STUDENT SUPPORT SPECIALIST II

The Division of Biological Sciences in the College of Arts & Science

Are you passionate about helping students thrive in their academic journey? Do you enjoy being the go-to person who makes things happen? Join our dynamic team as a Student Support Specialist II and play a key role in shaping the experience of graduate students in the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program (INP), the Division of Biological Sciences (DBS), and the Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP).

In this role, you'll be the heart of student support - connecting students to vital resources, guiding them through academic milestones, and ensuring they feel seen, supported, and set up for success. You'll collaborate closely with faculty, program directors, and university departments to create a welcoming and empowering environment where students can excel. If you're looking for a position that blends meaningful student interaction with impactful program coordination, we'd love to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities

Student Support (40%)

• Serve as the primary point of staff contact for students in the related programs, addressing inquiries and providing guidance on both MU and program academic policies, procedures, and resources.
• Assist students with navigating university systems, such as course registration, degree program tracking, and funding opportunities.
• Provide individualized support to students facing academic, personal, or logistical challenges, referring them to appropriate university services.

Program Coordination and Resource Management (20%)

• Collaborate with faculty and program directors to support student success initiatives, including orientation sessions, workshops, and program events.
• Develop and maintain informational resources, such as handbooks, and Sharepoint/Teams sites to ensure students have access to accurate and up-to-date information.
• Assist with tracking and reporting on student progress, enrollment, and outcomes for program improvement and compliance purposes.
• Support program directors in student recruitment including potential travel to scientific meetings and events. Manage onboarding into their respective programs.

Graduate Program Support (20%)

• Coordinate with Directors of Graduate Studies (DGS) to facilitate the onboarding, annual progress reviews, and ongoing retention of graduate students.
• Prepare and manage assistantship, scholarship and fellowship documentation, including information necessary for tuition waivers and insurance subsides.
• Act as a liaison between graduate students and the Graduate School on administrative issues and ensure compliance with university requirements.
• Foster a sense of community among students through the coordination of social and academic events, such as student mixers, professional development workshops, and program milestones.

Administrative and Operational Support (20%)

• Manage student-related data and records, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with university policies.
• Coordinate space and resource allocation for daily activities, research, and special events, including reserving rooms and ordering necessary supplies.
• Supervise work-study students, providing mentorship and oversight of clerical support tasks.

Typically, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, with occasional nights and weekends required for events. Some flexibility in hours may be possible with supervisor approval.

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

• Previous experience in a student support role such as academic advising, admissions, counseling or teaching
• Strong interpersonal skills, communication organizational skills, and the ability to learn various platforms.

Salary Range: $16.72 to $20.00 hourly

Grade: GGS - 007

University Title: Student Support Specialist II

Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Candidates should submit a resume and cover letter that outlines interest in the position and commitment to supporting students in their collegiate experience.

Visa Sponsorship Information:
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.