Student Engagement Specialist - Part time

The Student Engagement Specialist serves as a student engagement strategist within the Center for High-Impact Experiences. This position supports the full continuum of student engagement, from initial connection to the Center through program participation, degree or transfer completion and with specific emphasis on the Bridges to College and other areas of the Center. The Specialist helps students navigate Center opportunities, overcome barriers, and progress through high-impact experiences aligned with their personal, academic, and career goals.

Requisition ID: 1123
Employee Group : Contingency
Schedule : up to 28 hours per week, must be willing to work some evenings and weekends
Compensation : 20.22
Reports to : Executive Director, Center for High-Impact Experiences
Posting Opens: 05/26/2026
Posting Closes: Posted until filled

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Design and implement student engagement communication strategies that connect GRCC students to opportunities within the Center for High-Impact Experiences and support sustained participation in Center programs. Utilize CRM tools, Navigate and communication platforms to deliver targeted, personalized outreach that promotes awareness, reinforces key milestones, and encourages progression.
• Maintain structured, confidential tracking records of student engagement, including interactions, participation, and progression. Identify opportunities for outreach, and inform strategies that support continued student involvement and success.
• Collaborate with Center staff and faculty partners to remain aligned with program priorities, student engagement strategies, and evolving initiatives. Participate in team discussions to ensure consistent messaging and coordinated support for student engagement across Center programs.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by contributing to the review of student engagement trends and participation patterns. Share observations and insights to help strengthen engagement strategies and program effectiveness.
• Assist with collecting and organizing program data and contribute to assessment, evaluation, and end-of-program reporting to support continuous improvement.
• Perform other related duties aligned with student engagement, program participation, and Center initiatives as assigned.
• Follow College policy on the Family Educational Right to Privacy Act (FERPA).

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Qualifications

• Associate degree or comparable combination of relevant education and experience required.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Familiar with Customer Relations Management software.
• Experience using databases, documenting interactions, and/or tracking progress.

Skills

• Ability to take initiative to improve the Center's workflow/processes, anticipate future project and resource needs, recommend process improvements, and proactively identify potential issues before they become operational challenges.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with students and provide supportive coaching that encourages engagement, growth, and informed decision-making.
• Ability to anticipate student needs, proactively implement outreach and follow-up strategies to promote sustained student participation and success.
• Ability to think strategically about student engagement by connecting individual student goals with opportunities across Center programs and supporting progression through multiple high-impact experiences.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills with the ability to interact effectively, empathetically, and professionally with diverse student populations, faculty, and staff.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate documentation, track student participation, and ensure timely follow-up and accountability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including comfort with public speaking and presentations to small and large groups.
• Proficiency with technology and data systems, including all aspects of the Google Platform interface and experience utilizing databases or student information systems to support program tracking and communication.

Physical Demands

• The position requires long periods of sitting, standing, reading and writing, listening and speaking.
• Must have reliable transportation to drive to various locations in the West Michigan area.
• Mix of seated office work and active off campus engagements (driving, standing at information tables for 2-3 hours, etc).
• Must be able to carry at least 25-30 pounds of recruitment and student engagement material.

Mental Demands

• An interest in working with diverse student populations, who represent a wide range of age, ethnicity, national origin, and ability.
• Demonstrated responsiveness, initiative, and organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to perform routine and unexpected duties.
• A willingness and an ability to learn college systems.
• High energy level with enthusiasm and an interest in helping and supporting students and colleagues.
• Ability to work under pressure while possessing mature judgment and flexibility in regards to interruptions and schedule changes.
• Must use good judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations in a professional manner.

Working Conditions

• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website.
• Must be able to work flexible hours (i.e. evenings and night) including occasional weekends.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment that calls for flexibility/adaptability and the ability to handle multiple interruptions and make quick decisions.

BENEFITS

• Wellness Program : Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an onsite gym membership.
• Retirement Plans : Secure your future with our retirement options

APPLICATION / HIRING PROCESS

• Please fill out an application at Submit a cover letter, resume. The opportunity to apply for this position will close at the end of the day on the close date referenced at the top of this job posting.
• Individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.
• Only applicants living in the state of Michigan can apply for GRCC careers.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.