Student Success Specialist​/Academic Advisor

Thank you for your interest in working at William Paterson University.

William Paterson University is a purpose-driven, proudly diverse community-designated as both a public Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution-committed to creating transformative academic, professional, and personal experiences as a powerhouse of progress. We foster a workplace that values growth, flexibility, and community, and we are recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Forbes' Best Employers by State, 2025 Great College to Work For, and honored with the NJBIZ Empowering Women Award.

Our 1,000 dedicated staff members enjoy competitive benefits, a four-day summer workweek, tuition support, and strong opportunities for internal promotion. Situated on a scenic suburban campus just 20 miles from New York City, WP offers a diverse, inclusive environment where your contributions fuel student success, economic and social mobility, and community engagement. Together, we empower our students through intentional, holistic support within flexible, innovative, and inclusive settings-preparing graduates to thrive professionally and personally, and to lead with a commitment to progress in New Jersey and beyond.

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Senior Director of WP Online Student Support, the Student Success Specialist/Academic Advisor supports online learners --- particularly adult learners --- by fostering an engaging, inclusive, and student-centered virtual environment. This role provides comprehensive, end-to-end support from acceptance through degree completion, integrating academic advising, financial guidance, academic support, and resource-connection to promote overall student success. In addition to direct student support, this position plays a key role in enhancing the unit's web presence and leading strategic communication efforts.

With a smaller caseload, the Specialist/Advisor is positioned to take on expanded responsibilities in marketing, communications, and program development. Working collaboratively with the Associate Director and Assistant Director, this role contributes to the design and implementation of targeted initiatives --- including student engagement and resource-connection programming --- aimed at promoting enrollment, persistence, and timely degree completion for adult learners. The Student Success Specialist/Academic Advisor is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environment and works collaboratively to support student achievement and institutional goals.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain a caseload of WP Online undergraduate students from acceptance through graduation, with a balanced advising load that supports expanded responsibilities in web presence, marketing, and communication efforts.
• Advise students on academic curricula, program requirements, majors, and online program policies and processes to facilitate academic progress and timely degree completion and support inclusive engagement with English language learners.
• Respond promptly to student inquiries via email, phone, and virtual meetings; provide accurate information and assist students in navigating communication with faculty regarding course concerns.
• Track academic progress for assigned students; conduct proactive outreach to those in academic difficulty and make referrals to campus resources as appropriate.
• Develop and implement targeted programming to support returning adult learners, including onboarding modules, orientation sessions, and resource-connection initiatives that enhance readiness, persistence, and long-term success.
• Support general onboarding and success services for all new WP Online students. Collaborate with Enrollment Management offices-including Undergraduate Admissions, Registrar, Financial Aid, and Student Enrollment Services-to ensure smooth matriculation and acclimation to WP Online.
• Participate in weekly strategic meetings with the College of Adult and Professional Studies (ACT Team) to address student barriers, promote success, and support ongoing program development.
• Support and enhance the unit's web presence and communication strategy by maintaining and updating webpages,…