Buena Vista University (BVU) invites applications for a graduate programs Student Success Specialist based on our Storm Lake, Sioux City or Fort Dodge campus. This student-centered role is essential in guiding prospective and current graduate students through every stage of their journey-from initial inquiry to graduation.
The Student Success Specialist serves as a key point of contact and advocate for graduate students, providing personalized support, accurate program information, and proactive outreach. This role plays a critical part in student recruitment, engagement, and retention by building meaningful relationships and ensuring students have the tools and guidance needed to succeed.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Counsel prospective students on graduate programs, admissions, career outcomes, costs, and financial aid
- Conduct outreach, presentations, and strategic travel to generate leads and increase program awareness
- Provide timely follow-up with inquiries to generate application and enrollment conversion
- Monitor applicant progress, communicate missing requirements, and coordinate interviews and admission decisions
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of admissions, curriculum, policies, and financial aid/benefits
- Coordinate transcript and transfer credit evaluations with Program Directors and Certification Officer
- Support student onboarding and success, including orientation, registration, and ongoing communication
- Track recruitment effectiveness and maintain accurate data, interactions, and system updates
- Monitor student progress and retention; proactively intervene with at-risk or non-returning students
- Collaborate across teams, improve processes and materials, and represent BVU professionally
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- The position requires a high degree of professionalism, collaboration and attention to detail, a sense of urgency about providing excellent service to all stakeholders, and ability to manage resources effectively.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to establish and achieve priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to develop and maintain positive and effective professional relationships.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree required, or associate's degree with ability to earn a degree within the first three (3) years of employment.
- The cost of tuition to pursue a bachelor's degree is covered through BVU's Tuition Grant Benefit if enrolled in a BVU degree program.
- 1-3 years of excellence in student service and higher education desired.
- Must possess a valid driver's license.
- This position will require minimal travel meeting with constituents within school, business, and hosting events.
- Must be available to work occasional evenings and weekends.
Buena Vista University is an EOE/ADA/Smoke-Free Employer. A background check will be conducted on the final candidate.