TRIO Student Success Advisor

Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) in Mitchell, South Dakota invites applications for the 10-month, full-time position of TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Student Success Advisor. TRIO SSS is a federally- funded program dedicated to providing academic, financial, career, and personal support services to eligible students (i.e., first-generation students, income eligible students and/or students with disabilities) to increase the retention and graduation rates of these students at DWU. Applicants with similar backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The position requires occasional evening and weekend work hours.

The successful candidate will:

• Hold a master’s degree in Counseling, Student Affairs, Education, or a related field (candidates possessing a bachelor’s degree, plus a minimum of two years of work experience in an academic setting, may be considered).
• Have a minimum of one year of direct work experience with first-generation, income eligible, and/or students with disabilities.
• Have experience in planning and coordinating programs.
• Be able to apply student development theory.
• Be able to provide leadership development and supervision for student employees.
• Be able to work collaboratively with other team members to ensure federal TRIO SSS grant objective compliance.
• Possess strong communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Have demonstrated the ability to work both independently and as a cooperative team member.
• Possess a commitment to the mission of DWU and the University’s values of learning, leadership, faith, and service.

Essential, ongoing responsibilities associated with the position include:

• Providing academic, financial, career, and personal advising/coaching to assigned Program participants. Acting as academic probation advisor. Maintaining accurate records to monitor the progress of program participants.
• Working in an ongoing fashion with Director of Student Support Services to ensure TRIO participants are accessing tutoring services.
• Facilitating the university’s compliance with the needs of students with disabilities.
• Planning, preparing, and implementing TRIO SSS retention program activities.
• Maintaining accurate records and participating in ongoing program evaluation.
• Developing and presenting educational events, opportunities and service projects.
• Remaining current regarding best practices in peer mentoring, tutoring, advising, and retention.
• Other duties may be assigned by the Director of SSS to complete the objectives of the program.

This position is grant funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education in conjunction with DWU. DWU received a grant renewal in 2020 and is in the third year of the new grant cycle. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

All applications must include a letter of interest, resume, and the names and contact information (including phone numbers and email addresses) of three professional references. Original transcripts and a background check will be required before an appointment is made.

Please submit materials electronically via email to Ms. Janet Hayen, Director of Human Resources, Dakota Wesleyan University at hr@dwu.edu. Please write TRIO in the subject line. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) is a private, comprehensive university affiliated with the United Methodist Church granting both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The University’s mission is to provide a transformative learning experience that cultivates enduring intellectual growth, ethically grounded leadership, intentional faith exploration, and meaningful service.

DWU is located in Mitchell, South Dakota, a town of 14,000, nestled in the heart of one of the country’s finest outdoor recreation areas. The University is within six hours of several major metropolitan areas (Sioux Falls, SD; Omaha, NB; Minneapolis, MN; Kansas City, MO).

Dakota Wesleyan reserves the right to modify all job postings and job descriptions.

Dakota Wesleyan is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Employer.