabilities) to reach their academic goals; funded to serve 170 program participants year-round. . 

 UNM Taos TRiO-SSS Mission:

We will increase the retention, transfer and graduation rates of TRiO-SSS participants at The University of New Mexico-Taos by engaging participants in a student-centered environment to assist in the learning of strategies to navigate college more skillfully and reach degree completion.   

We are committed to providing excellent academic advising and access to financial literacy education, college tours, cultural events, and workshops to empower TRiO-SSS participants to thrive in higher education.

 The Student Success Specialist must have experience providing individual-centered support services and implementing student success initiatives to fulfill the jobs and duties of this position. The Student Success Specialist will be responsible for providing ongoing academic advising services, student success workshop sessions, assist in filling out FAFSA applications, support services based on students’ individual needs, and career exploration support. Assists TRIO SSS personnel in the development and delivery of outreach and retention programs.

This position will:

• Understand TRIO SSS program mission and objectives to execute student success initiatives designed to accomplish the goals and objectives set forth by the grant funder, Department of Education.
• Provide proactive advisement, this includes explaining degree requirements and university policies to prepare personalized graduation plans which will include academic and career goals along with semester schedules; based on where the students’ needs and goals. This includes transfer advisement and information support services to four-year institutions.
• Assists with recruitment, outreach and retention activities designed to identify, attract, retain, and serve TRIO SSS students; feel comfortable providing information about the program to campus (students, staff, faculty) and local community.
• Assists in the preparation and delivery of workshops (TRIO SSS program, academic success, time management, study skills, financial literacy, FAFSA applications, career development, etc.) to help students learn about the TRIO SSS program, provide information and support in matters that will prepare program students to be successful in college and in life.
• Assist students to fill out their FAFSA applications, provide financial aid and financial literacy information as applicable.
• Receives guidance, training, and mentoring from professional personnel and professional development opportunities to carry out activities and assignments of the TRIO SSS grant program.
• May assist TRIO SSS personnel in representing the program to internal and/or external constituencies, as well as advising student organizations related to the population of interest, as appropriate to the program.
• Assist TRIO SSS staff to program and travel with students for programmed activities, campus tours of 4-year colleges, cultural events and student leadership opportunities. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams, etc) and ability to learn data management systems such as Banner, LoboWeb, StudentHub, UNM Canvas online platform, and Student Access TRIO SSS student records management system.
• Maintain thorough and accurate records of all services provided throughout the year.
• This position reports to TRIO SSS Director.
• The selected candidate must maintain a professional and ethical relationship with students, staff, and faculty.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned to fulfill the TRIO SSS grant objectives and goals.

See the Position Description for additional information.

• All regular, non-temporary positions assigned to this classification are represented by a labor union and subject to the terms and conditions of the US-UNM Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Bachelor's degree; no previous experience required.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

•       Demonstrates excellent experiences supporting people in an educational setting or customer service  skills.
•       Experience working with low-income and/or first-generation diverse populations.
•       Ability to connect with students on a continuous basis through teaching/ learning relations both one-on-one and in large groups.
•       Great organization skills for grant reporting purposes.
•       Be flexible and adapt to ever changing priorities of students and grant.

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.