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Student Success Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

s a critical member of the campus community, the Student Success Specialist serves as an advocate charged with helping students navigate campus resources and resolve issues as part of a coordinated ...

s a critical member of the campus community, the Student Success Specialist serves as an advocate charged with helping students navigate campus resources and resolve issues as part of a coordinated ...

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Student Success Specialist information

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How much do student success specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for student success specialist in the United States is $21.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a student success specialist?

To thrive as a Student Success Specialist, you need a background in education, counseling, or student affairs, along with a bachelor's degree (often a master's is preferred). Familiarity with student information systems (SIS), case management software, and FERPA compliance is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and problem-solving abilities help build trust and effectively support diverse student populations. These skills and qualifications are crucial for guiding students through academic challenges and improving retention and success rates.

How does a student success specialist typically collaborate with faculty and other campus departments to support student achievement?

Student Success Specialists regularly work alongside faculty members, academic advisors, and campus support services to identify students who may be at risk and to develop targeted intervention strategies. They often participate in weekly or biweekly meetings, share insights from student interactions, and help coordinate resources such as tutoring, counseling, or workshops. This collaborative approach ensures that students receive comprehensive support and that interventions are timely and effective, fostering a campus-wide culture of student success.

What is the difference between Student Success Specialist vs Academic Advisor?

AspectStudent Success SpecialistAcademic Advisor
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree often in education, counseling, or related fieldBachelor's degree, often in education, counseling, or related field
Work EnvironmentHigher education institutions, student support centersColleges, universities, academic departments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in colleges and universities to support student retentionCommonly used in academic settings to guide course selection and degree planning
Search & Comparison IntentFocuses on student retention, success strategies, and support servicesFocuses on academic planning, course advising, and degree progress

While both roles support students in higher education, Student Success Specialists focus on overall retention and success strategies, whereas Academic Advisors primarily assist with course selection and academic planning. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are vital in supporting student achievement.

What is a student success specialist?

Student Success Specialists are professionals who support students in navigating their academic journey. They provide guidance, resources, and personalized assistance to help students overcome challenges, stay on track with their studies, and achieve their educational goals. Their responsibilities often include academic advising, connecting students to campus resources, and developing strategies to improve retention and graduation rates. Student Success Specialists work closely with students to address both academic and personal concerns, fostering a supportive learning environment.
More about Student Success Specialist jobs
What cities are hiring for Student Success Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Student Success Specialist job openings:
What states have the most Student Success Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Student Success Specialist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Student Success Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,681 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Student Success Specialist

Onondaga Community College

Syracuse, NY โ€ข On-site

$58K - $73K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description


BROAD FUNCTION
The Student Success Specialist leads a team that includes the Assistant Director and Student Navigators to foster student success through consistent outreach, engagement, and delivery of student support services to every student enrolled within their School. The Student Success Specialist will work with Academic Department Chairs, Coordinators, and faculty to facilitate engagement opportunities within the School. Additionally, the Student Success Specialist will support a caseload of students, using proactive outreach, intrusive intervention, and case management strategies. The Student Success Specialist will be directly supervised by the Assistant Dean of Student Success, works collaboratively with the Academic Dean on matters related to curriculum and faculty initiatives.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Supervise the Assistant Director and Student Navigators in providing proactive outreach, intrusive intervention, and case management support to assigned student populations within the School
  • Collaborate with Academic Department Chairs, Coordinators, faculty, and staff to support effective academic advising, student engagement, career exploration, and student success initiatives.
  • Regularly meet with other Student Success Specialists to foster consistent delivery of the same across the College
  • In collaboration with other campus units, coordinate the School's student-facing activities including, but not limited to: orientation, open house, student advisement and academic planning, recruiting, and career and transfer networking events
  • Facilitate regular School-wide meetings to discuss assessment data, address strategic priorities, and resolve emergent issues
  • Provide navigation services to a caseload of students
  • Develop and deliver an annual School Engagement Calendar
  • Partner with Career and Transfer Services staff to implement engagement opportunities with community industry partners and transfer institutions appropriate to the School
  • Periodically meet with the Learning Center to align existing tutoring and academic support programs with School needs and collaborate to develop new academic support programs that are necessary for student success
  • Collaborate with Department Chairs to provide input on student needs related to the course schedule, including cycling and timing of courses and recommendations on course cancellations and additions
  • Support academic programs to develop and re-design curricula to align with industry/transfer institution trends and practices and to evaluate the effectiveness of current programs.
  • Represent the Associate Dean of Student Affairs in her/his absence and/or when requested
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Master's degree from an accredited university, college or foreign equivalency plus two years of relevant professional experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Familiarity with needs, trends, and best practices of advising, success coaching, student navigation, and/or case management
  • Minimum of three years of full-time, post-graduate professional experience in higher education, including at least one year of experience leading professional staff.
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish. English and other languages will be considered.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Ability to function in a highly collaborative environment and develop effective working relationships with individuals at all levels of the organization
  • Demonstrated understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for, the diversity of academics, ethnicity, culture, disability, religion, and sexual orientation of students in an academic environment
  • Demonstrated commitment to personal and departmental development, professionalism, multicultural education, creativity, collaboration, and initiative
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and effectively prioritize among competing needs
  • Ability to utilize assessment data to guide development of effective initiatives for continuous improvement
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
  • Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing programs for post-secondary education
  • Must have the ability to handle confidential information in a professional and sensitive manner
  • Must have the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with faculty, staff, administrators, and students Must possess excellent supervisory, organizational, and training skills
  • Must possess a willingness to take initiative on new projects and facilitate change
Additional Information:
  • Salary range is: $58,564 - $73,205, commensurate with credentials and relevant experience.
  • Onondaga Community College offers a generous and competitive benefits package including:
    • New York State Local Retirement System (pension) or an Optional Retirement Plan (401a).
    • Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance plans (qualifying domestic partner included).
  • Onondaga Community College participates in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for eligible borrowers.
Application Instructions:
  • To be considered, please submit a resume and cover letter at time of application.
  • The three (3) references listed on the application must be professional references, two of which must be current or former supervisors. Finalists will be contacted prior to references being checked.
  • Offers are contingent upon the completion of a background check, and official transcripts are required upon hire.

Please contact hr@sunyocc.edu if you have questions.