Student Support Specialist

New-Mexico-Highlands-University; Rio Rancho (NM); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico Highlands University in Rio Rancho seeks an Administrative Coordinator to provide excellent student services and support across offices including Financial Aid, Registrar, Admissions and more. You will maintain confidential student records and act as liaison to multiple university units, helping to resolve issues while upholding NMHU policies.

The role requires travel, a valid driver's license, and willingness to work overtime; preference for a bachelor’s degree and 2 years of higher

Qualifications

• Proven ability to handle confidential student records and adhere to federal regulations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience supporting multiple higher education functions (Financial Aid, Registrar, Admissions).
• Willingness to travel and to work overtime as needed.

Responsibilities

• Support Operations/Office Management for Business Office, Financial Aid, Registrar and Advisement functions.
• Maintain accurate student interaction records while protecting confidentiality.
• Assist in Admissions and Recruitment processes and departmental meetings.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Confidential data handling

Customer service orientation

Education

Baccalaureate Degree in any discipline

Tools

Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint

Job description

SUMMARY:The incumbent in this position shall provide excellent customer service in supporting the needs of all NMHU students and work closely with other employees and students in a collegial, cooperative environment as well as comply with all NMHU policies and regulations. This position will work with general student records and must be able to perform all duties in a professional manner and maintain confidentiality of all University and student records. Additionally, this position serves as an advisor/liaison to proactively work with NMHU front line offices to solve student issues related, but not limited to: Financial Aid Scholarship, Human Resources, Registrar, Admissions, Graduate, Business Office, and Center (as necessary) matters.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Operations/Office Management:• Utilize Internet Native and Self-Service Banner on a regular basis to process necessary actions to support Business Office, Financial Aid, Registrar, and advisement, etc. functions.• Support recruitment efforts;• Maintain accurate records of student and prospective student interactions while maintaining student record confidentiality in accordance with federal regulations;• Maintain timely, positive communications between the university, students, and prospective students via telephone, email, social media, etc.;• Advocate for students and serve as liaison to multiple functional areas of the university;• Engage in professional development activities;• Maintain regular attendance;• Perform other job related duties as assigned.Financial Aid & Scholarships:• Support students with scholarship application procedures and deadlines;• Support student needs related to Consortium Agreements with visiting institutions;• Support VA Certifying Official in the coordination and maintenance of VA files, as necessary;• Participate in Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships departmental meetings, as necessary.Admissions & Recruitment:• Understand, advise, and process, as necessary, new student applications for admission, transcript requests/submissions, etc.;• Support NMHU recruitment efforts;• Participate in Office of Admissions and Recruitment departmental meetings, as necessary.Registrar:• Assist new students in accessing and utilizing Self-Service Banner, student email, Degree Audit, and navigating the NMHU website online docs, etc.;• Understand, advise, and coordinate, student registration, appeals, VA paperwork, applications for degree, transcript requests/submissions, pre-requisites, permission requirements, etc.;• Coordinate with Registrar on student record updates;• Participate in Registrar departmental meetings, as necessary.Advisement:• Advise transfer students on transfer process, basic transfer evaluation, educational options, and program articulation or transfer agreements, and refer students to the appropriate faculty member, Chair, or Dean, when necessary;• Support academic programs in student progress;• Understand and advise on MOUs and articulation (transfer) agreements with partner schools;• In coordination with faculty advisor, assist students with appropriate paperwork such as course substitutions, programs of study, orals packets, independent studies, etc.• Participate in academic program departmental meetings, as necessary.MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:• Must be willing to travel;• Must have a valid Driver’s License;• Must be available for Notary certification, as necessary;• Must be willing to work overtime, evenings, and weekends, as required.Preferred Qualifications:• EDUCATION: Baccalaureate Degree in any discipline. Baccalaureate degree may be substituted with a minimum of five years’ experience in at least two of the functional areas listed in DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES.• EXPERIENCE: Two (2) years’ higher education experience in administrative work.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:• Demonstrate respect for all individuals and sensitivity to cultural and language differences; • Knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint etc.);• Knowledge of basic mathematics and statistics; • Knowledge of applicable university policies and procedures;• Considerable knowledge of English, grammar, and spelling with excellent proof reading skills;• Ability to work with sensitive, confidential data, and records;• Knowledge of general office practices and procedures;• Ability to maintain effective working relationships; • Skilled typist and knowledge of proper telephone etiquette;• Ability to create presentations and communicate both orally and in writing at a high level;• Ability to utilize independent judgment;• Ability to work with minimal direction and supervision;• Ability to exercise patience and maintain composure during stressful situations.PHYSICAL DEMANDS:• Repetitive hand motions and prolonged use of computer.• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to forty (40) pounds.• Sitting for extended periods of time. • Kneel, bend, reach, and stoop. • Walking for extended periods of time.WORK ENVIRONMENT:• Work is performed in a typical interior/office work environment. • Work with frequent interruptions