Student Support Specialist, Homeland Security Training Institute (FT), CFRN21956HSTI

Student Support Specialist, Homeland Security Training Institute (FT)

The College of DuPage is a comprehensive community college located 27 miles west of downtown Chicago, vitally connected to our local area for over 50 years. We prepare students for a lifelong passion for learning on our 273-acre campus which is home to nine associate degrees and a wide variety of professional and technical certificates. Many of these credentials prepare students to seamlessly articulate into the baccalaureate programs of our higher education partner institutions. College of DuPage is committed to student success and values an inclusive and welcoming community environment. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workforce. Our connection to the larger metropolitan area is essential to our success and provides a wealth of diverse cultural and recreational opportunities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

The Student Support Specialist supports students and training partners throughout all stages of HSTI program participation, including eligibility, enrollment, financing, course evaluation and job placement. The role ensures accurate maintenance of student and MTU certification records, provides second level advising to registration staff, and contributes to enrollment, marketing and program development efforts that promote student success and operational excellence.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for student and agency inquiries related to Homeland Security Training Institute (HSTI) content, enrollment, financing, and College resources.
• Conduct regular engagement and follow-up with students and training groups enrolled in HSTI programs.
• Provide follow-up services throughout the enrollment process, including coordinating third party billing arrangements.
• Manage and monitor Northeastern Multi-Regional Mobile Training Unit (MTU #3) requirements and maintain accurate records to ensure student and program compliance.
• Lead the planning and execution of HSTI enrollment events and support College and external special as needed.
• Build and maintain relationships with local community agencies and internal departments to connect students and partners with appropriate resources.
• Deliver high quality customer service in all interactions with community members, business partners, faculty, staff, administrators and students.
• Support identification and onboarding of new training partners for HSTI, including processing new affiliation agreements.
• Maintain an up-to-date database of HSTI training partners and customers.
• Assist with marketing efforts, including research, writing, and proofing for print and digital platforms; maintain and update program websites as needed.
• Participate in course and program evaluation processes and reporting.
• Problem-solve and make decisions in accordance with college processes and policies.
• Seek continuous improvement by collecting and analyzing data on student, partner, and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Develop and analyze reports containing both quantitative and qualitative data to monitor enrollment trends.
• Share data and insights with the Associate Dean, Manager, HSTI and Leadership Team to inform process improvement and policy development.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree required; or an equivalent combination of an Associate's degree and relevant experience.

Experience: Three (3) years of experience managing, developing or coordinating academic activities or programs, with one (1) year of experience in student and/or customer service enrollment, recruitment, or administrative/business support required. Strong organizational, verbal and written communication skills required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database management required. Experience with data analysis required. Experience coordinating academic programs or activities focused on adult learners preferred. Familiarity with public safety organizations, law enforcement, homeland security, corporate security, or community-based training preferred. Experience using customer relationship management (CRM) tools preferred.

Working Conditions:

• Personal computer, telephone and general office equipment.
• General office environment.
• Some evening and weekend hours required.
• This position requires a background and drug screen at the expense of the college.

Hiring Range: Starting pay begins at $45,127 based on experience

Competitive starting pay is dependent on education and experience. College of DuPage also offers a generous benefits plan which includes paid time off, tuition discounts for employees and dependents, medical, dental, vision effective the first day of employment, and retirement benefits in a collaborative and friendly environment.