Navigation Specialist

Navigation Specialist Multicultural Affairs for Students | Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Empower Student Success. Build Community. Make an Impact.

At Western Michigan University, we believe every student deserves the support, resources, and connections needed to thrive. We are seeking a passionate, relationship-driven Navigation Specialist to join our Multicultural Affairs for Students team and serve as a key contributor to the University's innovative Empowering Futures Navigator Network.

This role is more than advising. It is an opportunity to help students navigate challenges, strengthen their sense of belonging, and successfully persist to graduation while contributing to a campus culture that values engagement, access, and student achievement.

Navigate and collaborate across campus and community partners while supporting student success through data-informed practices and innovative programming.

As a Navigation Specialist, you will work directly with students while serving as a connector among university resources, faculty, staff, and community partners. You will:

• Create and implement programs and initiatives that support student retention, engagement, and success.
• Provide individualized guidance and holistic support to students as part of the Empowering Futures Navigator Network.
• Foster a welcoming environment that promotes belonging, persistence, and academic achievement.
• Collaborate across academic and student affairs units to identify and address student needs.
• Develop partnerships with community organizations and campus stakeholders to enhance student support systems.
• Collect, analyze, and utilize data to assess program effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and communications that demonstrate program outcomes and impact.
• Contribute to university-wide efforts focused on student development, engagement, and graduation success.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about student success and educational achievement.
• Skilled at building authentic relationships and navigating complex situations.
• An effective communicator who can engage diverse audiences with empathy and professionalism.
• Collaborative, organized, and solutions-oriented.
• Comfortable using data to inform decisions and improve outcomes.
• Committed to creating positive experiences that help students reach their full potential.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a related field.
• Three years of relevant professional experience.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience providing guidance and support to students or other constituents.
• Experience with databases, spreadsheets, and office software applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.

Western Michigan University is a vibrant, learner-centered public research university where innovation, collaboration, and student success drive everything we do. Located in the heart of Kalamazoo, WMU offers employees the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working within a welcoming and supportive campus community.

WMU employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Professional growth and development opportunities
• A collaborative campus culture committed to excellence and belonging

This is an opportunity to help shape the student experience and contribute to transformative outcomes for students across Western Michigan University. Become part of a team dedicated to empowering the next generation of Broncos.

Western Michigan University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive learning and working environment.