Senior Student Success Specialist

Purdue University; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 58,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Purdue University seeks a Senior Student Success Specialist to lead the ISB-driven Science Innovation Learning Community (SILC) initiatives in West Lafayette. You will teach the first-year SILC course and design impactful experiential opportunities with industry mentors, alumni, and researchers.

You will work across the College of Science, Daniels School of Business, and Residential Learning Communities to foster interdisciplinary learning, innovation, and career-ready skills in students.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, Science or STEM background.
• Four (4) years of experience in higher-education program administration, student engagement, or experiential learning.
• Managerial experience in science-based industries.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across academic units and with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Teach the first-year SILC course.
• Design and oversee high-impact experiential opportunities (mentorship, professional development, undergraduate research, innovation challenges).
• Collaborate with College of Science, Daniels School of Business, Residential Learning Communities, industry partners and alumni networks.
• Advance an integrated educational model preparing students for science, business, and entrepreneurial careers.

Skills

Program development

Student advising

Collaboration

Relationship building

Written and verbal communication

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Data analysis & assessment

Intercultural competencies

Training capability

Organizational leadership

Innovation & collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree (Science or STEM)

4 years higher-education program administration/experience

Managerial experience in science-based industries

Job description

Job Title: Senior Student Success Specialist

City: West Lafayette

Job Description:

Job Summary

Science Innovation Learning Community (SILC) | College of Science

The Science Innovation Learning Community (SILC) is a dynamic learning ecosystem designed to empower students in the new Integrated Science and Business (ISB) major to connect scientific inquiry with entrepreneurial thinking, innovation, and real-world impact. Through immersive experiences, collaborative exploration, and global engagement, SILC helps students transform ideas into opportunities and discoveries into solutions.

The Senior Student Success Specialist will play a pivotal role in shaping this transformative student experience. This role cultivates a vibrant community of learners, innovators, and future science leaders by teaching the first-year SILC course, as well as designing and overseeing high-impact experiential opportunities, including industry and alumni mentorship, professional development programming, undergraduate research engagement, innovation challenges, and interdisciplinary learning experiences while fostering a culture of curiosity, creativity, and collaborative problem-solving.

Working closely with colleagues across the College of Science, Daniels School of Business, Residential Learning Communities, as well as industry partners and alumni networks, this position helps advance an integrated educational model that prepares students to thrive in a world increasingly shaped by scientific advancement, technological disruption, and entrepreneurial innovation.

If you are passionate about designing transformative learning experiences, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and helping students develop the capabilities to become scientific innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, we invite you to join us in building the future of science and business education.

What We're Looking For

Education and Experience Required:

• Bachelor's degree, Science or STEM background
• Four (4) years of experience in higher-education program administration, student engagement, or experiential learning
• Managerial experience in science-based industries
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across academic units and with diverse stakeholders

Preferred:

• A combination of bachelor's and master's degrees in science and business areas (i.e. biology B.S. and M.B.A.) or Ph.D. or terminal degree in a relevant discipline
• Experience:
  • with interdisciplinary programs that bridge science and business education
  • managing mentorship programs or alumni networks

Skills Required:

• Program development and management;
  • student advising
  • collaboration
  • relationship building
  • strong written and oral communication
  • working in interdisciplinary teams
  • use of data for analysis and assessment; intercultural competencies
  • ability to train
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills
• Commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in academic and co-curricular settings

Preferred:

• Knowledge of experiential learning models, residential programs, and student leadership development
• Familiarity with study abroad program management

Additional Information:

• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
• Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days -Summary of Benefits for Professional levels 1-3, Management levels 1-2 - Human Resources - Purdue University .

Career Stream

Professional P3

• Pay Band S060
• Job Code #20004221

Career path maker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/

The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $57,715 to 67,899 annually commensurate with the candidate's education and experience. The final salary offer will be determined based on a variety of factors, including equity, available budget, educational background, and relevant experience.

Who We Are

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Purdue University is an EOE employer.