Student Success Advocate

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .

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POSITION SPECIFICS ​

The Penn State Chaiken Center for Student Success at Penn State University’s University Park Campus within Undergraduate Education is seeking a Student Success Advocate (Student Success Professional – Advanced/Intermediate) . This role works directly with students and contributes to the success of the Center’s programs and initiatives including Academic Success Coaching, First-Gen Student Support Initiatives, the Learning Edge Academic Program (LEAP), and Peer Success Coaching. The Student Success Advocate provides advocacy and academic and life skills coaching for students participating in the Center’s programs and initiatives. As a member of the team, the Student Success Advocate helps build and maintain University-wide partnerships with various academic and student support offices to deliver integrated support. The Advocate contributes to the maintenance of student records, digital and print communication materials, annual reports, and the Center’s strategy, goals, and action plans.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• •Serve as an Academic Success Coach within the center’s coaching program. If not already certified as an Academic Life Coach, the required certification will be supported.
• •Work with assigned caseload of students to develop success plans for and support their goals
• •Maintain record of student cases in the applicable online case management systems
• •Review reports/records to determine the need for specialized services and referrals
• •Collaborate with students and key University contacts to coordinate student success strategies and programming
• •Coordinate one or more of the center’s programmatic initiatives which may include first-gen student support, the LEAP summer start experience, peer success coaching, and/or academic resource development and dissemination
• •Assist in the review and development of policies, procedures, and training to support the efficiency of the center
• •Assess outcomes and develop strategies for improving services, programs, facilities, and communication in conjunction with center staff
• •Assist with the onboarding and training of undergraduate student employees and provide input for performance evaluations
• •Collaborate with the Center team on developing annual reports and future strategic goals and initiatives
• •Other related duties as assigned

We are dedicated to fostering a workplace where all individuals are respected, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. We believe in creating opportunities for every student to thrive and are committed to ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. Our ideal candidate will actively contribute to creating an environment that promotes inclusivity and mutual respect ensuring that diverse perspectives are integrated into decision-making and problem-solving.

Review of applications will begin on November 9, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

Education and Experience:

This position will be filled at the advanced or intermediate level based upon the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Essential qualities and skills include, but are not limited to: commitment to student success; excellent public speaking and communication abilities; creativity; capacity to work well with students, faculty, staff, and others; ability to solve problems; experience in the application of technology to support student success; and sound judgment.

The successful candidate must be innovative and collaborative and have experience implementing college student support programs and services.

Preferred skills and experience include prior experience with academic advising, academic coaching, or career coaching, event planning, student supervision, and student case management experience.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• •Excellent written and oral communication skills
• •Excellent interpersonal skills; the ability to build successful relationships with colleagues, students, faculty, and staff
• •Must be dependable and committed to the University and the success of its students
• •Demonstrated confidence in facilitating large- and small-scale presentations
• •Ability to manage multiple competing priorities and deadlines
• •Demonstrated computer proficiency (word processing, spreadsheets, database systems, etc.)

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply, please submit the following materials (incomplete applications will not be reviewed):

1. A current resume .

2. A cover letter that specifically addresses how your background aligns with the educational and experience requirements as well as the essential qualities and skills of the position.

3. List of three professional references .

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Student Success Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires:
Master's Degree
3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None

If filled as Student Success Specialist - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree
1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $44,628.00 - $71,340.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page .

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here .

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due