Student Academic Success Specialist

San José State University; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 56,726 - 58,590; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Monthly salary range of $5,083 - $5,250

Job summary

San José State University is looking for a Student Academic Success Specialist in San Jose, California. This role involves providing academic advising and success coaching for first- and second-year students, enhancing their enrollment, retention, and overall academic experience. Essential duties include managing a caseload of students, guiding academic planning, and collaborating with campus partners to connect students with appropriate resources. Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 2 years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• 2 years of professional experience in student services or a related field.
• Ability to build rapport with a diverse student population.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to analyze student progress.

Responsibilities

• Provide holistic academic advising to first- and second-year students.
• Develop ongoing relationships with students using case management.
• Guide students in academic planning and understanding degree requirements.

Skills

Knowledge of academic advising principles

Strong advising and counseling skills

Effective communication skills

Strong organizational skills

Commitment to inclusive practices

Education

Bachelor's degree in behavioral sciences or related

Master's degree in educational counseling or a related field

Tools

Student information systems

Standard office software applications

Job description

Job no: 557471Work type: StaffLocation: San JoséCategories: Unit 4 - APC - Academic Professionals of California, Probationary, Full Time, Student Services, Telecommute eligible (work onsite as scheduled and/or as requested and telecommute as scheduled)

Job Summary

The Student Academic Success Specialist supports the enrollment, retention, and engagement of first- and second-year students through comprehensive academic advising and success coaching. This role manages a defined student caseload, providing proactive outreach, individualized support, and guidance on academic planning and university processes. The incumbent builds strong relationships to foster student success, persistence, and timely degree completion. Working under general supervision, the position contributes to institutional retention goals and enhances the overall student experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide holistic academic advising and success coaching to a cohort of first- and second-year students
• Develop and maintain ongoing relationships with students using a case management approach, including regular meetings and progress tracking
• Guide students in academic planning, goal setting, and understanding degree requirements and university policies
• Monitor student progress and implement timely interventions using early alert and student success systems
• Design and deliver programming to support student transition, academic skills development, and engagement
• Assist students in navigating university processes, including petitions, schedule changes, and academic standing concerns
• Implement targeted communication plans aligned with academic deadlines, resources, and student needs
• Collaborate with campus partners to connect students with appropriate services and resources
• Participate in orientation and campus-wide initiatives that support student success and reduce equity gaps

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of academic advising principles, student development theory, and retention strategies
• Ability to build rapport and establish trust with a diverse student population
• Strong advising, counseling, and problem‑solving skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly
• Ability to interpret and apply university policies, procedures, and academic requirements
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to analyze student progress and implement appropriate interventions
• Proficiency in student information systems and standard office software applications
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment
• Commitment to inclusive practices and equitable student support

Required Qualifications

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration, or a job-related field.
• Two years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas or in a related field.
• A master’s degree in a job-related field may be substituted for one year of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications

• A master’s degree in educational counseling or a related field.
• Experience working with students or youth in an educational, advising, counseling, or support capacity (K–12, post‑secondary, or community‑based settings).
• Experience implementing strategies or providing services that support student persistence and academic progress

Compensation

Classification: Student Services Professional II (SSP II). Anticipated Hiring Range: $5,083/month – $5,250/month. CSU Salary Range: $5,083/month – $7,228/month. San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30‑35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see Employee Benefits Summary.

Background Check

Background check (including a criminal records check, employment and education verification, and potentially motor vehicle or credit check) is required for employment. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. All background checks are conducted through the university’s third‑party vendor, Accurate Background. Candidates must disclose any final administrative or judicial decision regarding sexual harassment within the last 7 years, if applicable, before an offer of employment is extended.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self‑disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.