Student Services Specialist

Apply now Job no: 525418
Work type: Staff Full Time
Campus: UMass Boston
Department: Manning CNHS - Dean's Office
Pay Grade: 30
Categories: Student Affairs & Services, Professional Staff Union (PSU)

General Summary:

The Student Services Specialist will provide quality recruitment, orientation and academic advising and registration for students in the Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences(MCNHS). The incumbent is the first point of contact for students conversing advancing their education at the University of Massachusetts Boston and serves as the primary resource person for these students. The Student Services Specialist will also explain and interpret university policies and serves as an advocate for students when appropriate.

Examples of Duties


  • Serve as the first point of contact for current and/or interested students involved with the Nursing Program through the Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences (MCNHS).
  • Work with representatives from Admissions, Registrars and MCNHS Student Success and Engagement regarding the recruitment, retention, advising and registration of current and potential students in the online program.
  • Provide comprehensive academic advising, through walk-in hours and/or appointments and group advising to new and current students in the Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences throughout the academic year and summer sessions. assist students in course selection, degree completion and meeting both general education and major requirements, as well as understanding university and college policies as they pertain to academic progress. identify and advise students in academic jeopardy.
  • Monitor waitlists for MCNHS courses and manually override the WISER system, as needed and as authorized to facilitate course enrollments. register students for courses in WISER if they needed manual overrides. works with MCNHS Senior Director of Student Success and Engagement in review of these requests.
  • Maintain all student records and files.
  • Maintain compliance with Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other state and federal regulations.
  • Collaborate with the Senior Director of Student Success and Engagement in the development and scheduling of new student orientations. responsible for conducting group and individual advising sessions as part of the University-wide orientation program.
  • Work with MCNHS Senior Director of Student Success and Engagement and others on the implementation of enrollment management practices.
  • Assist the MCNHS Senior Director of Student Success and Engagement with the planning and implementing policies and procedures geared towards improving academic support services and advising systems designed to improve student retention. develop a plan to implement improvements and consult with the Senior Director of Student Success and Engagement regarding such implementation.
  • Collaborate with staff members to support various office programs which include planning of convocation and commencement. participate in all university, collegiate and recruitment activities such as information sessions and University open houses.
  • Participate in university-wide advising collaboration. attend professional conferences and professional training programs at the discretion of the Senior Director of Student Success and Engagement.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s Degree and three- five (3-5) years of experience in academic advising and/or providing direct student services in higher education is required.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with university admissions systems and student record retrieval is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Knowledge of software applications, including office software and database management.
• Knowledge of current student development theory and research.
• Proven ability to work with diverse populations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively and efficiently work in a team capacity with a broad range of staff to accomplish departmental and program goals.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently.
• Ability to work under pressure and under timeframes.
• Ability to handle multiple projects at the same time.
• Ability to supervise the work of work-study students.
• Ability to prepare written reports, correspondence and recommendations.
• Strong commitment to customer service.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the capacity to work cooperatively with a wide range of individuals.
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail.

Application Instructions: 

Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three professional references.

Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date. 

Only Internal candidates in the Professional Staff Bargaining Unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting.  All other candidates will be considered after that period. 

Salary Ranges for the appropriate Pay Grade can be found at the following link: 

Grade: 30            

Salary Ranges

This is an exempt union position. 

All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources.

UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HRDirect@umb.edu or 617-287-5150.

Advertised: Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Eastern Standard Time

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The University of Massachusetts is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action, Title IX employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age over 40, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, or other protected class.