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Student Success Advocate
Job no: 55000539
Work type: Classified Staff
Location: Radford
Categories: Student Affairs / Services
Title: Student Success Advocate
Application Review Date: 7/31/2026
Campus Location: Radford City - Main Campus
Job Description
The Student Success Advocate (SSA) is a professional staff position dedicated to supporting the retention and graduation of Pell Eligible (PE) undergraduates at Radford University. The SSA will provide comprehensive case management for over 2000 enrolled PE students, serving as a one-stop advocate to navigate university systems from application through graduation. Each SSA will have a caseload of approximately 500 - 600 students.
• Using a case management model, provide holistic and intrusive support for all PE students, with a focus on early intervention to increase retention and graduation rates.
• Work directly with at-risk PE students identified through the Starfish system (CRM) dashboard.
• Collaborate with Enrollment Management to participate in recruitment events and host informational sessions for incoming students and their families.
• Work closely with appropriate departments to track and collect data with PE students who withdraw to identify factors contributing to their decision and inform continuous improvement efforts.
• Utilize STARFISH and Advocate software for case notes, goal tracking, and early warning system referrals
• Provide a comprehensive support system that assures academic success, student well-being, sense of belonging and career preparedness.
• Assist with data collection and analysis for PE students.
• Support Student Affairs and University major events and programs including (but not limited to) new student orientation, move-in, welcome days, open houses, family weekend, and Student Affairs' signature programs.
Required Qualifications
• Demonstrated Experience in case management, holistic and intrusive approaches to student support/success, student affairs, or a similar role preferred.
• Strong understanding of the challenges faced by Pell Eligible students.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Demonstrated Commitment to supporting underrepresented and vulnerable student populations.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, non-verbal and written) that can be applied across a wide range of constituents.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and ability to successfully navigate multicultural issues by creating positive and supportive environments for a diverse campus population.
• Ability to work independently as well as serve as a member of an effective work team.
• Proficiency working with a computer and ability to learn and effectively use various software.
• Ability to navigate and prioritize competing demands.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in counseling, social work, human services, or a related field.
• Preference for Radford University graduates and/or former Pell recipients.
Special Instructions to Applicants
This is a restricted/grant-funded position; therefore, continued employment is contingent on the need for services, the availability of funding, and satisfactory performance.
Is this position Grant Funded: Yes
Is this position restricted: Yes
Is this position eligible for telework: No
Hours Per Week: 40
Months per Year: 12
Statement of Economic Interest Required: No
FLSA Status: Exempt
Work Classification: Classified Staff
Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8am to 5pm. Evenings or weekends as required.
Employee Classification: Education Support Spec III
Department: Student Aff Grants & Contracts
Salary: $45,000 - $45,000
Department Contact Name: Bruce Hayden
Department Contact Phone: 540-831-6297
Department Contact Email: wbhayden@radford.edu
Equal Opportunity Statement:
Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices.
Clery Statement
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Radford University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university's policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years' of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at Radford.edu/police. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the Radford University Police Department located at 810 East Main Street PO Box 6883, Radford, VA, 24142.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement
If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation in the application process please contact the hiring department.
Criminal Background Check Statement
Radford University is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all employees, students, volunteers, and stakeholders. As part of our hiring and screening process, we conduct criminal background checks in compliance with Virginia Code § 19.2-389 and other applicable state and federal laws. Successful candidates will be required to have a criminal background check.
Advertised: 10 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
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