Academic Program Specialist (Student Success Navigator) Multiple Positions
POSITION DETAILS
"At Baruch College we believe that student success is everyone's responsibility"
Baruch College is a selective, urban, public college within CUNY, enrolling a very diverse undergraduate and graduate student body, the majority of whom are Pell-eligible. Baruch is nationally recognized for student outcomes, socioeconomic mobility (#1 nationally), and value (#1 nationally), while also facing the complexities common to large public institutions: scale, affordability pressures, and the need to coordinate student support across multiple organizational units.
Recent institutional analyses as part of Baruch College's "Next Level Student Success" project have highlighted the need for stronger integration, clearer pathways, and scalable student success practices across the student experience. The Baruch One Stop Shop plays a key role in supporting this work in alignment with the College's Strategic Plan.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Director of Student Success, the Student Success Navigators are an essential part of the Baruch College student support ecosystem. Navigators provide integrated, front-line assistance within a centralized one-stop environment. By listening carefully to students' needs, asking clarifying questions, and helping students navigate academic, administrative, and support services, Navigators ensure each interaction results in clear next steps and appropriate follow-through for every student.
The Student Success Navigator is responsible not only for answering questions, but also for coordinating support across multiple offices when needed within a referral and case management system. Navigators manage referrals, track open cases, and maintain communication with both the student and relevant campus partners until the issue is fully resolved.
This role is central to creating more accessible and seamless student support so that students experience the institution as connected and supportive rather than fragmented. By serving as a consistent point of contact, the Student Success Navigator reduces barriers, shortens time to resolution, and helps students better understand how to navigate college systems. The position also supports a coordinated approach to student success, in which interactions are documented, shared across offices when appropriate, and used to improve processes over time. This role reflects a shared institutional commitment to accessible, coordinated, and student-centered support.
Key Responsibilities
Serve as a Baruch One Stop Shop first-point of contact for students, providing front-line support across academic, administrative, and student success needs.
Serve as a resource expert regarding policies and procedures.
Assess student questions, identify underlying needs, and provide clear, accurate, and timely information in plain language to resolve routine and moderately complex issues directly
Identify when specialized support is needed and facilitate coordinated referrals to relevant offices.
Develop and maintain relationships with various college offices to improve student services.
Follow student inquiries through to completion, ensuring issues are fully resolved and students understand outcomes and next steps.
Track and monitor referrals and open cases to ensure timely follow-up and closure.
Document all interactions, actions, and outcomes in institutional systems to support continuity and accountability.
Communicate proactively with students throughout the resolution process, providing clarity on timelines, responsibilities, and next steps.
Guide students to build confidence navigating college systems
Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying common student challenges and make recommendations to strengthen processes, communication, and service delivery.
Responsibly use college systems including AI assisted technologies
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's Degree and four years' relevant experience required.
Preferred Qualifications
Masters degree
Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain complex information clearly and respectfully.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple inquiries and follow through on details.
Strong commitment to student success and fostering an inclusive environment.
Experience in advising, enrollment services, and/or or student success initiatives.
Familiarity utilizing student management systems such as EAB's Navigate 360 platform, CUNYFirst & Degree works.
Knowledge of higher education policies, procedures, and student support resources.
CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW
Participates in the daily coordination of academic and administrative activities of a College's specialized academic program under management direction.
Supports program development, student service delivery, outcome evaluation and instructor/student recruitment, enrollment, and retention.
Recommends, implements and evaluates strategies to expand program offerings
Prepares analytical and statistical reports for management
Develops and maintains relationships with various College offices to improve student and faculty services
Serves as resource expert regarding program policies and procedures
Oversees office recordkeeping; manages updates of program web and print materials
May supervise office operations and/or department budget
Performs related duties as assigned.
Job Title Name: Academic Program Specialist
CUNY TITLE
Higher Education Assistant
FLSA
Exempt
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
$68,364- $79,598; Salary commensurate with education and experience.
CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.
HOW TO APPLY
Visit www.cuny.edu, access the employment page, log in or create a new user account, and search for this vacancy using the Job ID or Title. Select "Apply Now" and provide the requested information.
Candidates must attach a resume and a detailed cover letter explaining how your experience aligns with each of the duties of the position and the required and preferred qualifications and why you are interested in Baruch College at this point in your career.
CLOSING DATE
July 29, 2026
JOB SEARCH CATEGORY
CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.
Job ID: 32482
Location: Baruch College
Job Type: Full-Time
