Graduate Student Success Counselor

About San Francisco Bay University:

San Francisco Bay University (SFBU), a nonprofit, WASC-accredited university situated in the heart of Silicon Valley in Fremont, California, seeks an innovative and experienced Graduate Student Success Counselor. SFBU's mission is to offer inclusive, innovative, and inspirational education for lifelong careers and our vision is to set the standard as a national model of higher education in service of the common good.

At SFBU, students come first. We prioritize students' needs by fostering personal engagement among students, faculty, and staff. We are committed to providing affordable quality education with a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.

We encourage you to learn more about SFBU by reviewing our strategic plan at https://www.sfbu.edu/strategic-plan.

Position Overview:

The Graduate Student Success Counselor, reporting to the Senior Director for Outreach and Cohort Student Service, will serve as a student success advocate by providing support services to graduate students. Responsibilities include providing graduate students individual, holistic counseling support, registering graduate students for support services such as free tutoring, coaching graduate students for a smooth transition into graduate school, serving as an academic advisor to graduate students, and continually monitoring graduate students' performance and progress. The Graduate Student Success Counselor will encourage and empower graduate students to take responsibility for their learning. This is a full-time, exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Access, organize, and maintain academic and co-curricular information for every graduate student in their cohort.
• Become knowledgeable of the different degrees offered at SFBU and their respective curriculums.
• Become knowledgeable of University policies and procedures, academic requirements, campus resources, student life, and support services.
• Cultivate relationships with the different departments/resources available within the campus community.
• Encourage the personal motivation and work ethic necessary for optimal student achievement.
• Assess personal, social, and emotional issues that may hinder academic success and make referrals to appropriate professionals as required.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement presentations/workshops on study skills and student empowerment.
• Coach graduate students for a smooth transition into SFBU by providing referrals and access to necessary resources (e.g. free tutoring, career advice, disability services, etc.).
• Monitor graduate student progress to ensure the student is adjusting to graduate school life.
• Schedule continuous advice sessions for a minimum of 10 sessions within the academic school year.
• Document advisement sessions and student progress in the student information system.
• Compose reports as required.
• Implement outreach efforts as needed.
• Attend meetings as well as facilitate meetings as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Director for Outreach and Cohort Student Services.
• Coordinate academic support services, including tutoring, peer mentoring, and academic workshops, to enhance student success.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to identify and address academic trends and issues affecting student performance and retention
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of student interactions, including counseling sessions, academic plans, and progress reports.
• Prepare reports and statistical data on student academic performance, trends, and outcomes for institutional assessment and planning purposes.
• Develop and implement retention strategies to enhance student persistence and success, particularly for underrepresented or at-risk student populations
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field is preferred. A Bachelor's degree with at least six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in student support services may be considered.
• 3 to 5 years of progressively responsible student services work experience.
• Experience working with diverse and international student populations.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Salesforce and other relevant platforms such as student information systems (SIS), learning management systems (LMS), and Microsoft Office or Google Workspace tools.
• Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends for student workshops, orientations, or outreach events.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must possess good Interpersonal/human relations skills (friendly, open, and approachable).
• Must demonstrate initiative and possess the ability to complete projects from idea to implementation.
• Must be organized and possess the ability to multi-task.
• Must possess good presentation skills.
• Sensitivity to the needs of a diverse student population, including students of color and international students.
• Ability to encourage and empower students to make their own decisions.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and various software packages.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Job duties are typically performed in an office environment.
• Physical demands may include lifting up to 20 lbs, bending, sitting, and driving.
• The employee is occasionally required to sit or stand for long periods.

Salary Range: $75,000-$90,000, depending on experience.

Application Process:

PLEASE SUBMIT A COVER LETTER AND A RESUME FOR YOUR APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS ROLE.

This position description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

SFBU is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer: SFBU is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. SFBU does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.

In accordance with federal and state disability laws, San Francisco Bay University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require assistance during the application or interview process, please contact SFBU Human Resources at hrmgr@sfbu.edu.