Academic Completion Specialist

Drake State Community & Technical College; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Drake State Community and Technical College is seeking an Academic Completion Specialist to mentor and advise students within the Admissions Office framework. The role emphasizes relationship-building, academic planning, and leveraging campus resources to support student success.

Responsibilities include maintaining regular contact, supporting pre-admission through graduation milestones, and reporting progress to college leadership and grant administrators.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Responsibilities

• Build student relationships and provide curriculum-informed mentoring.
• Provide direct, comprehensive program guidance to assigned students.
• Maintain regular communication with students per college protocols.
• Assist students in educational planning from pre-admission to graduation.
• Monitor student progress and encourage and guide students.
• Identify campus services/resources and facilitate access (tutoring, counseling, career services).
• Track retention, graduation and transfer data; report as required.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Public speaking

Confidential information handling

Collaboration

Listening and communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Internet capabilities

Banner

Degree Works

CRM Software

Job description

The Academic Completion Specialist mentors and advises students and reports to the Admissions Office. The Academic Completion Specialist will adhere to the policies as specified by the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees and the Drake State Community and Technical College Faculty and Staff Handbook.

Continuation of position is contingent upon grant funding.

Salary: Appropriate placement on the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees

Salary Schedule E4, Grade 5

Salary Range $35,670- $53,865 (12 months, Non-Exempt).

Work Hours: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm Monday - Thursday and 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Friday

• Build student relationships and provide curricular-informed mentoring
• Provide direct, comprehensive program guidance to assigned students
• Maintain regular communication with students according to college protocols
• Assist students in their educational planning and progress from pre-admission until graduation
• Maintain contact with assigned students throughout the semester via phone, email, in-person meetings, and other means of communication to monitor student progress and provide encouragement and guidance
• Assist students in identifying appropriate campus services/resources and facilitate their use of those services/resources including tutoring, counseling and career services
• Monitor student academic progress via the student early alert system, intervene as necessary to assist those students having difficulty, and complete required college reports on their progress
• Foster students’ accountability for individual academic performance and career goals
• Assist with New Student Orientation each semester
• Assist with admission and registration
• Assist the Student Success Specialist in conducting study skills seminars
• Consult with faculty concerning assigned students
• Assist the Student Success Specialist in providing effective student coaching, specifically in the areas of goal setting, time management, self-advocacy, and study skills
• Track students for the purpose of collecting data on retention, graduation, grade point averages, and transfer rates
• Work as liaison with college bookstore
• Participate on college-wide committees as assigned
• Maintain professional conduct in dealing with students and the college community
• Dispense necessary reports in a timely manner
• Attend all called meetings
• Continue professional development through professional organizations, seminars, etc. to maintain and improve skills
• Retain and submit documentation as requested to support accreditation, grant administration, and reporting efforts of the College
• Perform other work-related responsibilities as assigned by the Student Success Specialist, Dean of Students, and/or President

Job description may be modified or altered at any time by management.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of an earned Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Documented experience in academic advising
• Demonstrated interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to effectively analyze ambiguous information and respond appropriately
• Experience in group presentations
• Ability to process and maintain highly confidential information
• Ability to work effectively with individuals of varying backgrounds, abilities, outlooks, ages, and nationalities
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Internet capabilities
• Excellent collaboration skills and ability to work as a member of a team
• Demonstrated exceptional listening, verbal, written, organizational, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Membership in an advising organization such as NACADA
• Documented evidence of experience in Personal, Social, and Vocational Counseling/Student Development or related field
• Experience with Banner, Degree Works, and CRM Software
• Knowledge of the programs of study offered at the College

DESIRED PROFILE

Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate through their experiences and accomplishments:

• Understanding of and commitment to the philosophy and mission of a community and technical college
• Sensitivity and commitment to cultural diversity
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and various situations in a calm and professional manner
• Ability to work well under pressure and deadlines
• Commitment to teaching and learning, where recent high school graduates, adult students, and non-traditional students are involved

Background Check Requirement

In accordance with Alabama Community College System Policy and guidelines, the applicant chosen for employment will be required to sign a consent form and agree to a criminal background check. Employment will be contingent upon the receipt of a clearance notification from the criminal background check.

Drake State Community and Technical College is an equal opportunity employer. It is the official policy of the Alabama Community College System, that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, disability, gender, religion, creed, national origin, or age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or employment. Drake State will make reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled applicants or employees. Drake State reserves the right to withdraw this job announcement at any time prior to awarding. Drake State compiles information about safety and security and publishes an annual report. This report can be found on the website by accessing the crime and safety report link. The link can be found on the Drake State home page by clicking the \"About Drake State\" tab and then selecting the \"Campus Security Report\" link. A copy can also be obtained by contacting the Director of Operations at 256-551-5210.

The College reserves the right to fill the position within (120) days of the job announcement stated closing date or to not fill the position due to budgetary or operational considerations. Further, the College reserves the right to fill more than one position in the same job classification should another vacancy occur during the search process.