"Student Success Specialist"

Job Details

Job Type: Staff - Full-Time Benefits Eligible

FLSA: Determined by Position

Hours per week: 40

Number of months: 12

Location: Selinsgrove, PA

Closing Date: 2/13/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

About Susquehanna

Susquehanna University is the future-ready institution for today, invested in cultivating intellectual grounding, active learning and global citizenship for all students. Renowned as one of the finest U.S. national liberal arts colleges, Susquehanna inspires and challenges 2,200 enterprising, bright-minded students studying the arts, business, humanities and sciences. Our students seize opportunities through exceptional worldwide internships, expert-guided research and an acclaimed study-abroad program, leading to a transformative education that empowers each graduate to realize their unique potential and lead a successful and meaningful life.

The Susquehanna River Valley with its fresh air and overall pleasant year-round climate, provides four distinct seasons amidst a backdrop of vibrant autumn foliage, occasional winter snowfalls, flower-filled springs and warm summer evenings illuminated by fireflies. Nearby outdoor recreational areas for hiking, kayaking, fishing and skiing - and the bustling cultural and commerce hubs of New York City, Washington D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia within a three-hour drive - present abundant opportunities for learning and discovery.

Job Summary

Susquehanna University is looking for applicants who are ambitious to learn and grow in a rewarding position. The Student Success Specialist supports the financial health and academic success of students enrolled in grant-funded student support services programs (TRIO SSS and Act 101 (REACH Scholars). The successful candidate will lead programs and activities designed to cultivate academic self-confidence, community engagement, 21st-century life skills, and self-advocacy amongst students, and will work to foster a community of support through culturally relevant programming.

The Student Success Specialist will develop, facilitate, and provide financial education workshops, assist students in searching and applying for financial support for both undergraduate and graduate education, and develop and implement other events designed to promote financial literacy and healthy financial behaviors. This person will work in collaboration with the Student Financial Services Office to increase the FAFSA completion rates, assess students' understanding of personal finances, and develop new and creative strategies to meet the needs of low-income student populations.

The Student Success Specialist will also actively monitor the academic performance of each of these students throughout the academic year, working with the Registrars Office and Center for Academic Success to gather all relevant data. This person will meet with assigned students who are academically struggling at SU and develop a plan of action to help that student succeed. This person will collaborate with the Student Financial Services Office and/or the Student Life Office to support any student who encounters financial or social issues and support the Senior Director of Student Support and Development and Associate Director of TRIO/REACH as needed.

This position requires evening and periodic weekend availability; specific hours may vary and are determined by student needs and program priorities. This position is grant-funded and defined as an exempt position under FLSA regulations.

Specific Responsibilities

Academic Support

• Regularly meet with and provide academic counseling to individual students.
• Conduct outreach to students identified as needing academic support.
• Support students in developing effective study skills and time management strategies.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to promote the academic success of students.
• Monitor academic performance and develop programs to enhance academic and social success.
• Assist in the recruitment and support of alumni mentors.
• Attend and support programs and trips designed for student success.
• Maintain accurate records of student interactions and academic progress.
• Provide support to the Senior Director of Student Success Services and Associate Director of TRIO/REACH as needed.

Financial Counseling

• Offer financial counseling to individual students.
• Assist students in seeking and applying for financial support.
• Plan workshops and events promoting healthy financial behaviors.
• Administer assessments of students' understanding of personal finances.
• Generate and update lists of internal and external financial aid sources and scholarship programs.
• Support students in applying for financial support for graduate and professional degree programs.
• Monitor FAFSA completion rates and assist students as needed.
• Collaborate with university faculty and staff to develop strategies and programs for students facing financial difficulties.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.

Experience

One year of experience required (can include undergraduate experience, internships, and/or volunteer work) in college access programs, academic support services, student support services, and/or financial literacy/education or financial aid office; 2-3 years' experience preferred. Experience working with first-generation students, students from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and students with a disability preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• The Student Success Specialist should be able to work effectively with students and staff, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and effectively communicate with a large and varied audience.
• The Student Success Specialist should have logistical and organizational skills involved in developing programming for students.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities while maintaining attention to detail.
• The Student Success Specialist should be creative and empathic and capable of proposing and implementing innovative, culturally relevant programming.
• This position provides the opportunity to be trained in academic and financial coaching including FAFSA verification, federal grants, scholarships, and financial aid.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Information for Applicant

Physical Demand

• Position requires the ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time.
• Position requires the ability to move about the campus.
• Position requires the ability to talk and to hear instructions.
• Position requires occasional manual dexterity and the ability to use fingers, hands, and arms to feel, handle, and reach.
• Position requires occasional stooping, crouching, and bending.
• Position requires the ability to occasionally lift 10 pounds.
• Working conditions are indoors.

Please note: This position is partially grant funded. As a result, the salary is tied to the grant award and is not negotiable.

To apply, please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/susqu/jobs/5198541/student-success-specialist