Student Success Specialist/Academic Advisor

JOB SUMMARY Reporting to the Senior Director of WP Online Student Support, the Student Success Specialist/Academic Advisor supports online learners—particularly adult learners—by fostering an engaging, inclusive, and student‑centered virtual environment. The role provides comprehensive, end‑to‑end support from acceptance through degree completion, integrating academic advising, financial guidance, academic support, and resource connection to promote overall student success. In addition to direct student support, the specialist enhances the unit’s web presence and leads strategic communication efforts, including marketing and program development. PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES Maintain a balanced caseload of WP Online undergraduate students from acceptance through graduation and provide ongoing advising, financial guidance, and academic support. Advise students on academic curricula, program requirements, majors, and online program policies and processes to facilitate academic progress and timely degree completion. Respond promptly to student inquiries via email, phone, and virtual meetings; provide accurate information and assist students in communicating with faculty regarding course concerns. Track academic progress and conduct proactive outreach to students in academic difficulty, making referrals to campus resources as appropriate. Develop and implement targeted programming to support returning adult learners, including onboarding modules, orientation sessions, and resource‑connection initiatives that enhance readiness, persistence, and long‑term success. Support general onboarding and success services for all new WP Online students. Collaborate with Enrollment Management offices—including Undergraduate Admissions, Registrar, Financial Aid, and Student Enrollment Services—to ensure smooth matriculation and acclimation to WP Online. Participate in weekly strategic meetings with the College of Adult and Professional Studies (ACT Team) to address student barriers, promote success, and support ongoing program development. Support and enhance the unit’s web presence and communication strategy by maintaining and updating webpages, contributing to marketing initiatives, and creating and managing social media content. Collaborate on the development of engaging digital content that promotes programs, highlights student success stories, and strengthens the overall visibility of CAPS. Maintain and streamline communication workflows by supporting and implementing automated communication initiatives (e.g., email campaigns) to ensure timely, consistent, and effective outreach to students, faculty, and staff. Stay informed on emerging trends, pedagogies, and best practices related to online learning, adult‑learner success, and AI‑enhanced advising technologies. Represent WP Online in campus‑wide discussions related to online learning, virtual student services, adult‑learner support, and technology‑enhanced advising initiatives. Establish and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with university leadership, administrators, faculty, and staff. Serve on university committees as required. Assist with tracking WP Online initiatives, including longitudinal tracking, outcomes reporting, key performance indicators, program effectiveness, and documentation through required reports. Perform other duties as assigned that are appropriate for the position. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in IT, Communications, Marketing, or a related field from an accredited college or university (required); Master’s degree preferred. Two (2) years of experience in webpage management and digital content creation, and academic advising or related student‑affairs experience in an educational setting. Expertise in Dot CMS and experience in website creation; experience using Banner Student Information System, Microsoft Office, and Navigate preferred. Strong writing, editing, and visual communication skills. Advanced to native language proficiency in Spanish. Proficiency in academic advising, coaching, and mentoring. Excellent interpersonal, presentation, written, and oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability to think creatively and work both independently and collaboratively across all levels of the organization. Familiarity with adult learner audiences and inclusive communication practices is a plus. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends. SALARY AND BENEFITS Starting Salary – AFT Range $76,486.40 – $87,954.55. This position may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health and dental insurance and retirement plans. EEO STATEMENT William Paterson University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity, sex/gender (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, civil union status, familial status, religion, national origin or citizenship, military service status, or any other category protected by law. William Paterson University does not discriminate on the basis of any category stated above or as prohibited by applicable law. Individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr WPU The William Paterson University of New Jersey