Student Success Specialist
Susquehanna University
Job Type: Staff - Full-Time Benefits Eligible
FLSA: Determined by Position
Hours per week: 40
Number of months: 12
Location : Selinsgrove, PA
Closing Date: 11/15/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
About Susquehanna
Susquehanna University is the future-ready institution for today, invested in cultivating intellectual grounding, active learning and global citizenship for all students. Renowned as one of the finest U.S. national liberal arts colleges, Susquehanna inspires and challenges 2,200 enterprising, bright-minded students studying the arts, business, humanities and sciences. Our students seize opportunities through exceptional worldwide internships, expert-guided research and an acclaimed study-abroad program, leading to a transformative education that empowers each graduate to realize their unique potential and lead a successful and meaningful life.
The Susquehanna River Valley with its fresh air and overall pleasant year-round climate, provides four distinct seasons amidst a backdrop of vibrant autumn foliage, occasional winter snowfalls, flower-filled springs and warm summer evenings illuminated by fireflies. Nearby outdoor recreational areas for hiking, kayaking, fishing and skiing - and the bustling cultural and commerce hubs of New York City, Washington D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia within a three-hour drive - present abundant opportunities for learning and discovery.
Job Summary
The Student Success Specialist provides direct, individualized support to students enrolled in Susquehanna University's grant-funded student support programs, TRIO Student Support Services and Act 101 (REACH Scholars). This is an on-campus, student-facing position requiring regular in-person availability for student appointments, outreach, programming, and collaboration with campus partners.
The Specialist supports students' academic success and financial well-being through academic coaching, financial education, proactive outreach, and referrals. Individualized coaching helps students develop and apply skills in time management, organization, planning, prioritization, task initiation, study strategies, and self-advocacy. The Specialist monitors academic progress, develops actionable support plans with students, and follows up to assess progress and adjust strategies.
The Specialist also develops and facilitates financial education workshops, assists students in identifying and applying for scholarships and other financial resources, and collaborates with Student Financial Services and other campus offices to address barriers to student success. Accurate documentation and routine administrative work are essential components of this role. The Specialist maintains timely meeting notes, student records, action plans, and referral updates; manages scheduling and student communications; and supports data collection, program tracking, and reporting. The position contributes to culturally responsive programming that strengthens students' confidence, connections, and engagement.
This position requires periodic evening and weekend availability based on student needs and program priorities. This position is grant-funded and defined as an exempt position under FLSA regulations.
Specific Responsibilities
Academic Coaching and Student Support
- Meet regularly with assigned students to provide individualized academic coaching and monitor progress toward academic and personal goals.
- Help students develop and implement practical strategies for time management, organization, planning, prioritization, task initiation, effective studying, test preparation, and self-advocacy.
- Work with students to create realistic weekly schedules and academic action plans, break assignments into manageable steps, and evaluate the effectiveness of their strategies.
- Conduct proactive outreach to students experiencing academic difficulties, missing appointments, or needing additional support.
- Monitor academic performance and engagement using available university information and coordinate appropriate interventions with faculty and campus partners.
- Connect students with tutoring, accessibility services, counseling, financial resources, and other appropriate supports; follow up on referrals.
- Participate in training and case consultation with the Executive Functioning Skills Trainer and incorporate relevant strategies into routine student coaching.
- Develop and support culturally responsive programs, workshops, mentoring opportunities, and educational trips.
- Maintain regular on-campus availability for in-person student meetings and program activities.
- Support the Senior Director of Student Support and Development with student support and program priorities.
Financial Counseling
- Offer financial counseling to individual students.
- Assist students in seeking and applying for financial support.
- Plan workshops and events promoting healthy financial behaviors.
- Administer assessments of students' understanding of personal finances.
- Generate and update lists of internal and external financial aid sources and scholarship programs.
- Support students in applying for financial support for graduate and professional degree programs.
- Monitor FAFSA completion rates and assist students as needed.
- Collaborate with university faculty and staff to develop strategies and programs for students facing financial difficulties.
Documentation and Administrative Responsibilities
- Complete accurate, timely notes following student meetings, documenting concerns, strategies discussed, agreed-upon next steps, referrals, and follow-up needs.
- Maintain current student records, appointment information, action plans, and service documentation in designated university systems.
- Manage appointment scheduling, reminders, student communications, and follow-up tasks.
- Track student participation, services provided, and progress toward established goals.
- Assist with data entry, record reconciliation, program assessments, and preparation of information for grant and institutional reporting.
- Coordinate routine program logistics, including registration, attendance records, materials, and communications.
- Maintain confidentiality and follow university requirements for handling student information.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.
Experience
One year of experience required (can include undergraduate experience, internships, and/or volunteer work) in college access programs, academic support services, student support services, and/or financial literacy/education or financial aid office; 2-3 years' experience preferred. Experience working with first-generation students, students from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and students with a disability preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build supportive relationships with students, collaborate with campus partners, and maintain professional boundaries.
- Ability to teach and reinforce academic and executive functioning strategies through individualized, student-centered coaching.
- Strong organizational and logistical skills, with the ability to balance student appointments, outreach, documentation, programming, and administrative responsibilities while maintaining attention to detail.
- Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, accurate, and concise student meeting notes and program communications.
- Creativity, empathy, and cultural responsiveness in supporting students and developing relevant programming.
- Proficiency with scheduling tools, spreadsheets, data entry, and student support systems, with the ability to learn new technology.
- Willingness to participate in ongoing training in academic coaching, executive functioning strategies, financial education, and relevant financial aid processes.
Additional Information for Applicant
Physical Demand
- Position requires the ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time.
- Position requires the ability to move about the campus.
- Position requires the ability to talk and to hear instructions.
- Position requires occasional manual dexterity and the ability to use fingers, hands, and arms to feel, handle, and reach.
- Position requires occasional stooping, crouching, and bending.
- Position requires the ability to occasionally lift 10 pounds.
- Working conditions are indoors.
Susquehanna University does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require employer sponsorship for employment authorization.
Please note: This position is grant funded. As a result, the salary is tied to the grant award and is not negotiable.
To apply, please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/susqu/jobs/5519083/student-success-specialist
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