Transfer Specialist/Advisor

Position Description

The TRIO Transfer Specialist/Advisor provides comprehensive academic, personal, and transfer support to eligible participants. This role is dedicated to preparing students for successful transfers to four-year colleges and universities through individualized advising, targeted programming, and resource coordination. The specialist works collaboratively with TRIO staff, college departments, and external partners to help participants achieve their academic and career goals.

Education & Experience Requirements

Education:

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, psychology, social work, human services, or a related field
• Preferred: Master’s degree in educational psychology, counseling, education, or related field.

Experience:

• Required: A minimum of two years of experience working with at-risk populations.
• Preferred:

• Two years in academic counseling or advising
• Ability to address personal and academic needs of low-income, first-generation, and disabled students
• Experience collaborating with other colleges and universities

Conditions of employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid State of Illinois driver’s license
• Ability and willingness to travel as required for the position

Essential Functions & Position Duties

• Provide holistic academic advising to TRIO SSS participants, including course selection, academic planning, and degree completion guidance
• Assist students in developing personalized transfer plans aligned with their educational and career objectives
• Facilitate and coordinate educational and career exploration workshops and events, including campus visits, transfer fairs, and application support sessions
• Guide students through the transfer application process, including applications, scholarship searches, and financial aid (FAFSA, verification, etc.)
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of transfer requirements for regional and national four-year institutions
• Collaborate with college and university representatives to strengthen transfer pathways and articulation agreements
• Assist students in identifying and overcoming academic, financial, and personal barriers to persistence and transfer success, including connecting students with appropriate Student Success Center staff and resources
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of all student contacts, progress notes, and outcomes in Student Access or other data systems
• Contribute to program reporting and evaluation, including collecting and analyzing data related to student success and transfer outcomes
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and college committees as assigned
• Support and uphold all federal TRIO grant regulations and institutional policies

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of academic advising principles and transfer processes
• Familiarity with financial aid processes, including FAFSA and scholarship applications
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with diverse student populations
• Ability to analyze student needs and develop individualized plans for success
• Proficiency in data management systems and Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Cultural competency and sensitivity to the needs of low-income, first-generation, and disabled students

Job Attributes

• Student-centered approach with a commitment to equity and inclusion
• Professional demeanor and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic educational environment
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development

Non-essential functions of the position

Other duties as assigned. Duties must be performed on the John A. Logan College campus or designated location.

Deadline to Apply: Open until filled

Type of Position: Full-time; Grant

J ohn A. Logan College provides a range of benefits to its employees. These benefits include, but are not limited to:

• State Universities Retirement System (SURS)
• Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, Personal)
• Paid Holidays
• JALC Tuition Waiver

If you have questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources by calling 618-985-2828, extension 8912, or by emailing [email protected].

JALC Mission: “To enrich lives through learning and community engagement.”

John A. Logan College is an equal-opportunity employer. John A. Logan does not discriminate in employment with regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status, or unfavorable discharge from military service or any other characteristic protected by law.

M-F, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, with occasional evenings and weekends