Student Support Specialist (Part Time)

Job Title

Student Support Specialist

Job Description

To advance the college's mission, vision, principles, values, and strategic initiatives through continuous improvement decisions.

The Student Support Specialist provides essential administrative, operational, and student-facing support to the Learning Commons. This role serves as a first point of contact for students seeking academic and study support and plays a key role in the recruitment, onboarding, and retention of Learning Assistants (LAs).

The Specialist will coordinate daily Learning Commons operations, including scheduling, communication, and resource management, while also contributing to efforts that strengthen visibility, access, and engagement with Learning Commons services across all locations.

Availability to work 20-28 hours/week between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM Monday Friday.

Universal core competencies include advocating for continual improvement, collaborating with mutual accountability, championing service, demonstrating perseverance, and leading through positive influence.

Duties/Responsibilities

Learning Assistant Recruitment & Retention

• Coordinate recruitment logistics for Learning Assistants, including maintaining candidate lists, verifying eligibility (e.g., GPA, enrollment status), and scheduling interviews.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for prospective and current Learning Assistants, providing timely communication and support throughout the hiring and onboarding process.
• Assist with developing and distributing promotional materials and outreach to faculty, departments, and students to strengthen the Learning Assistant applicant pipeline.
• Maintain accurate records of applications, interviews, hiring decisions, and onboarding progress.
• Support retention efforts through communication, appreciation activities, and feedback collection to foster an engaged and connected Learning Assistant team.
• Track and compile Learning Assistant recruitment and retention data for reports and continuous improvement.

Student and Operational Support

• Welcome and assist students seeking study support services, connecting them with the appropriate Learning Assistant, Academic Coach, or resource.
• Communicate effectively with students, faculty, and staff regarding Learning Commons services, schedules, and available supports.
• Schedule study support appointments, rooms, and shared resources.
• Circulate materials and resources, including laptops and learning tools, ensuring they are maintained and tracked properly.
• Provide on-demand academic or study support to students as appropriate.
• Assist in the daily coordination and organization of Learning Commons operations and shared communication channels.

Administrative and Continuous Improvement

• Maintain accurate records, forms, and scheduling systems within Kirkwood's electronic and Microsoft 365 environments.
• Support data collection and reporting for Learning Commons usage, Learning Assistant engagement, and recruitment outcomes.
• Participate in Learning Commons staff meetings, trainings, and planning sessions to support continuous improvement and collaboration.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Performance expectations include welcoming, valuing, and nurturing people of all backgrounds, representing the College and Learning Commons positively, demonstrating professionalism, initiative, and problem-solving, communicating clearly and effectively, maintaining confidentiality and accuracy, exhibiting excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, and remaining adaptable in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.

Physical Activities With/Without Reasonable Accommodation

Position involves working in an office setting. Occasional (10-33%) standing, pushing, pulling and grasping. Frequent (34-66%) reaching and viewing a computer and other types of close visual work. Constant (67-100%) sitting, walking, repetitive motion, talking and hearing.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma
• Experience in a higher education setting preferred

EEO/AA Statement

It is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness (employees) or the Vice President of Student Services (students), 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, View phone number on click.appcast.io, View email address on click.appcast.io, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: View phone number on click.appcast.io FAX: View phone number on click.appcast.io, TDD View phone number on click.appcast.io Email: View email address on click.appcast.io.

Why Kirkwood

Kirkwood Community College prides itself on fostering a diverse workforce and values unique perspectives throughout its campus community. The college is a convenient, innovative, visionary educational leader striving to remain affordable and accessible. With more than 140 majors and programs, Kirkwood boasts 16,000 annual college-credit students while maintaining one of the lowest tuitions in the state. All degree-seeking students are eligible for federal financial aid and the college offers more than $3 million in scholarships each year to students from all walks of life. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Kirkwood Community College