Position Title:TRIO Student Support Services Specialist

Job Group:Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:Master’s degree in Student Affairs, Counseling, or Education-related field

Experience in academic advising and/or coaching

Experience working in student affairs

Experience coordinating programs in a higher education environment

Job Description:

Are you seeking a role where you can make a meaningful impact on students’ lives? Are you looking for a rewarding opportunity where you get to work with a great team?

If so, TRIO Student Support Services with Iowa State University is currently seeking candidates for a Student Support Services Specialist! This position will be classified as a Student Services Specialist II.

TRIO Student Support Services at Iowa State University serves 250 low-income, first-generation students and/or students with disabilities each year with the goal of increasing persistence and graduation rates of these students. TRIO Student Support Services is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and is a program that provides a variety of individualized services to our participants. We also develop initiatives and programming that are customized to the needs of our target population. Our students develop academic, social, and professional skills that contribute to a holistic educational experience at ISU and remain transferrable beyond graduation.

As a key member of our team, you will have the opportunity to coordinate impactful programs and events that enhance student success and personal growth. From fostering academic excellence to creating engaging community experiences, your work will directly contribute to the development of students.

Program Coordination

+ Collaborate with the Administrative Assistant to secure event venues, arrange catering, and create sign-in sheets for key events such as the Fall/Spring Kickoff, Expert Learner Series, End of Year Banquet, and Stress-Free Days. Ensure all logistical needs (meal vouchers, decorations, etc.) are met.

+ Plan engaging event activities, including icebreakers, presentations, and student recognition initiatives (e.g., Dean’s List).

+ Research, plan, and develop engaging content for the Expert Learner Series, focusing on growth vs. fixed mindset, wellness, study strategies, and financial literacy.

+ Develop and assign semester tasks to promote academic, career, and financial literacy among participants.

+ Collaborate with campus partners to share resources and expertise during large group events, such as Kickoff and the Expert Learner Series.

+ Work closely with staff to select speakers and award recipients for the End of Year Banquet.

+ Track event attendance and record data in Student Access.

+ Develop alternative assignments for participants unable to attend events and upload them to the Student Support Services Program Canvas.

+ Increase event participation by promoting through social media, Weekly Updates, and targeted emails.

+ Send personalized invitations to VIP staff and senior students for the End of Year Banquet.

Participant Case Management

+ Lead retention efforts for first-generation, low-income, disabled, and academically at-risk Student Support Services Program participants.

+ Conduct intake interviews and create individualized service plans, ensuring adherence to federal guidelines.

+ Provide ongoing academic coaching and personal counseling, supporting participants based on their service plans, degree progress, and financial aid status. Regularly monitor progress and adjust plans as necessary.

+ Coordinate with campus resources (advisors, TRIO programs, counseling services) to ensure comprehensive support for participants’ success.

+ Lead outreach and intervention efforts for students on academic warning, probation, or suspension.

+ Assist in crisis management and provide problem-solving support as needed.

Graduate Student & Peer Mentor Management

+ Graduate Assistant: Set programming goals to support professional development in leadership, advising, and assessment. Update the training manual, deliver training on key responsibilities, and provide regular feedback through evaluations. Manage the hiring process, conduct interviews, and support academic/professional growth with regular check-ins.

+ Peer Mentors: Establish goals for community-building and professional skill development. Update the training manual, train on office duties and advising, and recruit 3-4 mentors annually. Monitor progress through weekly meetings and collaborate on scheduling, working with the Administrative Assistant to manage time effectively.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.

Level Guidelines- Intermediate-level position with solid professional and/or technical skills working under general supervision to achieve goals- Applies broad, working knowledge of the principles of the field to moderately complex, difficult, and varied problems and issues- Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action and resolve problems- Responds to a broad range of inquiries and requests- May provide training and/or direction to lower-level staff- May lead projects of moderate scope and complexity- Provides guidance to students

Appointment Type:Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period

Time Type:Full time

Pay Grade:PS806

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:- Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans- Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)- Life insurance and long-term disability- Flexible Spending Accounts- Various voluntary benefits and discounts- Employee Assistance Program- Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date: December 2, 2024

Posting Close Date:December 22, 2024

Job Requisition Number:R15962

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive?land-grant?mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State , we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.

Iowa State University is a welcoming, global, and culturally diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university’s Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/diversity-and-inclusion/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu .

If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485 . Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485 . TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942 .

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.