Student Engagement Specialist

Student Engagement Specialist

The Student Engagement Specialist links Student Life, Admissions, and Academic Affairs, ensuring a seamless transition for students from prospective status to engaged members of the university community. This position supports student success by providing guidance on financial aid and prospective/new student programming while also fostering student retention and institutional goals.

Through collaboration with both Enrollment and Student Life, the role facilitates student engagement initiatives, enhances the student experience, and strengthens university retention efforts. This role will own the New Student Onboarding process.

Interview Component: Through hypothetical scenarios, candidates must demonstrate critical thinking skills and the ability to problem solve and communicate effectively with and on a student's behalf.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a point of contact for prospective students, guiding them through the admissions process and financial aid navigation, and connecting students with their academic advisor for course scheduling.
• Provide front-line financial aid support, including FAFSA completion, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines.
• Collaborate with Academic Advisors to ensure new students' course schedules align with degree requirements and career aspirations.
• Offer individualized support to new students, addressing common concerns and connecting them with relevant university resources.
• Lead the Student ID process for new students

Student Engagement & Retention:

• Develop and implement programs that promote student engagement in university life, including welcome back to school week, preparing for key university learning experiences, and other milestone academic events.
• Organize workshops and events that support student success and financial literacy.

Collaboration & Institutional Support:

• Work closely with Admissions, Student Life, and Academic Affairs to align recruitment, retention, and engagement strategies.
• Serve as a key liaison between prospective students and current student engagement initiatives to create a seamless transition into university life.
• Support other departments in various programs and events, including but not limited to university learning experiences, commencement, recruitment, informational sessions, mixers, etc.
• Provide program support for university-sponsored programs and events, including but not limited to Weeks of Welcome, Commencement, and University Learning Experiences.

Compliance & Reporting:

• Complete internal financial training (Canvas: FA 101) to ensure compliance with financial aid policies.
• Generate reports on new and prospective student programming, retention, and admissions conversion rates for university leadership.

Strategic Contribution:

• Support university goals by actively participating in strategic planning and continuous improvement efforts related to student retention.
• Work with university leadership to implement best practices that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in student retention.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, Student Affairs, Higher Education Administration, or a related field (Master's preferred) from a regionally accredited institution.
• Experience: 3+ years of experience in higher education, student services, admissions, financial aid, or a similar role.

Knowledge & Skills:

• General understanding of financial aid processes, admissions procedures, and student support services.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse student populations.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments to enhance student success.
• Technological proficiency, including familiarity with Student Information Systems (SIS), financial aid platforms, and CRM tools such as Salesforce and Campus Nexus.

Skills & Competencies:

• Student-Centered Approach: Strong commitment to supporting student success and well-being.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex information.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot and resolve student issues efficiently.
• Multitasking: Capable of managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Work Environment & Salary:

• Work Mode: Remote with minimal required travel.
• Salary Range: $45,000 - $55,000 annually.

Saybrook University offers a generous compensation and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to work for a leader in the field of education. Some of our key benefits include: generous paid time-off, medical and dental coverage, company-paid life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts (FSA), tuition reimbursement, professional development, and regular employee appreciation events. Saybrook University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.