The College Success Advisor & Retention Technology Specialist serves as the primary point of contact for technology integration, data collection, and analysis within the advising department. The position supports student success and retention through data-informed strategies, effective use of advising technologies, and direct student engagement.
The incumbent monitors all Charger Center computer labs, ensuring hardware and software functionality, and serves as liaison between the advising staff and the Information Technology (IT) department. The Specialist also maintains a student advising caseload, provides leadership and supervision for student workers, manages departmental communications, and leads the use and optimization of case management and student success software tools.
This is an on-ground (in-person) position based at Columbia State Community College. Primary duties require consistent on-campus presence and regular interaction with students, faculty, and staff.
Essential Functions
- Advise a caseload of students, including those identified as at-risk, providing academic planning, career exploration, transfer assistance, and intervention for timely degree completion.
- Serve as lead strategist for advising and student success technologies, overseeing implementation, optimization, and data reporting for case management, communication, and retention platforms.
- Monitor all Charger Center computer labs to ensure that hardware and software function effectively to support student and staff needs.
- Lead technology integration and data analysis for the COL 101 course, including management of learning management tools and reporting on engagement and outcomes.
- Develop and deliver training for First Year Experience (FYE) staff, college-wide functional users, and student workers on advising and student success technology platforms.
- Act as liaison between the advising team, Enrollment Services, and IT to resolve technology-related issues efficiently.
- Manage and monitor the advising department's primary email account and phone lines, ensuring professional, timely, and accurate responses.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret advising, engagement, and retention data to create dashboards, reports, and metrics that inform departmental strategy and institutional reporting.
- Develop and implement communication campaigns within case management software to support engagement and retention initiatives.
- Supervise, train, and evaluate student workers assigned to the advising department and Charger Center.
- Assist with appointment scheduling, management of walk-in traffic, and general advising operations.
- Collaborate with faculty, staff, and administrators to coordinate advising initiatives and support services.
- Lead process improvement projects to enhance advising efficiency, data accuracy, and communication workflows.
- Participate in ongoing professional development and specialized training related to advising technology and student success strategies.
- Work with the Director of First Year Experience to design and implement data-driven retention initiatives targeting students most at risk of non-completion.
- Provide individualized guidance to students during critical academic milestones and support alternative academic planning when needed.
- Identify and address personal, financial, and academic barriers that may impact student success.
- Monitor curriculum changes and assess their impact on students' academic progress and completion.
- Support the training and onboarding of College Success Advisors, CSA-Assists, and Faculty Advisors.
- Monitor course availability and assist in schedule management to support degree completion and registration efficiency.
- Ensure compliance with FERPA and institutional data security and privacy standards.
- Support development and oversight of programs and services that contribute to enrollment, retention, and graduation growth.
- Coordinate advisor assignment processes to ensure timely and equitable caseload distribution.
Supplemental Functions
- Participate in institutional committees and initiatives as assigned.
- Support college-wide events, student engagement activities, and orientation programs.
- Recommend enhancements to advising processes, communication tools, and course offerings based on data analysis and feedback.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Education, Training, and Experience
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Education, or a related field.
- Minimum two (2) years of professional experience in technology management, educational technology, or a related area.
- Experience with advising technology platforms (e.g., Slate, Navigate, Degree Works, or similar systems).
- Academic advising and/or student success experience involving technology management.
- Experience in student services or a postsecondary educational environment.
Preferred:
- Master's degree in a related field.
- Experience with data analysis, retention reporting, and use of artificial intelligence or chatbot systems in student engagement.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to solve complex problems and manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Strong analytical and data management abilities.
- Knowledge of academic advising principles, student development, and retention best practices.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
- Experience supervising and mentoring student workers.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Experience with Banner, Degree Works, CRM, and case management software.
- Excellent recordkeeping and case management skills.
- Strong presentation and training facilitation skills.
- Commitment to student success and equity-minded service delivery.
Working Conditions
- Standard 37.5-hour work week, Monday through Friday; occasional evening or weekend hours may be required.
- Primarily office-based with regular use of computers and technology equipment.
- Must have reliable transportation for travel between campuses and to off-site meetings as needed.
- Regular use of a college-issued computer requiring visual acuity and manual dexterity.
Hiring Salary Range (Annual): $43,220 to $51,870
This in-person position is based on the Columbia TN Campus
Special Note to Applicants: Salary offers are determined based on documented education and relevant full-time experience. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all qualifying credentials and experience are clearly reflected on their resume for consideration.
All applications must be submitted online. Applications submitted by email, mail, or in person will not be accepted. The application will remain open until filled.
About Columbia State Community College:
As Tennessee's first community college (established in 1966), Columbia State is committed to student success both in and out of the classroom, as well as economic and community development in our nine-county service area. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents.
Columbia State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:
- Vacation and Sick Leave
- 14 paid holidays
- Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
- Retirement plans
- Optional 401K and 403B Deferred Compensation Plans
- Educational benefits for the employee and their spouse and dependents
Columbia State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity or national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies:
Executive Director of Human Resources
humanresources@columbiastate.edu
1665 Hampshire Pike, Columbia, TN 38401
931-540-2501