To advance the college’s mission, vision, principles, values, and strategic initiatives through continuous improvement decisions.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY: 

The Student Support Specialist provides essential administrative, operational, and student-facing support to the Learning Commons. This role serves as a first point of contact for students seeking academic and study support and plays a key role in the recruitment, onboarding, and retention of Learning Assistants (LAs).

The Specialist will coordinate daily Learning Commons operations, including scheduling, communication, and resource management, while also contributing to efforts that strengthen visibility, access, and engagement with Learning Commons services across all locations.

Availability to work between the hours of 7:30 AM and 5  PM Monday – Friday. 

UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES: 

• Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence.
• Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions. 
• Champion Service- anticipating needs and create a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment. 
• Perseverance- commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success. 
• Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence. 

Learning Assistant Recruitment & Retention:

• Coordinate recruitment logistics for Learning Assistants, including maintaining candidate lists, verifying eligibility (e.g., GPA, enrollment status), and scheduling interviews.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for prospective and current Learning Assistants, providing timely communication and support throughout the hiring and onboarding process.
• Assist with developing and distributing promotional materials and outreach to faculty, departments, and students to strengthen the Learning Assistant applicant pipeline.
• Maintain accurate records of applications, interviews, hiring decisions, and onboarding progress.
• Support retention efforts through communication, appreciation activities, and feedback collection to foster an engaged and connected Learning Assistant team.
• Track and compile Learning Assistant recruitment and retention data for reports and continuous improvement

• Welcome and assist students seeking study support services, connecting them with the appropriate Learning Assistant, Academic Coach, or resource.
• Communicate effectively with students, faculty, and staff regarding Learning Commons services, schedules, and available supports.
• Schedule study support appointments, rooms, and shared resources.
• Circulate materials and resources, including laptops and learning tools, ensuring they are maintained and tracked properly.
• Provide on-demand academic or study support to students as appropriate.
• Assist in the daily coordination and organization of Learning Commons operations and shared communication channels.

• Maintain accurate records, forms, and scheduling systems within Kirkwood’s electronic and Microsoft 365 environments.
• Support data collection and reporting for Learning Commons usage, Learning Assistant engagement, and recruitment outcomes.
• Participate in Learning Commons staff meetings, trainings, and planning sessions to support continuous improvement and collaboration.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.
• Represent the College and Learning Commons positively with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Demonstrate professionalism, initiative, and problem-solving in daily operations.
• Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Maintain confidentiality and accuracy in all records and student interactions.
• Exhibit excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Remain adaptable in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

Position involves working in an office setting. Occasional (10-33%) standing, pushing, pulling and grasping. Frequent (34-66%) reaching and viewing a computer and other types of close visual work. Constant (67-100%) sitting, walking, repetitive motion, talking and hearing. 

• High school diploma 
• Experience in a higher education setting preferred

It is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness (employees) or the Vice President of Student Services (students), 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404,319-398-5572,equity@kirkwood.edu, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone:(303) 844-5695FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email:OCR.Denver@ed.gov.