Academic Counselor/Student Engagement Specialist Category: Administrative & Staff Subscribe: New Job Alerts RSS Job Feed Department: TRIO Locations: Rock Island, IL Posted: Oct 2, 2025 Closes: Open Until Filled Type: Full-time Salary Type: Annually Salary Range: $44,000.00 - $47,000.00 Position ID: 193532 Share About Augustana College:

At Augustana College, we don't just educate students - we empower them. As a nationally recognized college of the liberal arts and sciences, we invest in engaged learning, maximizing student potential, and building strong community partnerships the driving forces of our Bold & Boundless Strategic Plan (2024-29). For our 2,500 students, Augustana offers a collaborative and student-focused environment, in which faculty and staff play an active role in shaping futures through hands-on learning, mentorship and leadership development. Located on a scenic, wooded campus in Rock Island, Illinois, Augustana is part of the vibrant Quad-Cities metropolitan area (pop. 470,000), about a 3-hour drive from Chicago. We seek mission-driven professionals who are passionate about student success, innovation and making an impact. If you thrive in an environment that values curiosity, collaboration and the power of transformative education, we invite you to bring your talents to Augustana. Employees at Augustana enjoy an excellent benefit package including medical, retirement, generous paid time off, tuition benefits for employees and their family members, and much more.

Job Description:

Status:  Full-time, Exempt Position 12 month position Reports to:   Director of TRIO Student Support Services Wage Grade: 740 Position Summary:  The Academic Counselor / Student Engagement Specialist provides holistic, proactive support for TRIO-SSS participants - low-income, first-generation, and/or students with disabilities - to foster persistence, academic success, and graduation. The Specialist uses intrusive advising, data-informed interventions, and culturally responsive programming to help students navigate academic, financial, and personal challenges while developing the skills and confidence needed for college completion. Key Responsibilities Provide academic, career, and personal development advising using an intrusive and strengths-based approach; connect students with campus services and resources as necessary (, tutoring, counseling, emergency funding). Monitor participant progress using early alert and student success systems (, Starfish); document contacts and interventions; generate reports for grant compliance and assessment. Collaborate with TRIO-SSS staff to design and deliver workshops and events. Teach Strength & College Success, a 1-credit strengths-based academic success course for SSS students as needed. Plan, implement, and evaluate the Peer Mentor Program, including selection, training, and supervision of mentors. Assist with development of the SSS newsletter, social media, and digital engagement strategies. Support recruitment of and selection of eligible students through outreach and participation in campus events. Prepare and analyze data to evaluate program effectiveness and student outcomes; contribute to the Annual Performance Report and internal assessments.

Requirements:

Education:  Bachelor's degree in education, psychology, sociology, social work, counseling, or a related field required. Master's degree in counseling, student affairs, higher education, college student personnel, or related field preferred. Skills and Experience: Minimum of two years directly supporting first-generation, low-income, students with disabilities, or other at-risk populations through academic advising, counseling, or student success coaching. Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills with demonstrated ability to build positive, inclusive relationships with diverse student populations. Experience designing and facilitating student workshops or academic success courses to improve student success and persistence. Demonstrated experience promoting student engagement through social media; familiarity with design software, such as Canva, Adobe, and similar tools preferred. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and/or Google suite, willingness to learn student success platforms (, Starfish, Student Access) Experience with TRIO or other federally funded student support programs and familiarity with grant compliance and reporting preferred. Physical Requirements: This position is located on campus and works in a traditional office environment. The below requirements are expected: Able to frequently move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Consistently operates a computer and other office machinery such as printer, copy machine, calculator, and other equipment. Frequently communicates with students who have program inquiries or campus related issues. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations in person, or by video or phone. Occasionally moves office supplies weight 15 pounds across campus for various events or meetings. Note:  This job description is subject to change and is not designed to be a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by the employee. All prospective employees must pass a criminal background check.

Additional Information:

Pay and Benefits: This position is budgeted to pay $44,000 to $47,000 per year based upon the candidates education, skills, experience, and abilities. As a full time position, this position is eligible for our complete benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement plan with a generous company contribution, excellent paid time off/holiday benefits, tuition benefits for employees and their family members, and much more! You can learn more about our benefit programs at our Benefits website. Equal Opportunity Augustana College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Augustana College provides equal opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, and any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, CV or resume, and names of 3 references. Review of applications will begin immediately.

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