Success Advocate

Arizona State University; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Reduced tuition

Health benefits

Retirement programs

Paid holidays

Job summary

Arizona State University’s Pat Tillman Veterans Center on the Polytechnic Campus seeks an Administrative Operations Specialist 2 to support veterans and military‑connected students. Responsibilities include advocacy, coaching, and coordinating resources to aid students on their academic journey.

The role emphasizes trauma‑informed care, confidentiality, and collaboration with academic advisors, counselors, and career services to foster student success.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of veterans services and campus resources.
• Experience with crisis response and de-escalation.
• Ability to maintain accurate case notes and follow FERPA guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized advocacy and holistic support to military-connected students and veterans.
• Develop trusting relationships through active listening and trauma-informed care.
• Assess needs and connect students with university, VA, and community resources.
• Maintain accurate case notes and ensure confidentiality.
• Collaborate with campus partners to coordinate comprehensive student support.

Skills

Active listening skills

Crisis intervention

Trauma-informed care

Confidentiality (FERPA)

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Job Profile: Administrative Operations Specialist 2

Job Family: Administrative Operations

Time Type: Full time

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and three (3) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Job Profile Summary: Supports and instructs those served by the department with routine to intermediate queries, applies fundamental knowledge of multiple standards, policies and procedures, and maintains accurate and detailed records.

Job Description:

Position Salary Range: $40,000 - $45,000 per year; offer dependent on experience

Under general direction, performs veterans support functions by assisting with the planning, organizing and directing the day to day operations of the Pat Tillman Veterans Center. Reports to Assistant Director, Student Success.

Essential Duties

• Provide individualized advocacy, coaching, and holistic support to military-connected and student veterans throughout their academic journey.
• Develop trusting relationships with students through active listening, empathy, cultural humility, and a trauma-informed approach to service.
• Assess student needs and identify barriers to academic success by connecting students with appropriate university, VA, military, and community resources.
• Provide crisis response support through de‑escalation techniques, emotional support, and warm referrals to appropriate campus and community partners.
• Maintain consistent follow‑up with students to ensure successful connection to services and continued progress toward their educational goals.
• Advocate on behalf of students while empowering them to develop self‑advocacy skills and navigate university systems independently.
• Collaborate with Academic Advisors, Counseling Services, Financial Aid, Disability Resource Center, Career Services, Dean of Students, Veteran Affairs, and other campus and community partners to coordinate comprehensive student support.
• Promote an inclusive and welcoming environment where military‑connected students feel respected, valued, and heard.
• Maintain accurate case notes, referral documentation, and student interactions while adhering to FERPA and departmental confidentiality standards.
• Assist with outreach, workshops, orientations, student programming, and community‑building initiatives that foster belonging and student engagement.
• Participate in professional development related to military culture, trauma‑informed care, crisis intervention, and student success best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of military culture and the unique experiences of veterans, service members, National Guard, Reservists, dependents, survivors, and military‑connected students.
• Knowledge of student development principles and higher education support services.
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed practices and strengths‑based student support.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention and referral processes.
• Knowledge of university policies, FERPA, confidentiality, and ethical standards.
• Knowledge of campus, community, VA, and military resources available to military‑connected students.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship‑building skills.
• Excellent active listening skills with the ability to communicate empathy while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Ability to remain calm, composed, and solution‑focused during emotionally challenging situations.
• Strong de‑escalation, conflict resolution, and crisis response skills.
• Ability to recognize signs of distress and appropriately connect students to support services.
• Ability to establish trust with individuals from various backgrounds and life experiences.
• Strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple student cases.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Evidence of effective communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and build strong campus partnerships.
• Ability to manage and supervise work‑study staff.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working with veterans, service members, military families, or military‑connected populations.
• Experience providing advocacy, case management, counseling support, student affairs services, behavioral health support, or community outreach.

Working Environment

• Based at the ASU Polytechnic Campus. Travel between the Polytechnic and Tempe campuses may be required for meetings, events, or operational needs.
• Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting with extended periods of sitting while speaking on the telephone, keyboarding, and manipulating a computer mouse. The position may also require standing for varying lengths of time and walking moderate distances to perform work.
• Occasional bending, reaching, lifting, pushing, and pulling of up to 15 pounds.

Department Statement

In support of the university's mission and goals, Academic Enterprise Enrollment advances awareness of Arizona State University as the New American University through data‑informed strategies that enroll and support a patient population reflective of its vision across campus and digital immersion environments. AEE brings professionalism and discipline to the formulation of enrollment strategy and the refinement of enrollment processes and is an effective collaborator with our college and school colleagues and other enrollment partners within the Academic Enterprise, the Knowledge Enterprise, the Learning Enterprise and EdPlus. AEE comprises the following units: Academic Enterprise Communications; Academic Enterprise Enrollment Solutions; Admission Services; Financial Aid and Scholarship Services; the International Students and Scholars Center; the Pat Tillman Veterans Center; Technology and Data Solutions; and University Registrar Services.

Academic Enterprise Enrollment core values

• Make the human connection: We commit to listen, offer empathy and show compassion.
• Drive success with teamwork: We solve problems with collaboration and creativity.
• Promote a thriving community: We recognize work‑life balance and embrace our individual differences.
• Go above and beyond: We share our time, talents and expertise to make an impact in all that we do.
• See the extraordinary through our efforts: We support those who are pursuing their dreams.
• Lead with respect and positive intent in every situation: We communicate openly, genuinely and with transparency.

ASU offers an array of employee benefits, including reduced tuition for employees, their spouses and dependents; competitive rates for health and life benefits; a wellness program; disability and leave program; paid holidays; and retirement programs. Visit https://cfo.asu.edu/hr-benefits for further details, as well as https://cfo.asu.edu/hr-applicant for a message from ASU President Michael M. Crow to future ASU employees.

Driving Requirement

This position may require driving. Employee must possess a valid US Driver's license of the appropriate class and required endorsements throughout employment.

Location

Campus: Polytechnic

Funding

No Federal Funding

Graduate Assistant, Intern and part‑time positions are counted as half time for experience equivalency, meaning one year equals six months of experience.

Only electronic applications will be accepted for this position. By submitting an application, you confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete.

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco‑free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance - For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources.

ASU's comprehensive benefits package is a key part of your total compensation. Visit the ASU Compensation Estimator.

Employment Verification Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Fingerprint Check Statement

This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check.