Student Support Specialist

Job Title:          Student Support Specialist

Department:     Enrollment

Reports to:        AVP of Enrollment

FLSA Status:    Exempt

Salary Range:   $55,000.00 - $60,000.00

Benefits: This position is eligible for Washington Adventist University’s comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, tuition assistance, and paid leave.

OVERVIEW OF THE UNIVERSITY
Washington Adventist University (WAU) is a Christ-centered institution of higher education that supports a culture of excellence where all feel valued.  Nestled in a desirable residential community in Takoma Park, Maryland, WAU offers its faculty and staff an environment where professional expertise is valued and lasting connections between co-workers are formed as we work together to ensure the success of our students.  Regardless of title, every employee supports WAU’s vision of producing graduates who bring moral leadership and competence to their communities.

JOB SUMMARY
Works collaboratively with the Registrar Office and the Academy to ensure maximum new
student registration efficiencies are aligned with the Office of Admissions/Enrollment.
Reports to AVP of Enrollment Management.

PRIMARY DUTIES

• Pre-Registration and Registration
• Transfer Credit Evaluation
• Faculty liaison

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Registers all first year and new transfer students into WAU with 90% efficacies.
• Make contact with new student(s) within 24 hours of deposit submission to advise on course selection.
• Reviews and evaluates transcripts and transfer credit-related documents from prior educational institutions.
  • Determines transfer coursework applicability and/or equivalency.
  • Authenticates documents and ensures accuracy of transfer student academic records.
  • Reviews “Permission to Enroll” forms.
  • Researches and responds to inquiries related to students' transfer evaluation.
• Act as a liaison for prospective students by assisting with all processes to include registration, degree planning and act as a liaison between students and other departments.
• Provide comprehensive responses to student questions regarding transfer credit, transcripts, document tracking and other records being sent to the university.
• Possess thorough understanding of WAU product knowledge, policies procedures systems to guide prospective students effectively.
• Maintain a mastery of content knowledge for all university, external alliances programs and community college agreements.
• Maintain a general knowledge of other college and university policies and procedures including academic support, and student activities.
• Engage in enrollment management training and continuously monitor enrollment processes at WAU.
• Recruit and appropriately advise prospective students utilizing the CRM software through personal appointments, telephone conversations, and/or written correspondence (including but not limited to e-mail).
• Assist current and prospective students with scheduling initial courses.
• Maintain a positive attitude that contributes to a professional, team-centered environment.
• Use technology effectively for word processing, record-keeping, instructional applications, electronic communication, information and data management.
• Ability to work outside of assigned hours, including evenings and/or weekends, on an “as scheduled/needed” basis for recruitment events. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution OR a minimum of an Associate’s degree and a minimum of 3 years work experience in sales, marketing, recruiting, or related activities is required.
• Experience in sales, recruiting or higher education is preferred.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and ability to be insurable is required.
• Documented experience in the use of current educational technologies in the classroom including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software (e.g. Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.) is required.

Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate the following through their experiences and accomplishments:

• Effective human relations skills, professionalism, enthusiasm and commitment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience in the use of a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) System or related sales software.
• Knowledge of current education and employment trends.
• Knowledge of the mission and vision of Washington Adventist University.
• Knowledge of the SGPS program.
• Knowledge of and appropriate application of FERPA guidelines.
• Ability to utilize and search the internet for information.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize issues.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to work and communicate with a variety of people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to effectively utilize email systems to communicate information.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision/ work independently.
• Ability to operate in a professional manner at all times.
• Ability to greet individuals of any background with friendliness, tact and courtesy.
• Ability to operate in high pressure situations and respond to issues in a calm manner.
• Conscientious approach to work assignments.
• Focus on detail.
• Focus on being friendly and patient in responding to student needs.
• Willingness to maintain flexibility in order to meet customer needs.
• Positive attitude and disposition.
• Willingness to enthusiastically learn multiple aspects of the operation.

LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE NOTICES

Washington Adventist University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability in employment or in the provision of services. WAU complies with all applicable federal and state laws, including the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act.

If you require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please contact the Office of Human Resources.

Washington Adventist University provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans
with Disabilities Act and Maryland law. As a religiously affiliated institution, Washington Adventist University exercises its constitutional and statutory rights to give preference in employment to members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and reserves the right to claim exemption from certain provisions of Title IX and Title VII where they conflict with the university’s religious beliefs and values.