Saint Mary’s University

Date Posted: November 16, 2023

Posting Deadline: December 4, 2023 (Please note the date has been extended)

Department: Student Affairs and Services

Type of Employment: Contract (9 months), Full-time

Group Affiliation: APC Group, Group 5 ($59,435 - $76,595 annually)

At Saint Mary's University, you will be surrounded by a talented and dedicated team of professionals committed to accessibility, diversity, and the provision of a positive and supportive learning environment. We recognize the importance of the contribution and growth of each individual in the University's success. We are currently looking to fill the position of Student Success Specialist to join our Student Affairs and Services team.

What we offer

As a team member at Saint Mary's, we are proud to offer many benefits. Some of these include:

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Vacation
• Personal days
• Flexible Workplace
• Professional development
• Holiday closure
• Summer hour schedule
• Employee Transit EPass through Halifax Transit

Job Information and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Manager, Student Success Centre, the Student Success Specialist:

• Meets individually with students, at their request, or through retention programs (Early Assist, Student Readiness Survey, Academic Recovery etc.) to provide holistic support, coaching and referrals to help students meet their academic and personal goals. Works collaboratively with students in assessing their needs and developing success plans. Provides a safe and non-judgmental environment for students to discuss personal/non-academic issues.
• Develops, promotes, and coordinates campus-wide student success initiatives in support of strategic enrolment management at Saint Mary's University as part of the Student Success Centre team.
• Coordinates the Early Assist program which provides support for students who flag with potential challenges early in the term. Works closely with campus advisors to ensure a coordinated and collaborative approach to interventions, outreach and follow-up from the Early Assist team.
• Coordinates the implementation and development of Early Assist in CRM Advise. Oversees Early Assist program logistics, communications and tracking through CRM Advise.
• Works collaboratively with the Student Success Team to develop and implement programs for students who are placed on academic probation as well as Academic recovery programming for those students who are returning from an academic suspension.
• Manages a team of six (6) Peer Success Coaches who provide peer mentoring and support to new incoming students as they begin their studies and throughout their first year. Creates job descriptions, hires, trains and manages a group of senior students to serve as peer success coaches to new incoming students.
• Assists in the ongoing development, maintenance and usage of the new Customer Relations Management System, CRM Advise, within Student Affairs and Services.
• Prepares communications that are directed to the student body or segments of the student body related to important topics that improve student success.
• Generates, interprets, and assesses data to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and services to identify areas of improvement or enhancement.

Experience and Education Requirements

To be the successful Student Success Specialist you will have:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field, such as psychology or education.
• Three (3) to five (5) years directly related experience of working with students in a post-secondary setting and providing programs to support student success.
• Understanding of student development theory, strengths-based coaching, Appreciative Advising or other student-centered approaches. Experience in coaching or advising are considered assets.
• Intermediate to advanced skill level with MS Office (especially Word, Excel Outlook).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills: able to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and negotiate changes in priorities as required.
• Strong presentations skills, the proven ability to be persuasive and to effect positive change while building strong relationships.
• Collaborative, positive and professional approach to working with teams and colleagues in a diverse and inclusive environment.
• Demonstrates intercultural awareness and a commitment to principles of equity, diversity, and inclusive environment.
• Ability to prioritize work assignments and deliver by the appropriate deadlines.
• Understanding of academic and administrative structures.
• CRM Advise experience (or similar CRM platform) an asset.

Application Details

Apply for this opportunity online using our online application system through Career Beacon. Click on "Apply Now" and complete all required information fields. Qualified candidates should submit the following with their application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three Professional References

Late applications may not receive consideration. We appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.

At Saint Mary's University, equity and diversity are integral to excellence and enrich our community. As an institution committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and respect, we encourage all qualified candidates to apply; however, preference will be given to applicants who self-identify as Black/African Nova Scotians, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/visible minorities, persons with disabilities and women. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition at [email protected]