TBR | The College System of Tennessee

STUDENT SUCCESS ADVISOR

Number of Openings:           1

Institution:                             Cleveland State Community College

Department:                           Student Success

Reports to:                              Director of Student Success

Campus Location:                   Athens, Tennessee

Salary Range:                          $44,155-$55,194

Position Status:                       Exempt / Full-Time

Moving Allowance:                  N/A

Cleveland State Community College is a comprehensive, two-year post-secondary institution, located in Cleveland, Tennessee. Cleveland State is committed to providing open access and quality education to all students. A Tennessee Board of Regents institution, Cleveland State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). At Cleveland State, our mission is to build strong minds, careers and communities through exceptional teaching and learning, workforce development and service. We wish to hire individuals with similar values who can help us accomplish those goals.

Special Instructions to Applicants: 

To be considered for a position at Cleveland State, you must complete an online application. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated solely based on the information provided in your application. Any work experience not included will not be considered for meeting the minimum requirements or determining compensation for the position.

Please note the following: 

• Attaching a resume does not substitute for completion of the application form.
• Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% of full-time experience. 

JOB SUMMARY

The Student Success Advisor provides comprehensive academic advising, student support, and strategic problem-solving to enhance student success, retention, and completion. Managing a broad caseload, the Advisor guides students through registration, course selection, and academic planning using platforms like DegreeWorks and CougarNet while developing intervention strategies for at-risk students.

Serving as a primary financial aid advisor, the role assists with FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) completion, verification, appeals, and compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. Additionally, it involves leveraging data analytics to track enrollment trends, drive targeted outreach, and oversee admissions processes, including transcript evaluation and placement testing.

The position integrates career community engagement and workforce analysis, utilizing labor market platforms to align academic pathways with high-demand career fields. It also involves conducting career planning, analyzing industry projections, and contributing to institutional reports on student career outcomes.

Beyond student advising, the Advisor plays a key role in college outreach, enrollment events, and institutional committees, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while staying at the forefront of evolving best practices in enrollment management and student success.

The Student Success Advisor plays a vital role in enhancing student success, retention, and completion through comprehensive academic advising and support. This involves managing a broad caseload, guiding students in registration, course selection, and academic planning using tools like DegreeWorks and CougarNet, while also developing strategies for at-risk students.

In addition to advising, the role includes primary financial aid responsibilities, assisting with FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) processes and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. The Advisor utilizes data analytics to track enrollment trends and oversee admissions activities, including transcript evaluations and placement testing.

The Advisor also integrates career community engagement, aligning academic pathways with high-demand career fields and contributing to career planning, industry analysis, and institutional reports on student outcomes. Additionally, the Advisor also participates in college outreach and enrollment events, maintaining compliance with standards and adapting to best practices in enrollment management and student success.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICIATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Four years of experience in academic advising, admissions, records, financial aid, counseling, teaching, managing a caseload, early alert systems, or related fields.
• Community college experience and knowledge of Banner and Banner Document Management System, preferred.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

STUDENT SUCCESS, ACADEMIC ADVISING, SUPPORT, AND PROBLEM SOLVING (35%)

• Provide advising support and guidance for all students throughout the registration process, ensuring they have the necessary resources, information, and assistance to successfully navigate course selection, registration timelines, and any related academic requirements.
• Facilitate registration and provide additional academic advising.
• Manage a broad caseload of students, providing in-depth academic advising and career counseling to support student success, retention, and completion.
• Guide students through the advising and registration process using tools such as Degree Works, Schedule Planner, and CougarNet, ensuring they understand academic pathways and course selections.
• Lead and facilitate advising-centered workshops, virtual information sessions, and community outreach initiatives to enhance student engagement, recruitment, and retention.
• Resolve complex student challenges, including financial, academic, and personal obstacles utilizing cross function inquiry and collaboration
• Develop and implement targeted intervention strategies for academically at-risk students, providing tailored referrals (i.e., American Job Center, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), Employment and Training, etc.) , academic support services, and proactive guidance.
• Independently troubleshoot and resolve student issues related to enrollment, financial aid, academic records, and course prerequisites, ensuring seamless student progression.
• Apply complex problem-solving skills to navigate interconnected systems and ensure institutional policies are followed to support student success.
• Organize and participate in key enrollment-related events, including Cougar Days, and Enrollment Events, to foster student engagement and retention.

FINANCIAL AID COUNSELING AND COMPLIANCE (25%)

• Serve as the primary financial aid advisor (primary advisory for caseload), providing high-level counseling on federal, state, and institutional aid programs.
• Assist students and families with FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) completion, verification processes, appeals, and financial aid award.
• Ensure compliance with federal and institutional financial aid policies, collaborating with regulatory agencies, as necessary.
• Identify students at risk; assess student barriers; engage appropriate campus resources; develop strategies for academic success in coordination with college personnel.
• Assist with student accounts; directing students to payment plans; billing; and bookstore credits.

STUDENT MONITORING, DATA ANALYSIS, AND ENROLLMENT PROCESS (20%)

• Utilize multiple dashboards and reporting systems to monitor, track, and analyze data for admitted and enrolled students, ensuring early intervention and strategic communication.
• Leverage data to proactively engage students using various outreach methods (email, text, social media, phone) to enhance enrollment, persistence, and academic success.
• Oversee the admissions process, guiding students through program selection, transcript evaluation, and placement testing.
• Support student retention by analyzing workforce trends and industry projections, aligning academic programs with career pathways.

CAREER COMMUNITY AND CAREER OUTLOOK ADVISING (15%)

• Utilize labor market data platforms (i.e. Lightcast) to provide real-time insights, aligning academic program selection with high-demand career fields.
• Interpret workforce trends, industry projections, and economic shifts to guide students toward sustainable employment opportunities.
• Conduct career planning sessions that integrate salary expectations, regional job demand, and skill development strategies.
• Assist in developing institutional reports that assess student career outcomes and program effectiveness.
• Participate in targeted initiatives within a specialized career community, offering expert-level support. Actively participate in specialized activities, leveraging knowledge of specific academic disciplines.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (5%)

• Must attend all college functions as required.
• Serve on various college committees.
• Participate in college and community outreach activities to support enrollment, retention, and student success initiatives.
• Stay updated on trends in enrollment management, academic advising, and student success strategies through professional development opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• Foster a positive and supportive environment that encourages students to complete the program.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision.
• Effective multi-tasking and time management skills.
• Ability to build partnerships and work collaboratively with Cleveland State employees and community members.
• Proficiency in computer skills including but not limited to Word, Excel, & PowerPoint.
• Ability to both prepare and present information to small and large groups of individuals.
• The appointee will be required to meet those standards now required or which in the future may be required by the Tennessee State Board of Regents and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
• The appointee may be required to achieve additional skill, knowledge, or credential levels.

WORK ACTIVITIES & EQUIPMENT

Work activities routinely involve work with personal computers and peripheral devices. Photocopy and other office machines are frequently used.

JOB LOCATION

This role is an on-site position primarily located on the McMinn Higher Education Center campus of Cleveland State Community College in Athens, TN. Travel may be required within the college’s five-county service area including travel for statewide meetings, national conferences, etc. 

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Applicants may be subject to a background check and credit check.

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Cleveland State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:

• Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability (long and short term), FSA/HAS
• Wellness Incentive Program (if enrolled in health)
• Educational Assistance: Fee Waiver, Spouse/Dependent Discounts, Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Longevity Pay
• Retirement Options: State of TN Pension (TCRS), 401a, 401k with $50 match, 403b, and 457
• Fourteen (14) Paid Holidays/Year
• Sick and Annual Leave
• Sick Leave Bank
• State Employee Discount Program with over 900 merchants

If you are interested, click on the link to apply. 

Applications can be assured full consideration if submitted by October 6, 2025. 

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Human Resources Office
Telephone: 423-478-6203; FAX: 423-478-6257
Email: humanresources@clevelandstatecc.edu

Website: www.clevelandstatecc.edu

The following link will direct you to a reporting section of the college’s website:  How Do I Report