Student Success Specialist/Academic Advisor

Thank you for your interest in working at William Paterson University.

William Paterson University is a purpose-driven, proudly diverse community—designated as both a public Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution—committed to creating transformative academic, professional, and personal experiences as a powerhouse of progress. We foster a workplace that values growth, flexibility, and community, and we are recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Forbes’ Best Employers by State, 2025 Great College to Work For, and honored with the NJBIZ Empowering Women Award.

Our 1,000 dedicated staff members enjoy competitive benefits, a four-day summer workweek, tuition support, and strong opportunities for internal promotion. Situated on a scenic suburban campus just 20 miles from New York City, WP offers a diverse, inclusive environment where your contributions fuel student success, economic and social mobility, and community engagement. Together, we empower our students through intentional, holistic support within flexible, innovative, and inclusive settings—preparing graduates to thrive professionally and personally, and to lead with a commitment to progress in New Jersey and beyond.

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Senior Director of WP Online Student Support, the Student Success Specialist/Academic Advisor supports online learners --- particularly adult learners --- by fostering an engaging, inclusive, and student-centered virtual environment. This role provides comprehensive, end-to-end support from acceptance through degree completion, integrating academic advising, financial guidance, academic support, and resource-connection to promote overall student success. In addition to direct student support, this position plays a key role in enhancing the unit’s web presence and leading strategic communication efforts. With a smaller caseload, the Specialist/Advisor is positioned to take on expanded responsibilities in marketing, communications, and program development. Working collaboratively with the Associate Director and Assistant Director, this role contributes to the design and implementation of targeted initiatives --- including student engagement and resource-connection programming --- aimed at promoting enrollment, persistence, and timely degree completion for adult learners. The Student Success Specialist/Academic Advisor is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environment and works collaboratively to support student achievement and institutional goals.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain a caseload of WP Online undergraduate students from acceptance through graduation, with a balanced advising load that supports expanded responsibilities in web presence, marketing, and communication efforts.
• Advise students on academic curricula, program requirements, majors, and online program policies and processes to facilitate academic progress and timely degree completion and support inclusive engagement with English language learners.
• Respond promptly to student inquiries via email, phone, and virtual meetings; provide accurate information and assist students in navigating communication with faculty regarding course concerns.
• Track academic progress for assigned students; conduct proactive outreach to those in academic difficulty and make referrals to campus resources as appropriate.
• Develop and implement targeted programming to support returning adult learners, including onboarding modules, orientation sessions, and resource-connection initiatives that enhance readiness, persistence, and long-term success.
• Support general onboarding and success services for all new WP Online students. Collaborate with Enrollment Management offices—including Undergraduate Admissions, Registrar, Financial Aid, and Student Enrollment Services—to ensure smooth matriculation and acclimation to WP Online.
• Participate in weekly strategic meetings with the College of Adult and Professional Studies (ACT Team) to address student barriers, promote success, and support ongoing program development.
• Support and enhance the unit’s web presence and communication strategy by maintaining and updating webpages, including faculty resource content, contributing to marketing initiatives, and creating and managing social media content.
• Collaborate on the development of engaging digital content that promotes programs, highlights student success stories, and strengthens the overall visibility of CAPS.
• Maintain and streamline communication workflows by supporting and implementing automated communication initiatives (e.g., email campaigns) to ensure timely, consistent, and effective outreach to students, faculty and staff.
• Stay informed on emerging trends, pedagogies, and best practices related to online learning, adult-learner success, and AI-enhanced advising technologies.
• Represent WP Online in campus-wide discussions related to online learning, virtual student services, adult-learner support, and technology-enhanced advising initiatives.
• Establish and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with university leadership, administrators, faculty, and staff.
• Serve on University committees as required.
• Assist with tracking WP Online initiatives, including longitudinal tracking, outcomes reporting, key performance indicators, program effectiveness, and documentation through required reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned that are appropriate for the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in IT, Communications, Marketing, or related field from an accredited college or university required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Two (2) years of experience in webpage management and digital content creation, and academic advising or related student-affairs experience in an educational setting.
• Expertise in Dot CMS and experience in website creation and experience using Banner Student Information System, Microsoft Office, and Navigate preferred.
• Strong writing, editing, and visual communication skills.
• Advanced to native language proficiency in Spanish.
• Proficiency in academic advising, coaching, and mentoring.
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation, written, and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively and work both independently and collaboratively across all levels of the organization.
• Familiarity with adult learner audiences and inclusive communication practices is a plus.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Starting Salary - AFT Range 24 - $76,486.40 - $87,954.55

This position may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health and dental insurance and retirement plans. To learn more, please visit: BENEFITS FOR PROFESSIONAL STAFF (AFT)

Invitation to apply
Interested candidates will be prompted to complete an application and submit a cover letter and resume/CV.

Submission of all documents listed is required for consideration and all documents should be uploaded where prompted to upload your resume/cv.

General questions related to this application process, please contacthumanresources@wpunj.edu.

Please include with your inquiry the Job Requisition number beginning with R as well as the job title and department.

Salary Range:

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EEO Statement

William Paterson University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity, sex/gender (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, civil union status, familial status, religion, national origin or citizenship, military service status, or any other category protected by law. William Paterson University does not discriminate on the basis of any category stated above or as prohibited by applicable law. Individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

For more information, visit University Facts