Student Support & Engagement Specialist

Salary/Position Classification

• $48,000 - $50,000 Annual, Exempt
• 100% Remote Work Availability: No
• Hybrid Work Availability: No

Purpose of Position

The Student Support and Engagement Specialist coordinates, develops and implements programs, practices and initiatives that enhance
the presence and success of students of Color at the University of North Dakota. Reporting to the Director of Student Diversity
& Inclusion, housed in Diversity & Inclusion, the Student Support and Engagement Specialist helps guide the development and
implementation of an engagement plan for enhancing the success of students of Color, intentionally programming to support the retention and completion rates of Black and Latino/a students. This position will also support diversity scholars, specifically students receiving the Cultural Diversity Scholarship/Waiver.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Advocating for students in support of recruitment and retention of a diverse students
  • Assisting, when appropriate, with outreach activities for high school and transfer students • Advising key areas on programming and initiatives that are designed to help improve outreach to and retention and graduation rates of Black/African American and Latino/a and other historically excluded student populations
  • Use assessment data to identify and implement programs to enhance students’ University experience, retention, and overall learning.
  • Uses Starfish to monitor student population’s academic performance and follows-up with appropriate support
  • Identifies obstacles to students’ academic progress and develops initiatives to counter those obstacles
  • Provides follow-up support services to students in the areas of financial aid, academic advising, transition support, etc.)
  • Identifying external grant and scholarship opportunities for students of Color and supporting students through the application process
• Support and advance the university experience for students of Color at UND
  • Working collaboratively with other university staff on reducing barriers to retention, completion, and belonging for students of Color
  • Advising key areas on programming and initiatives that are designed to help improve engagement of historically excluded student populations
  • Developing, implementing, and coordinating programs and services that provide belongingness and engagement opportunities for students of Color
• Oversee student requirements for the Cultural Diversity Tuition Waiver (CDTW) program and provide academic support to students of Color
  • Manage and track appointments for students receiving the CDTW
  • Work closely with partners in Student Financial Aid regarding the CDTW
  • Manage and track requirements of the CDTW (to include GPA, credits enrolled, credits completed, semesters received, etc.)
  • Provide CDTW with an orientation to the waiver and its requirements
  • Identify students receiving early alert notifications for performance and academic progress risk
  • Determine appropriate interventions for those students whose behaviors indicate a lack of academic success strategies
  • Provide timely interventions for students receiving early alert notifications
  • Conduct one-on-one meetings with students in need of academic support
  • Connect students with appropriate support staff to improve academic standing
  • Refer students for support services, such as counseling, financial aid, TRIO, and/or One-Stop Student Services, as needed

Required Competencies

• Demonstrates commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice
• Demonstrates interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including public speaking
• Demonstrates experience with managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• Experience in, and an ongoing commitment to working effectively with and across diverse communities: including Black and Latino/a, people of Color, other historically minoritized communities
• Experience with applicable federal, state and College regulations and policies; such as bias and discrimination policies and how they work.
• Experience with advancing equity, diversity, inclusion and multiculturalism within an academic environment. Discernment in serving the needs of a diverse student population, including students of color, other historically underserved student populations, and international students.
• Experience with coordinating and implementing meetings, events, and programming to maximize student engagement.
• Experience working in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Successful completion of Criminal History Background Check.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working high education
• Experience in advising