First Year Success Navigator

About Olivet College: Olivet College was founded in 1844 on the principle that the future of humanity rests in the hands, hearts, and minds of those who will take responsibility for themselves and others in an increasingly diverse society. Open since its founding 179 years ago to all regardless of race, gender, or ability to pay, Olivet College was founded as the first college in Michigan to admit women and persons of color on a co-equal basis with white men and proudly defines itself by who it includes, rather than who it excludes. As such, it is one of the most diverse private liberal arts institutions in the state and actively seeks diversity in its students and employees. As part of its commitment to a values-based mission of Education for Individual and Social Responsibility, the College actively seeks diversity in its students, faculty, and staff. Women and members of historically underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Olivet College is located 20‑30 minutes from the urban centers of Battle Creek and the capital city of Lansing. Located on I‑69 within a few miles of the I‑94 interchange, the college is centrally located between Detroit and Chicago and conveniently situated to the major population centers of Michigan, Greater Chicago, Northern Indiana-Indianapolis, and Northern Ohio.

Job Summary

The First-Year Success Navigator position is a full-time, 12-month position. The position supports a caseload of students from the time the student deposits through their third semester. In support of their caseload, the navigator will facilitate at least two sections of first-year courses each semester. This position will facilitate student success initiatives related to:

1. Supporting each student throughout the onboarding process, including orientation, registration, and services
2. Supporting a robust first-year college experience focused on increasing retention rates throughout the first-year experience
3. Incorporating proactive, data-informed academic advising tools
4. Fostering a 'success-oriented' mindset by creating a better sense of belonging
5. Guiding students in initial academic advising practices such as major exploration and academic planning
6. Promoting campus services for first-year students, such as Career Readiness and Leadership Development, Health and Wellness Center, Comets’ Cupboard, and more

As a member of the Student Transition Team, under the supervision of the Director of Student Transitions and Academic Success, navigators will work collaboratively to ensure the strategic priorities and programs are intentionally supported and assessed. The First-Year Navigators Team will implement and sustain a wide range of data-driven, forward-thinking programming focused on clearly defined and well-coordinated strategies and assessment of student development at Olivet College. Success in this role will include but is not limited to improved enrollment, improved retention, persistence, and graduation rates for all students and targeted subgroups that historically underperform in these measures. The navigator will effectively engage and work with faculty and staff to foster the successful implementation of new initiatives and programs for first-year students.

Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the education and experience required for an individual to perform the essential responsibilities satisfactorily:

1. Master’s degree 
2. Three or more years of experience in higher education. Preference given to those with experience in Student Life, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, etc.
3. Knowledge of best practices related to student transitions and academic advising programs
4. Experience with retention initiatives and student support

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. The candidate must have a demonstrated ability to work effectively, both independently and in a diverse team environment;
2. Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as strong planning and organizational ability;
3. Knowledge of established and emerging trends, standards, practices, procedures, and techniques in the field and knowledge of the theories and principles of higher education, undergraduate education, student development, retention, and student learning;
4. Knowledge of curriculum, admissions, and student success programs;
5. Strong management, organization, supervision, and teambuilding skills;
6. Ability to prioritize and implement program activities to efficiently support caseload and other demands;
7. Knowledge of admissions, accommodations, and evidence-based best practices related to retention and student success

Compensation: This is a full-time position with a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and generous paid holiday and leave time. Tuition programs available.

To Apply: Click on the “Apply” button. From there, follow the instructions to complete a profile and upload a cover letter, resume, and information for three references. 

SEE BELOW FOR DETAILED POSITION DESCRIPTION

FIRST-YEAR SUCESS NAVIGATOR

POSITION SUMMARY

The First-Year Navigator supports a caseload of students from the time the student deposits through their third semester. In support of their caseload, the navigator will facilitate at least two sections of first-year courses each semester. This position will facilitate student success initiatives related to:

1. Supporting each student throughout the onboarding process, including orientation, registration, and services
2. Supporting a robust first-year college experience focused on increasing retention rates throughout the first-year experience
3. Incorporating proactive, data-informed academic advising tools
4. Fostering a 'success-oriented' mindset by creating a better sense of belonging
5. Guiding students in initial academic advising practices such as major exploration and academic planning
6. Promoting campus services for first-year students, such as Career Readiness and Leadership Development, Health and Wellness Center, Comets’ Cupboard, and more

As a member of the Student Transition Team, under the supervision of the Director of Student Transitions and Academic Success, navigators will work collaboratively to ensure the strategic priorities and programs are intentionally supported and assessed. The First-Year Navigators Team will implement and sustain a wide range of data-driven, forward-thinking programming focused on clearly defined and well-coordinated strategies and assessment of student development at Olivet College. Success in this role will include but is not limited to improved enrollment, improved retention, persistence, and graduation rates for all students and targeted subgroups that historically underperform in these measures. The navigator will effectively engage and work with faculty and staff to foster the successful implementation of new initiatives and programs for first-year students.

PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES

The existence of the following will demonstrate the success of the Director of Student Transitions and Academic Success:

1. Increased and improved measures of student success as measured by retention of our first-year students;
2. Improved measures of students’ sense of belonging and increased engagement in campus programming.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Ensures the overall development of each student as a person within the context of the college’s vision of Education for Individual and Social Responsibility with an emphasis on active engagement in the student’s first-year and academic advising.
2. Performs duties dependably and effectively in a diverse, challenging, and occasionally stressful environment.
3. Promotes diversity, understanding, and respect for all peoples and cultures.
4. Collaborates with the campus community to establish, implement, and assess strategic student success initiatives consistent with the institution's goals to improve retention, persistence, and graduation rates.
5. Effectively collaborates with internal stakeholders to support first-year, undergraduate students.
6. Maintains current knowledge of instructional methods and new technologies pertinent to assigned programs; learns and implements emerging technologies and advances (e.g., computer software applications) as necessary to perform duties in an efficient, organized, and timely manner.
7. Instructs at least two sections of first-year coursework each semester.
8. Utilizes campus advising profile tools to tailor support for each student's unique needs and intervene as necessary on identifiable risk factors.
9. Supports a robust summer bridge and accelerated academic programming that promotes early graduation and year-round academic engagement as appropriate for individual students on caseload.
10. Delivers an intentional academic and social engagement system that includes opportunities within the Advanced Learning Term (ALT), first-year seminar, and first-year curriculum to support academic expectations for assigned case load.
11. Partners with admissions to support incoming students once deposited.
12. Facilitates a New Student Orientation experience for incoming students that focuses on building relationships with the campus community and prepares them for their first-year experiential engagement.
13. Serves on committees as assigned.
14. Responds to prospective students and families who inquire about student success programming   at Olivet College.
15. Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED/DESIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCES
 The requirements listed below are representative of the education and experience required for an individual to perform the essential responsibilities satisfactorily:

1. Master’s degree 
2. Three or more years of experience in higher education. Preference given to those with experience in Student Life, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, etc
3. Knowledge of best practices related to student transitions and academic advising programs
4. Experience with retention initiatives and student support

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. The candidate must have a demonstrated ability to work effectively, both independently and in a diverse team environment;
2. Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as strong planning and organizational ability;
3. Knowledge of established and emerging trends, standards, practices, procedures, and techniques in the field and knowledge of the theories and principles of higher education, undergraduate education, student development, retention, and student learning;
4. Knowledge of curriculum, admissions, and student success programs;
5. Strong management, organization, supervision, and teambuilding skills;
6. Ability to prioritize and implement program activities to efficiently support caseload and other demands;
7. Knowledge of admissions, accommodations, and evidence-based best practices related to retention and student success

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. The employee must be able to perform duties dependably and effectively in a diverse, challenging and occasionally stressful environment.
2. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to: 
   • stay in a stationary position for long periods and operate a keyboard or type;
   • use common business office machines such as a copier and telephone; 
   • handle materials weighing less than 20 lbs;
   • traverse campus;
   • communicate verbally with diverse constituencies; and,
   • operate a computer.
3. The noise level in the work environment is usually mild to moderate.