TRIO SSS Specialist & Academic Advisor

North Iowa Area Community College; Mason City (IA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Blue Cross/BlueShield major medical

eye care

dental

life insurance

disability insurance

paid vacation

paid sick leave

retirement plans: IPERS or TIAA

Job summary

North Iowa Area Community College is seeking a TRIO SSS Specialist & Academic Advisor to assess participants' needs and provide holistic advising for educational, personal, and career goals. You will develop and implement individualized plans and connect students with resources to promote retention and success.

The role involves coordinating assessments, guiding academic planning, and collaborating with campus staff to support transfer readiness and student engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Human Services, Psychology or related field.
• Minimum of two years of experience working with the academic and developmental needs of students.
• PreferredMaster’s degree in Counseling, Student Affairs, Education, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Design curriculum, provide workshop instruction and evaluation; assist in curriculum revisions.
• Coordinate financial, academic, career, and personal development assessments; develop progress plans.
• Maintain student records in compliance with regulations; support department operations and reporting.
• Co-advise TRIO/SRS clubs; promote student participation in events and transfer activities.
• Recruit, advise, and support participants; track learning outcomes and progress toward goals.
• Develop individualized academic plans and align progress with goals; engage students individually and in groups.

Skills

Advising

Student support

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education, Human Services, Psychology or related field

Master’s degree in Counseling, Student Affairs, Education, or related field

Job description

TRIO SSS SPECIALIST & ACADEMIC ADVISOR

CATEGORY/LEVEL:PSS/8

BASIC FUNCTION:Assess the financial, academic, and personaldevelopment needs of participants in the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS)program. Provide holistic advising and individualized support to help studentsestablish, pursue, and achieve their educational, personal, and career goals.Develop and implement success plans that connect participants with appropriateresources and support services to promote retention, persistence, andcompletion. Facilitate educational workshops and instructional activities thatenhance students' academic, personal, and professional development. Guidestudents in academic planning, course selection, and degree completion whileassisting them through the transfer process and supporting their transition tofour-year institutions.

START DATE:ASAP

SALARY AND BENEFITS:Starting salary of $46,900to $57,600 based on experience. Benefits package includes Blue Cross/BlueShield major medical health insurance; eye care, dental, life and disabilityinsurance; paid vacation and sick leave; a choice of IPERS or TIAA retirementplans, and a variety of additional optional benefits.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor’s degree in Education, Human Services,Psychology or related field. Minimum of two years of experience working withthe academic and developmental needs of students.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:Master’s degree in Counseling, Student Affairs,Education, or related field. Teaching experience, as well as work with diversepopulations of college students, in addition to work or lived experience in atleast one qualifying category for SSS.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Design appropriate curriculum, provide workshop instruction and evaluation, and assist in the annual curriculum design revision.
• Coordinate and administer comprehensive financial, academic, career, and personal development assessments for SSS participants; assist students in interpreting assessment results, developing Individual Progress Plans, and implementing academic and career pathways that align with their interests, strengths, and transfer goals. Monitor participant progress, evaluate outcomes, and provide appropriate interventions.
• Maintain accurate and detailed student records in compliance with federal regulations and institutional requirements. Support departmental operations, including enrollment management, transfer reporting, file documentation, program assessment, strategic planning, curriculum review and revision for SSS courses, and other activities necessary to achieve program objectives.
• Co-advise the TRIO and Friends Club and coordinate, promote, and support student participation in cultural events, leadership activities, transfer visit days, and other educational opportunities that enhance student engagement and transfer readiness.
• Recruit, advise, and support TRIO SSS participants throughout program enrollment and completion. Maintain regular communication with students, implement advising strategies that advance SSS goals, and track student learning outcomes, achievements, and participation.
• Develop and implement individualized academic plans for students in assigned NIACC Guided Pathways/Meta-Majors, aligning educational progress with their academic, career, and life goals.
• Engage with students individually and in groups to build rapport, assess needs, and support progress towards academic and personal goals.
• Seek professional growth through participation in appropriate organizations and conferences.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff across campus to identify student concerns, provide coordinated support, and promote student engagement and success.
• Maintain strong organizational skills, demonstrate reliability, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Fulfill other responsibilities as needed or assigned.
• Perform in a manner which strengthens the coordination and cooperation of all organizational components of the College, including opportunities for student recruitment.

NIACC Core Principles: All employees are expected to adhere to all NIACC policies and procedures. NIACC administration, faculty, and staff value a positive working environment and an environment of mutual respect; therefore, all employees are to maintain a positive attitude and respect for others when working with all NIACC departments, employees, students, partners, and the public.

Applicants for this position must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. NIACC is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

10/2026