Student Retention and Advising Specialist

The Student Retention and Advising Specialist is a full-time, 12 month exempt position, reporting to the Associate Director of Advising. The Specialist provides administrative and analytical support for programs and initiatives of the Advising Office (TAO), Academic Success Office, and the High Potential Program (HP). This position will generate and analyze data and reports using GaelXpress, Colleague, SLATE, PowerBI, ConexEd, and Modern Campus tools (catalog, Presence) to guide student outreach efforts and reporting. The Specialist position supports the College’s student-centered Lasallian mission by providing a front-line source of academic advising information during regular business offices.  This includes responding to questions or challenges from students and advisors, problem solving, and acting as a liaison between various campus offices and departments such as other Academic Success offices, the Registrar, Admissions, Student Life, IT Services, the Core and academic school programs.

The Specialist will also provide direct support and coordination for the FYAC/TAC Peer Coach program to ensure that Peer Coaches are well-equipped to provide mentorship and guidance to students supporting their successful academic and social transition to SMC.

• BA/BS degree required; MA/MS degree, with relevant skillls or expertise is preferred.
• At least one year of academic student support services experience in higher education or a similar setting is preferred. 
• Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Understanding of advising and/or counseling approaches in higher education- either by education or experience
• Ability to work with diverse populations 
• Demonstrated proficiency in data analysis, management, and reporting
• Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, and Power Point.
• Knowledge of Google Workspace (Google Docs, Sheets, Drive, Forms)
• Ability to navigate and learn complex system quickly and independently
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to multitask and balance projects and tasks with different timelines
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Commitment to providing the highest level of customer service and responsiveness to students and other stakeholders.
• Ability to handle challenging situations and confidential material with sensitivity and professionalism
• Experience working in a team-based setting preferred