TRIO Student Success Specialist

Kishwaukee College; Malta Township (IL); On-site; USD 47,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Kishwaukee College is seeking a TRIO Student Success Specialist to deliver comprehensive academic, career, and personal support for program participants through advising, mentoring, and case management for a 20-30 participant caseload.

The role coordinates student engagement, outreach, workshops, and collaborative support services to promote retention, transfer, and degree completion, while supporting program operations through data tracking and reporting to ensure compliance with TRIO

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, developmental education, counseling, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in academic advising and/or career counseling in higher education.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic, career and personal support through advising, mentoring and case management for 20-30 participants.
• Coordinate student engagement, outreach, recruitment, workshops and collaborative support services.
• Maintain participant records, data tracking, and reporting to ensure compliance and program effectiveness.
• Advise and support students through individualized success planning, goal setting, and connections to campus/community resources.
• Coordinate student support services and referrals with campus and community partners to promote student success, retention and completion.
• Assist with program operations recordkeeping, budget tracking, purchasing, activity monitoring, and training on program systems.

Skills

Relationship building

Clear communication

Student support

FERPA compliance

Enrollment processes

Collaboration with campus

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

2+ years advising/career counseling in higher ed

Job description

The TRIO Student Success Specialist provides comprehensive academic, career, and personal support to program participants through advising, mentoring, case management for a caseload of 20-30 participants, and individualized success planning. The position coordinates student engagement, outreach, recruitment, workshops, and collaborative support services to promote retention, transfer, and degree completion. The Specialist also supports program operations through data tracking, reporting, record management, and compliance with TRIO program requirements.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Builds positive, respectful relationships and collaborates effectively with colleagues and stakeholders in a civil and encouraging environment.
• Communicates clearly and professionally in both verbal and written formats, tailored to diverse audiences and contexts.
• Provides exceptional support and assistance to students, staff, and community members with empathy and professionalism.
• Demonstrates knowledge of student-centered practices that support student success, retention, and engagement throughout the academic journey.
• Demonstrates thorough understanding of FERPA and other federal and state regulations related to admissions, registration, and student records. Ensures compliance in all student services operations.
• Experienced in managing and supporting enrollment processes, new student orientation programs, and transition services that foster a welcoming and informed student experience.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, developmental education, counseling, or related field, or a combination of relevant experience, education and training that equates to the required degree.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in academic advising and/or career counseling in higher education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education, developmental education, counseling, or related field.
• Experience in community college setting.
• Experience working in a TRIO or similar project as an advisor.
• Background similar to that of program participants.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials up to 25 pounds with proper equipment; reasonable accommodations available.
• Light physical activity required; must be able to work in an office setting, use standard office equipment, and communicate effectively in various formats.
• Primarily daytime hours with some evening and weekends to support College events and initiatives.

EOE Statement

Kishwaukee College is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and any reasonable and timely accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act will be made upon documented request by the employee.

Position Status

Position Status Full Time

Hours per Week 40

Weeks per Year

Weeks per Year 52

Budgeted Hours per Year 2080

Temporary Position - Begin Date

Temporary Positions - End Date

Type of Position

Type of Position Professional Staff - Grant Funded

Hiring Salary Range Requested

Hiring Salary Range Requested $46,737.60 - $53,768.00

Support Staff Pay Band (if applicable)

Support Staff Pay Range (if applicable

Posting Number

Posting Number S418P

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 09/15/2026

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions Summary

Advertising Summary

Advertising Summary Internal Posting for Position, College Website

Illustrative Examples of Essential Functions

Job Duty Name

Description of Job Duty

• Provide administrative and program support through record management, scheduling, data tracking, and reporting to ensure compliance and program effectiveness.
• Advise and support students through individualized success planning, goal setting, career and transfer exploration, and connections to campus and community resources.
• Coordinate student support services and referrals with campus and community partners to promote student success, retention, and completion.
• Maintain participant records and data systems, monitor student engagement and outcomes, and ensure accurate reporting and compliance.
• Coordinate student support initiatives, monitoring participation and progress, documenting outcomes, and preparing utilization and performance reports.
• Plan and facilitate orientations, workshops, career and transfer exploration, academic enrichment, and other student engagement activities that support student success and development.
• Manage program communications, outreach, and recruitment through digital and in-person engagement strategies to increase awareness, participation, and student success
• Assist with program operations recordkeeping, budget tracking, purchasing, activity monitoring, and training on program systems and resources.
• Represent the TRIO program through campus outreach, partnerships, and recruitment efforts to promote services and support student success.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Duty? Yes

Percentage Of Time

Percentage Of Time 100

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?

  (Open Ended Question)