Title: Lead Student Success Advocate

Application Review Date: 10/07/2025

Campus Location: Radford City - Main Campus

Job Description

The Lead Student Success Advocate (SSA) plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the COMPASS program by serving as the primary liaison between the SSA team and the Office of the Dean of Students. This position is responsible for coordinating communication, providing guidance to SSA staff, and ensuring seamless collaboration across departments.

In addition to team leadership, the Lead SSA delivers holistic case management for enrolled PE students, acting as a central point of contact and support throughout their academic journey—from application to graduation. This role is dedicated to helping students navigate university systems, access resources, and overcome barriers to success.

• Student Success Advocate (SSA)’s point of contact for communication to the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, Dean of Students, and campus partners
• Serve as a primary liaison with Enrollment Management, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs to align case management strategies with broader institutional priorities.
• Coordinate the assignment of all incoming and returning Pell-eligible students to the Compass Program by collecting and reviewing Pell Eligibility Census Rosters in collaboration with key campus partners, including Institutional Research, Academic Affairs, and Enrollment Management.
• Lead the equitable distribution of cases among SSA’s to ensure balanced workloads.
• Coordinate on boarding/training new SSA hires and Admin
• Assist in coordinating SSA’s time-off and maintaining Compass office coverage
• Using a case management model, provide holistic and intrusive support for all PE students, with a focus on early intervention to increase retention and graduation rates.
• Work directly with at-risk PE students identified through the Starfish system (CRM) dashboard.
• Collaborate with Enrollment Management to participate in recruitment events and host informational sessions for incoming students and their families.
• Work closely with appropriate departments to track and collect data with PE students who withdraw to identify factors contributing to their decision and inform continuous improvement efforts.
• Utilize STARFISH and Advocate software for case notes, goal tracking, and early warning system referrals
• Provide a comprehensive support system that assures academic success, student well-being, sense of belonging and career preparedness.
• Assist with data collection and analysis for PE students.
• Support Student Affairs and University major events and programs including (but not limited to) new student orientation, move-in, welcome days, open houses, family weekend, and Student Affairs' signature programs.

Required Qualifications

•Previous experience working in the COMPASS program and working with Pell eligible students.
• Current Radford University Employee
• Demonstrated Experience in case management, holistic and intrusive approaches to student support/success, student affairs, or a similar role preferred.
• Strong understanding of the challenges faced by Pell Eligible students.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Demonstrated Commitment to supporting underrepresented and vulnerable student populations.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, non-verbal and written) that can be applied across a wide range of constituents.
• Ability to work independently as well as serve as a member of an effective work team.
• Proficiency working with a computer and ability to learn and effectively use various software.
• Ability to navigate and prioritize competing demands

Preferred Qualifications:

•Education, training and/or experience in counseling, social work, human services, or a related field.
• Experience in a university setting.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Internal posting - An applicant must be a current employee of Radford University

This is a grant-funded position.
Employment beyond the established end date is contingent on the need for services, the availability of funding, and satisfactory performance.

Employment Conditions: Applicants must be current Radford University Employees

Is this position Grant Funded: Yes

Is this position restricted: Yes

Is this position eligible for telework: No

Hours Per Week: 40

Months per Year: 12

Statement of Economic Interest Required: No

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Classification: Classified Staff

Normal Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, some nights and weekends

Employee Classification: Education Support Spec III

Department: Student Aff Grants & Contracts

Salary: Up to $50,000

Department Contact Name: Bruce Hayden

Department Contact Phone: 540-831-6297

Department Contact Email: wbhayden@radford.edu

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Radford University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years’ of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at Radford.edu/police. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the Radford University Police Department located at 810 East Main Street PO Box 6883, Radford, VA, 24142.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation in the application process please contact the hiring department.

Criminal Background Check Statement

Radford University is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all employees, students, volunteers, and stakeholders. As part of our hiring and screening process, we conduct criminal background checks in compliance with Virginia Code § 19.2-389 and other applicable state and federal laws. Successful candidates will be required to have a criminal background check.