Student Success Splst at The University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM

Job description

The College Enrichment & Outreach Programs (CEOP) within the Division of Student Affairs at The University of New Mexico seeks a Student Success Specialist who is passionate about expanding educational access and helping individuals achieve their educational goals. Reporting to the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) Director, this position supports community outreach and individualized assistance for participants seeking to enter, return to, or continue postsecondary education. As a federally funded TRIO program, EOC provides free services that help participants navigate educational opportunities. The program serves individuals at different stages of their educational journey, including adults returning to school, students transitioning into college, and individuals seeking a high school equivalency credential. Through community partnerships and personalized support, EOC helps participants understand their options, address barriers, and move from educational interest to enrollment. The Student Success Specialist will provide services virtually and at community locations throughout Bernalillo, Sandoval, Valencia, Torrance, and Socorro counties, including the EOC sites at UNM and CNM Main Campuses. This position contributes directly to the EOC team’s shared responsibility to provide proactive outreach, consistent participant follow-up, and maintaining availability to provide services when and where community members can access them. The professional selected for this position will: Develop and implement outreach strategies, in collaboration with other EOC staff, to identify and recruit eligible participants and meet the program’s annual target of 1,400 qualified participants. Assist participants with college admissions, FAFSA completion, scholarship applications, and enrollment at the institution of their choice. Facilitate workshops, presentations, and individualized educational support addressing college access, general academic guidance, career exploration, and financial literacy. Help participants navigate transferring from two-year to four-year institutions, returning to college after stopping out, or connecting with high school completion and adult education programs. Maintain regular contact with participants to identify unmet needs, monitor educational progress, and support completion of enrollment steps. Collaborate with schools, colleges, and community organizations to coordinate services, strengthen referrals, and reach participants who face barriers to educational access. Ensure participant intake applications and required documentation are accurate and complete; maintain confidential participant records, document services and outcomes, and assist with reporting and assessment activities. Complete and pass all required employment background checks. Perform additional job-related duties as assigned by the EOC Director or Sr. Student Success Specialist to support the successful completion of EOC’s objectives and federal grant requirements. Work Schedule and Travel Requirements This position requires occasional work outside the standard Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. schedule, including evening community outreach events, typically from 5:00–8:30 p.m., as well as occasional weekend activities and events, alongside EOC professional or student staff. Participation in these assignments is a required responsibility of the position. Occasional driving to assigned worksites and outreach locations throughout the five-county service area is also required. The selected candidate must have reliable transportation for required travel or be eligible and able to drive UNM vehicles and must possess a valid driver’s license. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong communication and organizational skills, initiative, and sensitivity to participants from varied backgrounds, including individuals experiencing homelessness, formerly incarcerated individuals, and adults balancing education with work and family responsibilitie