Student Engagement Specialist III (TRIO Student Support Services

Position Description

The TRIO Student Support Services department in the Division of Student Affairs is seeking to hire a Student Engagement Specialist III. The Student Engagement Specialist is responsible to manage the operational aspects of the TRIO Student Support Services program, including daily operations, grant management, data collection and compliance, student advising, and program assessment. This position serves as the operational lead for the department, collaborating closely with the Director on budget development, reporting, and strategic planning, and assumes department leadership in the Director's absence.

The Engagement Specialist provides direct student support through advising and retention initiatives and contributes to recruitment, assessment and continuous improvement efforts to promote student persistence and success.

• Serves as the operational lead for the department, ensuring effective operations and continuity of services
• Collaborates to develop, monitor and manage the department's annual budget
• Assumes program leadership and decision-making authority in the absence of the director

• Assists to manage the maintenance and integrity of student records to ensure full compliance with federal program grant requirements
• Leads program assessment and evaluation efforts, using data to guide continuous improvement
• Analyzes program data and assessment results to recommend, implement, and evaluate initiatives that enhance student success
• Designs and oversees retention strategies, including early alert systems and academic interventions for at-risk students

• Advises assigned program participants regarding academic, personal, and career factors
• Monitors academic progress and development of individualized Plans of Academic Support
• Ensures accurate and compliant documentation of student eligibility, services, and outcomes
• Collaborates with other University departments and staff to connect students to resources including academic advisors, faculty, student support offices, peer tutors and administrators
• Interprets and clarifies University policies, procedures, and processes to assist students in their understanding and help them navigate applicable situations
• Co-leads and supports recruitment efforts through strategic outreach, facilitating intake processes, and collaboration with campus partners
• Administers and facilitates award program scholarships in accordance with institutional guidelines
• Consistently promotes student engagement and participation in program activities and services
• Assists to facilitate engaging and reflective learning experiences inclusive of off-campus academic, cultural, and service-learning activities; transports students as required, ensuring student safety and compliance with institutional travel policies

• Collaborates to recruit, hire, onboard, train, and supervise student staff including a student manager and students participating in federal work-study assignments
• Manages staff scheduling and facilitates performance management processes

• Contributes to strategic planning and program development initiatives aligned with grant objectives and institutional priorities
• Assists with other departments' and division initiatives as necessary including, but not limited to, freshman orientation, Welcome Week, and fall resident move-in
• Performs other duties and completes special projects as assigned

• Bachelor's degree in counseling, social work, or a related field
• Three (3) years of progressive experience in program administration, fiscal management, and record-keeping

Bachelor's degree in a related field and four (4) years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Grade 6 (Salaried)

This is a full-time, exempt position with a 37.5-hour regular workweek including occasional evening and weekend hours as required. Additional work hours may be required based on department needs, programming, staffing, and/or scheduling. The primary work location for this position is at the Belknap Campus. Occasional overnight travel (for professional development, conferences, student trips, etc.) may be required.

The University of Louisville offers competitive benefits and perks to eligible full-time and part-time employees. Please visit the University of Louisville Benefits webpage for details.

The Division of Student Affairs encourages candidates to apply who have demonstrated the capacity to create supportive work environments, collaborate effectively on teams, and serve the students we admit and aim to attract.