Graduate & Adult Education Healthcare Student Success Specialist

About Alvernia University:

Alvernia University was founded in 1958 by the Bernardine Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. Through its main campus in Reading and locations in Philadelphia and Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, the university serves 3,000 students of diverse backgrounds from around the country. 

Alvernia offers a unique blend of rigorous liberal arts core education for the development of the mind, strong technical training in many high-demand majors, experiential learning through study abroad and internship experiences, and engagement with the community through our Franciscan-based community service model. We call our model of transformational education the Alvernia Advantage, and we believe this style of education transforms students into ethical leaders with moral courage. 

Alvernia University ranks in the top 100 among 2021 Best Regional Universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report, and we are recognized as a College of Distinction for our commitment to engaged experiential education. 

Job Summary: 

As a critical campus community member, the Healthcare Student Success Specialist will serve as a liaison for Alvernia-based healthcare partnerships.  This is a Grant funded position.  The Grant period ends August 30, 2025 and the position is expected to continue post grant with Alvernia University funding. This position will manage dual enrollment associate degree programs, monitor course scheduling and student registration, and assist with new student orientations. This position will also serve as an advisor to support adult and healthcare dual enrollment students navigating university resources. This position will practice data-driven outreach, proactive resource referral, and timely/holistic interventions to meet the needs of students. The position will work collaboratively with offices across the University (e.g. Academic departments, Registrar, Student Financial Services, Billing, Academic Support, etc.) to assist students. The position is based at the Pottsville College Towne campus and requires periodic travel to the Reading campus and partner facilities.  

Essential Functions: 

1. Promote Franciscan ideals and adherence to the Mission of the University as demonstrated by the University Ideal Characteristics.  As we are an equal opportunity employer committed to Franciscan values, all employees share responsibility for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the performance of their roles while demonstrating service orientation, respect for all, intellectual curiosity, solution focus and innovation, and mutual accountability. 

2. Serve as administrative liaison to healthcare partners to align program requirements and course scheduling between Alvernia University and healthcare partner schools. 

3. Report to the Director of Student Success for GAE for advising duties and collaborating with the GAE Success team to ensure all GAE students are properly supported and have uniform experience while studying at Alvernia.  

4. Participate in new student orientations organized by healthcare partner schools and lead Alvernia’s new student orientations for this population on campus and/or virtually. 

5. Collaborate with Alvernia’s Chief Nursing Officer, Registrar’s Office, and Information Technology team to facilitate effective student onboarding, course scheduling, registration, and retention practices. 

6. Provide proactive advisement, coaching, and communication for continuing students. 

7. Complete other projects and duties as assigned. 

Qualifications/Education: 

1. Commitment to the mission statement, core values, and goals of Alvernia University. 

2. A bachelor’s degree is required; a healthcare-related degree is preferred. 

3. Demonstrated experience in healthcare systems and relationship management. 

4. Preferred background in academic advising in higher education.  

5. Excellent organization and communication skills. 

6. Self-directed and highly organized.  

7. Ability to work flexible hours, including weekend and evening hours.  

8. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and database management with the ability to learn additional programs.  

Physical Requirements: 

1. Attendance is required to perform the duties of this job.  

2. Occasional nights and weekends are required for events or appointments on or off campus. 

3. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 

4. Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.