Senior Student Success Specialist

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

Job summary

Purdue University is seeking a Senior Student Success Specialist to teach the first-year SILC course and lead high‑impact experiential opportunities. The role collaborates with College of Science, Daniels School of Business, residential communities, and industry partners to foster inquiry, innovation, and real‑world impact.

Responsibilities include mentorship programs, undergraduate research engagement, and professional development initiatives, building a culture of curiosity and collaborative

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Science or STEM field.
• 4 years of experience in higher-education program administration, student engagement, or experiential learning.
• Managerial experience in science-based industries.
• Ability to work across academic units and with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Teach the first-year SILC course.
• Design and oversee high‑impact experiential opportunities (mentorships, industry/alumni programs).
• Develop professional development programming for students.
• Coordinate undergraduate research engagement and innovation challenges.
• Foster interdisciplinary learning and collaboration across colleges and partners.

Skills

Program development

Student advising

Collaboration

Relationship building

Communication

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Data-informed assessment

Training

Leadership

Innovation & collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Science or STEM

4 years in higher-education program admin/experiential learning

Managerial experience in science-based industries

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
• Experience 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.