Student Support Specialist (52532)

New Mexico Highlands University; Rio Rancho (NM); On-site; USD 57,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico Highlands University in Rio Rancho seeks an experienced administrator to support student services and records. The role involves coordinating with Financial Aid, Registrar, Admissions, and advising offices to ensure smooth operations.

The incumbent will handle confidential data, communicate with students, and assist with recruitment activities, training, and policy compliance in a collegial campus environment.

Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor's degree.
• Two years of higher education administrative experience preferred.
• Ability to handle confidential student records in accordance with federal regulations.
• Strong communication and organizational skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Process actions to support Business Office, Financial Aid, Registrar, and advisement functions using Banner and related systems.
• Support recruitment and admissions activities.
• Maintain accurate, confidential student records in line with federal regulations.
• Advise and liaise with NMHU offices to resolve student issues and support academic programs.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Data confidentiality

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Self-Service Banner

Job description

Job Details

• Job Location: Rio Rancho, NM 87124
• Position Type: Full Time -Reg
• Education Level: Bachelor's Degree
• Salary Range: $63,077.57
• SalaryTravel Percentage: Up to 50%
• Job Category: Staff

SUMMARY

The incumbent in this position shall provide excellent customer service in supporting the needs of allNMHUstudents and work closely with other employees and students in a collegial, cooperative environment as well as comply with allNMHUpolicies 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 withNMHUfront 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

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