Student Success Specialist

## Description 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.