Student Success Specialist

 Position Overview

The New England College of Optometry is a professional graduate school located in Boston’s Historic Back Bay neighborhood. (NECO) seeks a collaborative, student-centered professional to join the Center for Academic and Professional Achievement (CAPA) as a Student Success Specialist. Reporting to the Director of CAPA, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students through hands-on success coaching, academic skills development, and initiatives that support student growth and well-being.

As part of a small, close-knit institution, the Student Success Specialist will have opportunities to build strong relationships with students, collaborate across the College, and bring creativity and fresh ideas to student support programs. This is a highly student-facing role with frequent opportunities for direct interaction, problem-solving, and the development of engaging programs that help students thrive throughout their optometric education.

The salary for this full-time, exempt position is $75,000.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Student Success & Academic Programming

• Provide individualized success coaching to help students strengthen study strategies, time management, organization, and other skills that support academic progress.
• Build relationships with students and help them navigate academic challenges by identifying needs, developing strategies, and connecting them with appropriate campus resources.
• Conduct proactive outreach to students based on engagement, academic performance, and other indicators of student need, in collaboration with the CAPA team and campus partners.
• Develop, implement, and assess engaging academic success programs and resources that support students throughout their optometric education.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of student interactions and follow-up activities in accordance with College policies and confidentiality requirements.
• Collaborate with faculty, Academic Affairs, and campus partners to identify student success needs, share relevant trends, and develop strategies to support student progress.

Program Coordination: Tutoring, Mentorship & Orientation

• Oversee the Peer Tutoring Program, including tutor recruitment, training, matching, and scheduling.
• Assist with the coordination of the annual New Student Orientation program, including in-person and virtual presentations and ongoing programming to support students' transition into the College.
• Coordinate the First-Year Guide peer mentoring program, including recruitment, training, and ongoing support for peer mentors.
• Collaborate with CAPA colleagues and campus partners to develop student wellness programming and other initiatives that foster student engagement, connection, and well-being.

Departmental Collaboration & Student Success Initiatives

• Assist with exam proctoring and ADA-related testing logistics, coordinating with CAPA and other relevant departments to facilitate testing arrangements.
• Collaborate on board preparation initiatives, including supporting the development of programming and strategies to support students preparing for licensing examinations.
• Participate in College committees and policy review processes, including the annual review of the Student Handbook, as appropriate to the role.
• Assist the Director of CAPA with departmental assessment, annual reporting, and evaluation of student success initiatives.
• Contribute ideas, identify opportunities for improvement, and help develop creative approaches to meeting evolving student needs.
• Collaborate with CAPA team members and campus partners on departmental priorities, special projects, and the planning and implementation of student-focused events and initiatives.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by leadership.

Requirements & Qualifications

Education

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field.

Experience

• 1–3 years of relevant professional experience in higher education, student affairs, student support, or a related field.
• Experience working directly with students and supporting initiatives related to academic success, student engagement, or well-being.

Work Arrangement

This position typically follows a hybrid schedule, with approximately three days per week on campus and two days working remotely. The schedule may vary based on student needs, program activities, and departmental priorities. Some weeks may require an on-campus presence five days per week, particularly during orientation and other major student events

Core Knowledge & Competencies

• Knowledge of student success strategies, academic skills development, and approaches to supporting students in a higher education environment.
• Strong interpersonal, active-listening, and communication skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships with students and collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and academic leadership.
• Ability to recognize student needs, exercise sound judgment, maintain appropriate professional boundaries, and connect students with relevant resources.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to coordinate multiple programs, manage competing priorities, and follow projects through to completion.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative, student-centered team.
• Creativity, initiative, and a willingness to develop new ideas and adapt programming in response to student needs.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Zoom, and student information or database systems.
• Commitment to maintaining student confidentiality and following applicable College policies and procedures.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.