Transition Specialist (Temporary Hire)

Cal Poly Humboldt; California; On-site; USD 57,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Outstanding vacation

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Pre-tax health & dependent care FSA

Fee waiver education program

PERS retirement plan

15 paid holidays

Job summary

Cal Poly Humboldt is hiring a Transition Specialist in Learning Communities. The role advances the Student Success Framework by supporting cross-divisional transition initiatives for transfer and first-year students.

You will lead the development and delivery of transition curriculum within PBLCs, helping students build early academic skills and connect to campus resources and career pathways. The position includes leading transfer initiatives, supporting the Transfer Center, and coordinating

Qualifications

• Two years of professional experience in student services or related field.
• Master’s degree in a job-related field may substitute for one year of the professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Transition Curriculum Leadership and Implementation across PBLCs to support student success outcomes.
• Coordinate campus-wide implementation of transition curriculum.
• Develop and implement programs that support transfer student onboarding, engagement, and persistence.
• Collaborate with EMSS and Transfer Center leadership to expand coordinated services.

Job description

Transition Specialist

Learning Communities

Job # 562923

Close Date: November 12 th , 2026

(Internal Only, Temporary)

At Cal Poly Humboldt, bold hearts and open minds shape the future.

Founded in 1913, Cal Poly Humboldt began as a small college for teachers. Today Humboldt has grown into a comprehensive university with rigorous science and liberal arts programs. Designated a polytechnic in 2022, Cal Poly Humboldt provides hands‑on, impactful educational opportunities that lead to meaningful, measurable outcomes for the individual, for the state, and the world.

Cal Poly Humboldt is proud to have more than 6,000 students of all backgrounds spread across 61 majors, 13 graduate programs, and 4 credential programs — all of whom contribute passion and creativity within their fields and set the stage for a future grounded in equity and sustainability. Hands‑on learning, inspired teaching, ground‑breaking research, and thought‑provoking creative activity happen daily at Humboldt.

Finding a better future is a task for the bold and open, the down‑to‑earth and visionary. Cal Poly Humboldt strives to cultivate these qualities in leaders, innovators, and scholars in every field. As part of the California State University (CSU) system, Cal Poly Humboldt is part of one of the nation’s largest and most impactful public university systems, where education, innovation, and service create meaningful change for California and beyond. See what it’s like to work at the CSU—watch our video and imagine your future at Cal Poly Humboldt.

(Job #562923) Student Services Professional II, Transition Specialist

Anticipated Hiring Range

$5,083-$5,337 per month

Salary Range

$5,083-$7,228 per month

The University currently anticipates offering compensation within the Anticipated Hiring Range listed in the job posting. The Classification Range represents the full salary range assigned to this position, including potential salary growth over time. Final salary placement is commensurate with experience, internal equity, and budget considerations.

This is a temporary, full‑time, benefited, exempt, 12‑month pay plan position in Learning Communities.

This position comes with a premium benefits package that includes outstanding vacation, medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, voluntary pre‑tax health and dependent care reimbursement accounts, a fee waiver education program, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and 15 paid holidays per year.

• outstanding vacation
• medical
• dental
• vision plans
• life insurance
• voluntary pre‑tax health and dependent care reimbursement accounts
• a fee waiver education program
• membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
• 15 paid holidays per year

Additional benefits information can be found at https://www.humboldt.edu/hr/employee-benefits.

Please note that this is an internal recruitment open only to active, stateside, Cal Poly Humboldt Employees.

Position Summary

The Transition Specialist advances Cal Poly Humboldt’s Student Success Framework by supporting coordinated academic and co‑curricular pathways that promote student retention, belonging, and career readiness. This position plays a central cross‑divisional role between Academic Programs and Enrollment Management & Student Success (EMSS), with a focus on transfer student success and first‑year transition.

The role leads the development and implementation of transition curriculum within Place‑Based Learning Communities (PBLCs), ensuring students build early academic skills, connect to campus resources, and explore career pathways.

Additionally, the position supports transfer student initiatives and the development of the Transfer Center, helping ensure students receive coordinated, holistic support.

Key Responsibilities

• Transition Curriculum Leadership and Implementation (30%)
• Coordinate campus‑wide implementation of transition curriculum in PBLCs, aligning with student success outcomes (belonging, academic skills, goal setting, and career exploration)
• Provide professional consultation to faculty and campus partners in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of transition curriculum that supports student success outcomes
• Support assessment, mapping, and continuous improvement of transition curriculum across programs
• Transfer Student Success and Transition Support (30%)
• Develop and implement programming that supports transfer student onboarding, engagement, and persistence
• Collaborate with EMSS and Transfer Center leadership to expand coordinated services and address transfer student needs
• Support transfer‑focused events, workshops, and outreach efforts in partnership with campus units
• Meet with transfer students to guide students towards necessary resources
• Support in Transfer Success Pathway; approving of students in agreements and meeting directly with students to ensure they stay on track for their agreement.
• Career Pathway Integration and Student Success Framework Alignment (15%)
• Integrate career exploration and pathway development into transition curriculum and early student experiences
• Collaborate with Career Development Center and CIACE to connect students to career resources, experiential learning, and professional development opportunities
• Support efforts that align academic experiences with career goals and workforce readiness
• Cross‑Divisional Collaboration and Program Coordination (10%)
• Serve as a liaison between Academic Programs, EMSS, faculty, and student support services
• Coordinate and implement programming (e.g., Welcome Week, workshops, co‑curricular events) that supports student transition and success
• Facilitate partnerships that integrate advising, academic support, and student engagement
• Assessment, Data, and Continuous Improvement (10%)
• Collect data on student participation, engagement, and learning outcomes
• Analyze assessment findings and recommend program improvements based on evidence and institutional priorities
• Contribute to reporting and evaluation aligned with institutional priorities
• Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Associated With This Position Include

As listed in Classification Standards

• Working knowledge of the practices, procedures and activities of the program to which assigned;
• General knowledge of the methods and problems of organizational and program management. General knowledge of research and interview techniques; and of the principles of individual and group behavior.

Ability To

• interpret and apply program rules and regulations; use initiative and resourcefulness in planning work assignments and in implementing long‑range program improvements.
• Obtain factual and interpretative information through interviews.
• Reason logically.
• collect, compile, analyze and evaluate data and make verbal or written presentations based on these data; advise students individually and in groups on routine matters where required.
• Recognize multicultural, multisexed and multi‑aged value systems and work accordingly.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, CSU administrators, student organizations, private and public agencies and others in committee work, and student advising and community contacts.
• Rapidly acquire a general knowledge of the overall operation, functions and programs of the campus to which assigned.
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions and carry through actions having implications with regard to other program or service areas Services Office.

As Related To Major Responsibilities

• Ability to build collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, administrators, and community partners across organizational units.
• Knowledge of higher education practices related to first‑year experience, transfer student success, advising, orientation, or retention initiatives.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving students from diverse backgrounds and fostering an inclusive and welcoming campus environment.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to collaborative teams.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience: Possession of these knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent of two years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas or in a related field; experience should give evidence of competence and indicate the potential for further growth. A master’s degree in a job‑related field may be substituted for one year of the professional experience.
• Education: 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. Additional specialized experience during which the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with first‑year and/or transfer student populations.
• Experience developing curriculum or educational programming for student success initiatives.
• Experience working within learning communities or first‑year experience programs.
• Experience with program assessment, learning outcomes assessment, and continuous improvement processes.
• Experience facilitating workshops or training for faculty, staff, or students.
• Experience using student success technologies (e.g., EAB Navigate, Canvas, PeopleSoft, or similar systems).

Application Deadline

The deadline to submit application materials is 11:55 p.m. November 12 th , 2026

Any inquiries about this recruitment can be directed to [e-mail] or Cal Poly Humboldt’s Human Resources Office at [phone].

We acknowledge that Cal Poly Humboldt is located on the unceded lands of the Wiyot people, where they have resided from time immemorial. We encourage all to gain a deeper understanding of their history and thriving culture. As an expression of our gratitude we are genuinely committed to developing trusting, reciprocal, and long lasting partnerships with the Wiyot people as well as all of our neighboring tribes. Cal Poly Humboldt was the first campus in the California State University system to offer a stand‑alone major in Native American Studies.

Cal Poly Humboldt is committed to enriching its educational environment and its culture through the diversity of its staff, faculty, and administration. Persons with interest and experience in helping organizations set and achieve goals relative to diversity and inclusion are especially encouraged to apply.

Working in the state of California is a condition of employment for this position. Even if part or all of an employee's assignment can be performed remotely, the employee must maintain a permanent residence in the state of California. The employee must be able to accept on‑campus work assignment, as assigned, and come to campus when needed.

CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in‑person program or activity (on‑ or off‑campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID‑19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measure established by each campus. The systemwide policy can be found at CSU Vaccination Policy and any questions you have may be submitted to [e-mail].

Cal Poly Humboldt hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. This position may be considered a “Campus Security Authority”, pursuant to the Clery Act, and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1107 a condition of employment.

CAL POLY HUMBOLDT IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

Evidence of required degree(s), certification(s), or license(s) is required prior to the appointment date. Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check, employment verification, and education verification) is required for employment. Cal Poly Humboldt will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or if it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Certain positions may also require a credit check, motor vehicle report, and/or fingerprinting through Live Scan service. Failure to satisfactorily complete or adverse findings from a background check may affect the employment status of candidates or continued employment of current CSU employees who are being considered for the position.

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, the Cal Poly Humboldt provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment