Student Support Specialist (Part Time)

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Student Support Specialist provides essential administrative, operational, and student-facing support to the Learning Commons. This role serves as a first point of contact for students seeking academic and study support and plays a key role in the recruitment, onboarding, and retention of Learning Assistants (LAs).

The Specialist will coordinate daily Learning Commons operations, including scheduling, communication, and resource management, while also contributing to efforts that strengthen visibility, access, and engagement with Learning Commons services across all locations.

Availability to work 20-28 hours/week between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM Monday – Friday.

UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence.
• Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions.
• Champion Service- anticipating needs and create a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.
• Perseverance- commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success.
• Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Learning Assistant Recruitment & Retention

• Coordinate recruitment logistics for Learning Assistants, including maintaining candidate lists, verifying eligibility (e.g., GPA, enrollment status), and scheduling interviews.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for prospective and current Learning Assistants, providing timely communication and support throughout the hiring and onboarding process.
• Assist with developing and distributing promotional materials and outreach to faculty, departments, and students to strengthen the Learning Assistant applicant pipeline.
• Maintain accurate records of applications, interviews, hiring decisions, and onboarding progress.
• Support retention efforts through communication, appreciation activities, and feedback collection to foster an engaged and connected Learning Assistant team.
• Track and compile Learning Assistant recruitment and retention data for reports and continuous improvement

Student and Operational Support

• Welcome and assist students seeking study support services, connecting them with the appropriate Learning Assistant, Academic Coach, or resource.
• Communicate effectively with students, faculty, and staff regarding Learning Commons services, schedules, and available supports.
• Schedule study support appointments, rooms, and shared resources.
• Circulate materials and resources, including laptops and learning tools, ensuring they are maintained and tracked properly.
• Provide on-demand academic or study support to students as appropriate.
• Assist in the daily coordination and organization of Learning Commons operations and shared communication channels.

Administrative and Continuous Improvement

• Maintain accurate records, forms, and scheduling systems within Kirkwood’s electronic and Microsoft 365 environments.
• Support data collection and reporting for Learning Commons usage, Learning Assistant engagement, and recruitment outcomes.
• Participate in Learning Commons staff meetings, trainings, and planning sessions to support continuous improvement and collaboration.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.
• Represent the College and Learning Commons positively with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Demonstrate professionalism, initiative, and problem-solving in daily operations.
• Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Maintain confidentiality and accuracy in all records and student interactions.
• Exhibit excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Remain adaptable in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WITH/WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:Position involves working in an office setting. Occasional (10-33%) standing, pushing, pulling and grasping. Frequent (34-66%) reaching and viewing a computer and other types of close visual work. Constant (67-100%) sitting, walking, repetitive motion, talking and hearing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma
• Experience in a higher education setting preferred

EEO/AA STATEMENT:It is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness (employees) or the Vice President of Student Services (students), 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, 319-398-5572, equity@kirkwood.edu, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov.

WHY KIRKWOOD:

Kirkwood Community College prides itself on fostering a diverse workforce and values unique perspectives throughout its campus community. The college is a convenient, innovative, visionary educational leader striving to remain affordable and accessible. With more than 140 majors and programs, Kirkwood boasts 16,000 annual college-credit students while maintaining one of the lowest tuitions in the state. All degree-seeking students are eligible for federal financial aid and the college offers more than $3 million in scholarships each year to students from all walks of life.

Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Organization

Working at Kirkwood Community College

Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids is a globally recognized leader in higher education where learner success has always been a focal point. For more than 50 years, Kirkwood faculty and staff have cultivated a welcoming and motivating environment that meets students where they are, and helps them get exactly where they want to be. With one of the lowest tuition in the state, more than 130 programs to choose from, flexible class offerings, and convenient locations across seven counties in Eastern Iowa, Kirkwood makes higher education more accessible for people in all walks of life. Through affordable, innovative educational training and many impactful community partnerships, Kirkwood hopes to continue strengthening the regional workforce for years to come.

As one of Cedar Rapids' top employers, Kirkwood strives to reward employees with a generous benefits package and perks, including:

• Professional development opportunities
• Free use of the Kirkwood Recreation Center
• On campus retail discounts at places like our bookstore, Eagle Tech, cafeteria and hotel (yes, we have a hotel too!)
• Free admission to performing arts and athletic events
• Computer and software purchasing program through Eagle Tech, our Apple-authorized campus store
• Employee tuition discounts and half-price tuition for family members
• Generous leave policies that provide a work-life balance
• Choice of retirement programs and unheard-of employer contribution
• Competitive Total Rewards packages