Latinx Student Success Specialist

TITLE: Latinx Student Success Specialist

DEPARTMENT: Global Strategies and International Affairs

REPORTS TO: Latinx Service Coordinator

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

LOCATION: On-Site. Main Campus Frankfort, KY

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

The Latinx Student Success Specialist is crucial in enhancing Latinx students' access to higher education by serving as a direct contact and advisor. This position involves building strong connections with prospective and incoming students, guiding them through the enrollment process, and ensuring they have the necessary resources for a successful transition. The Latinx Student Success Specialist provides direct student support, academic advising, and mentorship. They will work alongside the Latinx Services Coordinator to implement programs that help students navigate university systems, access financial and academic resources, and connect with opportunities for leadership and professional growth. Additionally, this role includes outreach efforts aimed at engaging Latinx students and their families to ensure they have a clear path to success.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Serve as a primary contact for Latinx students who are exploring higher education, ensuring they have the guidance and support needed to take the next steps in their academic journey.
• Develop and maintain relationships with high schools, community organizations, and families to raise awareness of educational opportunities and assist students in accessing them.
• Lead initiatives to connect students with academic programs, financial aid resources, and university services to facilitate a smooth transition to college life.
• Organize and participate in outreach events, workshops, and information sessions designed to engage students and their families in learning about higher education opportunities.
• Provide one-on-one advising to help students understand university programs, support services, and pathways to degree completion.
• Actively engage with Latinx students who have expressed interest in the university, following up to offer assistance, address concerns, and ensure they are equipped with the information needed to move forward.
• Work closely with faculty, staff, and campus departments to streamline processes that support Latinx students in their transition to higher education.
• Strengthen partnerships with community organizations, local schools, and business leaders to create opportunities that support students’ educational and career aspirations.
• Support initiatives aimed at increasing the representation of Latinx students in higher education and fostering a welcoming, inclusive campus environment.
• Track and analyze data related to Latinx student engagement and success, using insights to continuously improve outreach and support strategies.
• Travel to schools, community centers, and other events to connect with students and their families.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Knowledge of transfer articulation processes
• Knowledge of applicable University practices and procedures
• Knowledge of scope, guidelines, and operation of departmental or unit programs.
• Knowledge of basic word processing software and the ability to operate standard PC/PC software applications, including Microsoft Office suite
• Knowledge of general office procedures
• Knowledge of record-keeping procedures
• Knowledge of student success strategies
• Knowledge of the needs of transfer students
• Oral and written communication skills
• Ability to respond to several demands at one time in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to maintain records and safeguard confidential information
• Ability to work with individuals from various backgrounds

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

OTHER DUTIES:

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in education, counseling, student affairs, or a related field with a working knowledge of the structure of higher education, student services, or a community-based role focused on Latinx student success.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (native/native-like) with strong verbal and written communication skills in both languages.
• Commitment to the mission of a comprehensive public, comprehensive, historically black land-grant university student success.
• Strong understanding of the cultural, educational, and socioeconomic factors affecting Latinx students.
• Strong understanding and knowledge of Latino and immigrant educational, social, and economic assets and barriers.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external community partners.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects effectively.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all students.
• Willingness to work non-traditional schedules from time to time with some events and outreach programs during the evening and on weekends.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is primarily performed in an office setting with travel for outreach and engagement activities.
• Ability to lift, carry, and put away parcels weighing up to 35 pounds
• Normal physical mobility, which includes movement from place to place on the job taking distance and speed into account
• Normal physical agility, which includes the ability to maneuver the body while in place
• Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends for student and community events.

Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.