Student Success Specialist, STEM (T)

The staff and faculty of Northampton Community College share a single goal: to help students transform their lives through education. It’s a goal that reaps rewards thousands of times over the course of a career. Employees at Northampton receive competitive compensation and an array of benefits while working on campuses located in a region with a very high quality of life.

We invite you to consider to applying for one of our currently available positions. For more information on the College, please visit www.northampton.edu. For more information on life in the Lehigh Valley, please visit https://www.northampton.edu/human-resources/life-in-the-area.htm.

NCC is strongly committed to increasing the diversity of the college community and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to identify their strengths or experiences in this area.

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Student Success Specialist, STEM (T)

Please note that this position will remain open until filled.

Primary Function: The STEM Student Success Specialist (SSS) works closely with students in STEM programs to connect STEM students to their student peers, mentors, program faculty and staff, program content, and the institution. This is a U.S. Dept. of Defense grant funded position for 2 years with the possibility for renewal of an additional 3 years.

Responsibilities: Under the direction of the Dean, School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM), the SSS will be responsible for:  (1) Program Recruitment: (a) Assist in identifying evidence-based strategies for underrepresented student recruitment and retention to inform the development of a STEM programs recruitment plan and assist in its implementation; (b) Coordinate with faculty to implement a STEM Summer Bridge Camp for Secondary students entering a STEM program at NCC.  (2) Student Success: (a) Provide enhanced career and transfer advising including quarterly visits to 4-year transfer institutions and industry sites; (b) Connect students to NCC’s experiential learning programs such as job shadows and paid internships; (c) Develop and implement a mentoring program which pairs underrepresented students with faculty, alumni, industry experts, and veteran mentors; (d) Support student’s basic needs for transportation, computers/peripherals books/instructional materials, Wi-Fi access cards with grant, college and community resources; (e) Connect students to enhanced tutoring options such as study groups, academic success coaching, expanded hours for face-to-face individual tutoring, and 24/7 online tutoring; (f) Coordinate the delivery of life skills programming to help students address potential barriers to success; (g) Utilize early warning software, as well as face-to-face time, to help connect students to appropriate resources; (h) assist the PI in collecting the necessary recruitment, retention, graduation, and transfer data.  (3) Data Collection and Reporting: (a) Collect identified student data and compiling data in the appropriate format as stipulated by data standards; and (b) Provide necessary reporting data to meet reporting requirements stipulated in the grant. (4) Perform other duties as assigned.

Organizational Relationships: (1) Responsible to the Dean, School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM); (2) Works closely with grant staff; (3) Relates role to the College mission and goals. 

Performance Standards: Performance in this position is considered satisfactory when (1) mutually agreed upon objectives have been attained within a specified period; (2) effective cooperative relationships exist with members of the faculty and administrative team. 

Qualifications: (1) Education: Bachelor’s degree required from a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) approved Institutional Accreditor institution, Master’s preferred. Experience in a STEM field a plus. All degree(s) must be from a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) approved Institutional Accreditor institution of higher learning; (2) Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities: (a) demonstrated competency in organizing data, maintaining files, and preparing reports required; (b) excellent interpersonal and oral/written communication skills to effectively interact with individuals with diverse backgrounds required; (c) exceptional organization and planning skills required; (d) ability to collaborate with others required; (e) proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word and Excel required; (f) ability to work independently; (g) possession of an understanding of, and sensitivity to, the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and staff is required. (3) Experience: (a) a minimum of two years direct experience working in an education or social service environment along with experience working with culturally diverse populations required; (b) program or grant management experience preferred.