Student Engagement and Success Specialist (Morris)

Job Code: 8461AC
Employee Group: Civil Service
Full/Part Time (FTE): 100%

UMN Morris TRIO Student Support Services, supported by the US Department of Ed, promotes access and success for first-generation college students, students from low income households, and students with disabilities. The Student Engagement and Success Specialist works collaboratively with SSS staff and campus partners to foster student engagement, connection, and persistence through direct student support, success coaching, and program coordination. The position plays a key role in creating a welcoming student-centered environment, supporting student staff, assisting with program implementation, and managing data to advance project objectives. This appointment is currently funded through August 2026.

Location and Work Environment: This is a full-time, in person position on the UMN Morris Campus. This position is supported by a US Department of Education TRIO Student Support Services grant. The appointment includes the option of a campus apartment.

Primary Responsibilities:

Student Support and Success Coaching (35%)

• Staff the TRIO SSS student lounge, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for participants and providing drop-in student support
• Maintain a student caseload and provide individualized success coaching, including academic planning, goal setting, and resource navigation
• Monitor student progress and conduct proactive outreach to support student persistence and engagement
• Document student contacts, services provided, and follow-up communications in project data systems

Student Engagement, Programming, and Community Building (25%)

• Assist with planning and implementation of student engagement activities, workshops, and cohort-building events
• Support and advise student-led programs and initiatives.
• Assist with implementation of New Student Orientation, Gateway summer bridge program, and outreach to new students
• Serve as a Student Life On-Call staff member, supporting student wellbeing and campus response protocols
• Coordinate TRIO SSS summer housing programming and student support.
• Assist students in accessing basic needs support and food security resources in collaboration with campus initiatives and the local food shelf

Records Management, Administrative Support, and Compliance (25%)

• Provide administrative support for program operations, including scheduling, communication, and event coordination
• Assist with maintaining accurate student records and program documentation in compliance with federal TRIO regulations
• Support tracking and reporting of grant objectives and student outcomes
• Assist with data entry, data management, and report preparation

Student Staff and Leadership Development (15%)

• Assist with supervision, training, and support of TRIO SSS student employees
• Coordinate student staff schedules, tasks, and responsibilities
• Assist student staff in developing leadership and professional skills
• Provide ongoing feedback to support student staff success

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four years
• Demonstrated experience working with college students or youth
• Demonstrated ability to connect with and support students from diverse backgrounds
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a higher education student affairs, TRIO, or educational opportunity program setting
• Experience working with students who are first-generation in college, from low-income households, and/or students with disabilities
• Experience advising, coaching, mentoring, or supporting college students
• Experience supervising student staff
• Experience planning student programs or events
• Experience with student data systems and record management
• Background that includes overcoming barriers similar to those of TRIO participants

Nestled on a 121-year-old campus in west central Minnesota, the University of Minnesota Morris stands out as one of the nation's top public liberal arts colleges. Our intimate, close-knit community fosters meaningful faculty-student collaborations in research, study abroad, and community-engaged learning. Located 150 miles west of the Twin Cities, situated amid the tall grass prairies of Minnesota, our campus also has advanced sustainable, environmentally friendly initiatives that are nationally recognized, and touch nearly all aspects of campus life. Discover more about us here!

Pay Range: $20.33 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota Morris (UMN Morris)

The University of Minnesota Morris (UMN Morris) makes its home on a 121-year-old campus on the western edge of the state and is one of the top public liberal arts colleges in the nation. The small, close-knit campus emphasizes faculty/student collaboration in research, study abroad, and community engaged learning. Deeply rooted in the tall grass prairies of Minnesota, the campus also has advanced sustainable, environmentally friendly initiatives that have grown to levels of national leadership and touch nearly all aspects of campus life.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).