Student Services Specialist

General Summary

The Student Services Specialist will provide quality recruitment, orientation and academic advising and registration for students in the Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences (MCNHS). The incumbent is the first point of contact for students pursuing their education at the University of Massachusetts Boston and serves as the primary resource person for these students. The Student Services Specialist will also explain and interpret university policies and serve as an advocate for students when appropriate.

• Serve as the first point of contact for current and/or interested students in the Nursing Program through MCNHS.
• Work with representatives from Admissions, Registrars and MCNHS Student Success and Engagement regarding recruitment, retention, advising and registration of current and potential students in the online program.
• Provide comprehensive academic advising through walk‑in hours and/or appointments and group advising to new and current students throughout the academic year and summer sessions. Assist students in course selection, degree completion and meeting general education and major requirements, as well as understanding university and college policies related to academic progress. Identify and advise students in academic jeopardy.
• Monitor waitlists for MCNHS courses and manually override the WISER system as needed to facilitate course enrollments. Register students for courses in WISER when manual overrides are required. Work with MCNHS Senior Director of Student Success and Engagement to review these requests.
• Maintain all student records and files.
• Maintain compliance with FERPA and other state and federal regulations.
• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Student Success and Engagement in developing and scheduling new student orientations. Conduct group and individual advising sessions as part of the university‑wide orientation program.
• Work with the Senior Director and others on implementation of enrollment management practices.
• Assist the Senior Director with planning and implementing policies and procedures aimed at improving academic support services and advising systems to enhance student retention. Develop and implement improvement plans and consult with the Senior Director regarding such implementation.
• Collaborate with staff members to support various office programs, including planning of convocation and commencement.
• Participate in university, collegiate and recruitment activities such as information sessions and university open houses.
• Participate in university‑wide advising collaboration. Attend professional conferences and training programs at the discretion of the Senior Director.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s Degree and three to five (3‑5) years of experience in academic advising and/or providing direct student services in higher education is required.

Experience with university admissions systems and student record retrieval is preferred.

• Knowledge of software applications, including office software and database management.
• Knowledge of current student development theory and research.
• Proven ability to work with diverse populations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently in a team capacity with a broad range of staff to accomplish departmental and program goals.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently.
• Ability to work under pressure and within deadlines.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to supervise work of work‑study students.
• Ability to prepare written reports, correspondence and recommendations.
• Strong commitment to customer service.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the capacity to work cooperatively with a wide range of individuals.
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail.

Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and a list of three professional references. Review of candidates will begin following the Final date to receive applications.

Only internal candidates in the Professional Staff Bargaining Unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.

Salary ranges for the appropriate pay grade can be found at the following link:
Grade 30. This is an exempt union position. All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources.

UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HR or 617‑287‑5150.