Student Success Specialist

• Location 610 W 4TH ST,STORM LAKE, IA, ,United States
• Job Category Staff
• Employee Type Hourly

Buena Vista University (BVU) invites applications for a graduate programs Student Success Specialist based on our Storm Lake 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.

• 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

• 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.

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• 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.