Honors Academic Enrichment Specialist

Thank you for your interest in working at William Paterson University.

William Paterson University is a purpose-driven, proudly diverse community—designated as both a public Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution—committed to creating transformative academic, professional, and personal experiences as a powerhouse of progress. We foster a workplace that values growth, flexibility, and community, and we are recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Forbes’ Best Employers by State, 2025 Great College to Work For, and honored with the NJBIZ Empowering Women Award.

Our 1,000 dedicated staff members enjoy competitive benefits, a four-day summer workweek, tuition support, and strong opportunities for internal promotion. Situated on a scenic suburban campus just 20 miles from New York City, WP offers a diverse, inclusive environment where your contributions fuel student success, economic and social mobility, and community engagement. Together, we empower our students through intentional, holistic support within flexible, innovative, and inclusive settings—preparing graduates to thrive professionally and personally, and to lead with a commitment to progress in New Jersey and beyond.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Dean of the Honors College, the Academic Enrichment Specialist is responsible for academic enrichment of the Honors College students, aiding students transition from high school to college-level work, connecting students to research experiences and research-orientated internships. Helping students thrive as scholars, the Academic Enrichment Specialist directs a portfolio of Honors College programs, that support students’ research development. The academic enrichment specialist creates and implements ancillary workshops in leadership and presentation skills, assisting students’ progress in growing their abilities from new skills into mastered competencies through structured learning. The goal is to help students win high level internships, fellowships and graduate school admission. This role plays a key part in helping high achieving students transition to the rigor of college level work and thrive as scholars within a vibrant, mission driven learning community.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Counsels and advises students as they transition from high school to college level academic expectations.
• Provides academic enrichment guidance to help students succeed and grow as scholars.
• Connects students with research opportunities, internships, and faculty led scholarly experiences and assists deans in developing academic partnerships that provide opportunities.
• Develops and delivers workshops on leadership, presentation skills, grant applications and other developmental topics.
• Directs and maintains a portfolio of Honors College curricular and co-curricular programs that help students progress in research and creative performance skill development.
• Plans and coordinates academic success initiatives and enrichment programming.
• Assists the Dean by maintaining an inviting atmosphere for students and faculty and administering the Honor College office in a customer friendly, service-oriented manner.
• Performs all other duties as assigned that contribute to the overall success of the Honors College.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required (Master’s degree preferred) from accredited college or university.
• Minimum two-year experience working in a college or university setting.

Competencies/Skills Required

• Commitment to academic excellence.
• Ability to work well with high performing students.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite Applications.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which may include occasional evenings or weekends.

Other Information

This description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees in the above job. It is not intended to be a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Starting Salary - AFT Range 21 - $66,067.40 - $75,985.55

This position may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health and dental insurance and retirement plans. To learn more, please visit: BENEFITS FOR PROFESSIONAL STAFF (AFT)

Invitation to apply
Interested candidates will be prompted to complete an application and submit a cover letter and resume/CV.

Submission of all documents listed is required for consideration and all documents should be uploaded where prompted to upload your resume/cv.

General questions related to this application process, please contact humanresources@wpunj.edu.

Please include with your inquiry the Job Requisition number beginning with R as well as the job title and department.

Salary Range:

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Total Rewards and Benefits:

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EEO Statement

William Paterson University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity, sex/gender (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, civil union status, familial status, religion, national origin or citizenship, military service status, or any other category protected by law. William Paterson University does not discriminate on the basis of any category stated above or as prohibited by applicable law. Individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

For more information, visit University Facts