Description:
The Student Experience Specialist provides holistic, student-centered support to adult learners enrolled in Adult Basic Education for College and Career (ABECC) programs. This position promotes academic persistence, credential attainment, career exploration, and successful transitions to postsecondary education or the workforce.
Beginning with enrollment and continuing throughout a learner's educational journey, the Student Experience Specialist fosters student engagement and retention through individualized coaching, data-informed interventions, and coordination with instructional and support services. The Specialist empowers students to navigate educational pathways, overcome barriers, develop digital literacy and academic planning skills, and build self-advocacy.
Working with learners enrolled in High School Equivalency (HSE) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs, the Student Experience Specialist connects students with campus and community resources that support their academic, personal, and career success.
Continued employment in the position is contingent upon continued funding through designated external sources. This grant is set to expire on 7/31/2028.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Provides proactive, student-centered coaching that supports persistence, completion, and workforce readiness for adult learners
- Develops supportive relationships with ABECC learners to help them acclimate to the academic environment, participates in intake and orientations, and assists students across all stages of their educational pathway
- Delivers holistic, developmental advising for new and returning students, helping them set academic and personal goals that align with career pathways
- Assesses student needs and connects them with appropriate College and community resources, including academic tutoring, career counseling, and transfer assistance
- Monitors student progress through regular check-ins and data tracking; identifies at-risk students and provides recommended interventions
- Informs and guides students in navigating PCC online learning management systems and educational software (e.g., D2L, Essential Education, EdReady, Burlington English)
- Collaborates with Teaching and Learning staff, college advisors, and student support teams to develop integrated strategies that enhance engagement and retention
- Designs, organizes, and facilitates workshops, orientations, and outreach events to build student confidence, motivation, and self-advocacy; develops and delivers targeted training to support and retain adult learners
- Maintains accurate, confidential student records, reports, and communications in alignment with institutional policies, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations, and funding requirements
- Contributes to the continuous improvement of adult education programs by researching, identifying, and recommending innovative, responsive practices informed by student feedback and educational trends
- Interprets, applies, and ensures compliance with complex guidelines, operational policies, and regulatory standards established by Pima Community College, the Arizona Department of Education, and other program stakeholders
- Resolves student services complaints and concerns, responds to requests and inquiries, and provides customer service excellence to internal and external stakeholders
- Assists in implementing department operational procedures and processes in coordination with multiple campuses, learning centers, and Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (IBEST) programs
- Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor
Job Requirements/Qualifications
- Associate’s degree in related field and
- Three to five years of related experience within student services in secondary, higher education, or adult learning environment
or
- An equivalent combination of certification, education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
- Knowledge of administrative procedures and practices
- Knowledge of internal and external customer service principles and practices
- Knowledge of regulatory compliance principles and practices
- Skill in effective communication (both written and oral)
- Skill in performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
- Skill in positive, productive and flexible customer service
- Skill in analyzing data and drawing conclusions
- Ability to apply effective and accurate data entry and typing skills
- Ability to develop and maintain effective and positive working relationships
- Ability to operate relevant equipment required to complete assigned responsibilities for the position