| Detailed Description: |
The Coordinator of Student Success serves as the primary lead for student success initiatives at the Kroc School with a strong student-centered and customer service-oriented approach. This position supports program management and broader Academic Affairs operations at the Kroc School. The Coordinator develops and implements programs that promote student engagement, resilience, and well-being while maintaining close collaboration with USD’s services and resources.
The role manages key experiential learning components, including practicums and study-abroad opportunities, in partnership with faculty, campus collaborators and external partners. The Coordinator also plans and executes major student events such as orientation, graduation, the winter celebration, Kroc Pots, and other community-building activities.
Responsibilities include maintaining accurate student records, degree audits, and resources to ensure compliance with program requirements. The Coordinator serves as the primary liaison for the Kroc School Graduate Student Association and as a bridge between students, faculty, and the Academic Programs team to advance student success and program excellence.
In collaboration with the Assistant Dean, the Coordinator oversees the continuous assessment and enhancement of the student experience through surveys, feedback mechanisms, and targeted initiatives aligned with academic program goals and the School’s mission. The position also develops pathways for Kroc School alumni to engage in continuing education and professional development opportunities and leads ongoing initiatives to strengthen student success and career readiness.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Academic Administration
The Coordinator supports academic operations and student enrollment processes, ensuring accurate records, compliance, and strong collaboration with faculty and campus partners. The role advances academic quality and student success through data-informed practices, effective program management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Conduct admitted student webinars in collaboration with the Director of Admissions, Program Directors, and campus partners.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret data on incoming students to support academic and operational decision-making.
- Support registration for online, hybrid, and certificate students, including cohort registration.
- Manage student and program records, degree audits, and certificate issuance in coordination with Graduate Records and DARS.
- Engage with prospective and admitted students to clarify program requirements, curriculum, and registration processes.
- Manage experiential learning initiatives, including practicums and study-abroad courses, in collaboration with faculty and SOLE Global Center and the International Center.
- Collaborate with the Assistant Dean, marketing and recruitment to develop academic policies, procedures, and lifelong learning pathways for students and alumni.
- Collaborate across Marketing, Academic Affairs, and Career Development to advance student success and post-graduate engagement.
- Lead assessment of the student experience, including exit surveys and feedback tools, and implement improvements to support academic quality, well-being, and resilience.
- Design surveys and feedback mechanisms to inform recommendations for academic program adjustments.
- Design and implement initiatives that enrich the student experience in alignment with program goals and the Kroc School mission.
- Serve as the Kroc School commencement marshal and represent the School on the university’s Commencement Committee.
- Review DegreeWorks records and assist in certifying students for graduation
Operational Logistics and Student Support
The Coordinator manages daily academic operations and student services to ensure efficient processes and a supportive learning environment. The role provides responsive communication, oversees key logistical functions, and coordinates with faculty and campus partners to promote student satisfaction and success.
- Provide outstanding customer service to students and stakeholders who come in contact with the Kroc School
- Reconcile invoices for students and track departmental budgets
- Provide supervision and mentoring of Federal Work Study students, as assigned.
- Serve as liaison for student services and engagement, including coordination with USD Grad Life, Wellness, and other campus partners.
- Collaborate with faculty advisors and the Academic Programs team to provide student support.
- Serve as the primary liaison to the Kroc Graduate Student Association (KGSA), supporting communication, collaboration, and student engagement initiatives.
- Maintain the Canvas orientation sites.
- Update student handbooks annually or as needed to reflect current academic policies, program requirements, and student support resources.
- Arrange and administer proctoring of exams as requested by faculty.
- Prepare letters, forms, and official correspondence on behalf of students, faculty, and administrators, including verification letters and communications to external partners and agencies.
- Manage student communications by maintaining the Kroc School student listserv and roster. Share updates on registration, important dates, deadlines, and other academic information with students.
- Maintain the Student Resources site with accurate, updated, and relevant information to support student success and ensure easy access to essential academic and program materials.
- Distribute and ensure that all Kroc students sign the graduate code of conduct.
- Assist with open campus requests, waitlist questions and request for late add and withdrawals
- Make sure students requests/needs are addressed/responded to in a timely manner.
Event Coordination
The Coordinator plans and executes student and community events, managing logistics and communications to ensure smooth operations and meaningful engagement.
- Lead the design and coordination of orientation, graduation, student holiday party, winter celebration, Kroc Pots, and other student-centered and community-building events.
- Ensure that logistics are executed as desired, including but not limited to venue reservation, catering AV requirements, parking and marketing materials coordination.
- Track RSVPs for Events and send reminders
- Assist with set-up and implementation and break-down of events.
- Oversee the nomination process for the graduation awards ceremony, including the solicitation of the awards, convening of the committee and the announcement of the and presentation of the awards.
Other Initiatives Duties
The Coordinator provides flexible support across academic and administrative functions, ensuring continuity of operations and contributing to special projects. The role assists with scheduling, onboarding, and program logistics while advancing departmental goals and strategic initiatives.
- Serve as the backup Coordinator of Academic Programs by managing academic scheduling and supporting administrative functions to ensure seamless coordination of academic activities.
- Serve as back-up supervisor for work-study students, managing their workload based on departmental priorities.
- Support the onboarding of visiting scholars, including but not limited to arranging library access, parking, Banner ID, USD ID, and other necessary university services.
- Perform additional duties as assigned to support broader departmental goals and initiatives.
- Support the logistics of the Global Executive Seminar and Visiting Scholars Program
Background check: Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.
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| Job Requirements: |
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in peace and justice, social innovation, conflict resolution, international relations, higher education, or a related field.
- Minimum two years of progressively responsible experience in administrative or customer service, student affairs, student success, advising, program coordination, partnership management, event planning, and/or career development.
- Demonstrated experience planning and executing large-scale events.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently in a fast-paced academic setting.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Experience working collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and community partners.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in higher education administration, counseling, peace and justice, or a related discipline.
- Three or more years of professional experience in administration and customer service, student success, academic advising, or event and partnership coordination.
- Familiarity with the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies and its programs.
- Experience using CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), learning management systems (e.g., Canvas), and student information systems (e.g., Banner or Degree Works).
- Experience with alumni engagement, student programming, or community partnerships.
- Fluency in a second language.
Performance Expectations - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
- Skilled in planning and managing events of varying size and complexity.
- Effective collaborator able to work across teams and departments.
- Strong interpersonal skills and cultural competence in working with diverse student populations.
- Ability to use data and technology to track student engagement, outcomes, and program effectiveness.
- Skilled in professional use of digital tools, including Canva and social media platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.), for communication and engagement.
- Demonstrated adaptability and initiative in a dynamic academic environment.
- Commitment to the mission of peacebuilding, social justice, and inclusive excellence.
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