"Student Development Specialist – Advising, Career and Transfer Services"

Job Description

The Student Development Specialist for Advising, Career, and Transfer Services provides academic advising, career discernment, and transfer planning to credit students across all majors using a case management model that supports persistence, progression, and goal attainment.

This position advises students in both in-person and virtual settings; uses student success and advising platforms to track progress, document interactions, issue early alerts, and conduct proactive outreach. The Student Development Specialist assists students with major selection, interpreting placement test scores, academic and degree planning, and transfer planning using current online and articulation resources.

Additional responsibilities include maintaining accurate student records, serving as liaison to an assigned academic division, presenting at advising- and career-related events, participating on college committees, and collaborating on campus-wide initiatives.

Employees of Harford Community College, including instructors for online and virtual courses, must be residents of Maryland or the contiguous states of Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia or the District of Columbia; non-residents are expected to relocate to meet this requirement.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States, as the College does not offer Visa sponsorship for this position

Required Education

Master's degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field

Required Experience

Minimum of 3 years of prior experience in academic advising, student services, career services, or transfer services within a community college or higher education setting.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of academic advising principles, student development theory, and holistic advising practices.
• Knowledge of FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and student privacy regulations.
• Ability to use student information systems and advising/case management technologies.
• Strong advising and counseling skills, including active listening, goal setting, and academic planning.
• Effective oral and written communication skills with diverse populations.
• Ability to explain complex academic policies and requirements in a clear and supportive manner.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage a high-volume student caseload.
• Ability to work effectively with students from diverse academic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.