Student Success Advocate

Title: Student Success Advocate

Application Review Date:05/29/2025

Work Location:Radford City - Main Campus

Job Description

The Student Success Advocate (SSA) is dedicated to supporting the retention and graduation of Pell-Eligible (PE) undergraduates at Radford University. The SSA will provide comprehensive case management for over 2000 enrolled PE students serving as a one-stop advocate to navigate university systems from application through graduation. Each SSA will have a caseload of approximately 500 600 students.

Using a case management model provide holistic and intrusive support for all PE students with a focus on early intervention to increase retention and graduation rates.
Work directly with at-risk PE students identified through the Starfish system (CRM) dashboard.
Collaborate with Enrollment Management to participate in recruitment events and host informational sessions for incoming students and their families.
Work closely with appropriate departments to track and collect data with PE students who withdraw to identify factors contributing to their decision and inform continuous improvement efforts.
Utilize STARFISH and Advocate software for case notes goal tracking and early warning system referrals
Provide a comprehensive support system that assures academic success student well-being sense of belonging and career preparedness.
Assist with data collection and analysis for PE students.
Support Student Affairs and University major events and programs including (but not limited to) new student orientation move-in welcome days open houses family weekend and Student Affairs signature programs.

Required Qualifications

Demonstrated Experience in case management holistic and intrusive approaches to student support/success student affairs or a similar role preferred.
Strong understanding of the challenges faced by Pell-eligible students.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work collaboratively across departments.
Demonstrated Commitment to supporting underrepresented and vulnerable student populations.
Excellent communication skills (verbal non-verbal and written) that can be applied across a wide range of constituents.
Demonstrated cultural competency and ability to successfully navigate multicultural issues by creating positive and supportive environments for a diverse campus population.
Ability to work independently as well as serve as a member of an effective work team.
Proficiency working with a computer and ability to learn and effectively use various software.
Ability to navigate and prioritize competing demands.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education training and/or experience in counseling social work human services or a related field.
Experience in a university setting.

Special Instructions to Applicants

This is a grant-funded position.
Employment beyond the established end date is contingent on the need for services the availability of funding and satisfactory performance.

Is this position Grant Funded:Yes

Is this position restricted:Yes

Is this position eligible for telework:Yes

Hours Per Week:40

Months per Year:12

Statement of Economic Interest Required:No

FLSA Status:Exempt

Work Classification:Classified Staff

Normal Work Schedule:M-F 8am-5pm nights or weekends as needed.

Employee Classification: Education Support Spec III

Department: Student Aff Grants & Contracts

Salary:Starting at $44192

Campus Location: Radford City - Main Campus

Department Contact Name: Bruce Hayden

Department Contact Phone:

Department Contact Email:

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race color sex sexual orientation disability age veteran status national origin religion or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs activities admission or employment practices.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation in the application process please contact the hiring department.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act Radford University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the universitys policies procedures and programs concerning safety and security as well as three years of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at You may also request a paper copy of the report from the Radford University Police Department located at 810 East Main Street PO Box 6883 Radford VA 24142.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation in the application process please contact the hiring department.

Criminal Background Check Statement

Radford University is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all employees students volunteers and stakeholders. As part of our hiring and screening process we conduct criminal background checks in compliance with Virginia Code 19.2-389 and other applicable state and federal laws. Successful candidates will be required to have a criminal background check.