Student Success Splst- CASA na University of New Mexico

In support of the University’s enrollment, retention, and graduation goals, the Student Success Specialist provides integrated support for the Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA). CASA offers academic support, accessibility services, and testing services to help UNM-Taos students successfully navigate higher education. The Specialist assists the CASA Supervisor of Student Success with outreach and retention programs, administrative tasks, data collection, and record keeping.

A primary responsibility of this role is coordinating and overseeing all standardized testing activities at UNM-Taos. The Student Success Specialist develops and implements testing policies and procedures, schedules, and administers exams, and ensures secure and compliant delivery of assessments in accordance with university, state, and national standards. This includes managing the UNM-Taos computer-based testing pod, collaborating with IT staff to maintain reliable operations, and supervising proctors and support staff. The Specialist also provides guidance to students regarding testing procedures and results, upholding confidentiality while promoting a fair and equitable testing environment.

As home to the only Pearson-certified Testing Center in the region, UNM-Taos offers placement exams for incoming students, high school equivalency exams, NREMT certification exams, and college course exams, serving both students and community members. By ensuring effective testing operations and contributing to outreach and retention initiatives, the Student Success Specialist plays a vital role in supporting academic advancement, career readiness, and student success across northern New Mexico.

In addition to these responsibilities, the Student Success Specialist interfaces directly with students to provide holistic support. The Specialist assists the Supervisor of Student Success, guides students on next steps and available campus resources, supports students in navigating university systems, and helps build basic academic skills. By cultivating an awareness of individual student needs and developing supports tailored to those needs, the Specialist strengthens retention efforts and fosters equitable opportunities for student success.

Why work at UNM-Taos?
Thank you for your interest in employment at The University of New Mexico-Taos.

The University of New Mexico-Taos, one of the four branch campuses of the state’s flagship institution, UNM. UNM-Taos is a comprehensive community college serving the region from “cradle to career” with an award-winning early childhood education and care center; pre-college programs including high school equivalency, dual enrollment and early college; vocational and technical courses and short-term certificates; associate degrees in ten programs; transfer and articulation to four-year institutions in New Mexico and surrounding states, career readiness, adult basic education, and lifelong learning opportunities.

Located approximately 130 miles north of Albuquerque, UNM-Taos is the only college within a 50-mile radius. Nestled between the Rio Grande, Sangre de Christo Mountains, and the ancestral lands of the Taos Pueblo, we are tightly connected to the unique rural, multicultural, and historically rich communities we serve and as such, UNM-Taos epitomizes the term “community college”.

UNM-Taos serves over 1,100 students from a service area including the counties of Taos, Rio Arriba and Colfax, and the Pueblo Nations of Taos and Picuris. The UNM-Taos student body is representative of its communities, with 52% Hispanic and 9% Native American enrollment in fall 2020, making it one of the most diverse student bodies in the state. Our student population is comprised of non-traditional and first-generation students. UNM-Taos is the recipient of several federal grants including three TRIO programs (Upward Bound Math & Science, Student Support Services, and Veterans Upward Bound), Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) grants including Title V and Title III: Part F STEM, USDA NIFA and LIFT, and most recently, a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant.About 80% of UNM-Taos alumni remain in the area and provide valuable contributions to the region's intellectual life, economy, cultural community, and primary industries including healthcare, tourism, and construction. 

The last decade at UNM-Taos has seen transformative and remarkable growth. From state-of-the-art facilities to future classroom renovations, a nationally-accredited nursing program, award-winning Early Childhood Education and Care program and learning lab, and the rising reputations of the Natural Resources Management, and Film and Digital Media Arts programs, meaningful collaboration with the community focused on scholarship, internship, and workforce development, UNM-Taos’ roots are spreading deeper and stronger every year.

Drawing on nationally recognized and research-based practices, such as Guided Pathways, UNM-Taos is committed to academic excellence, which starts with professionals who advise, instruct, and support students in achieving their educational and career goals. In this way, our campus promotes an environment of learning, encourages a growth mindset, and prioritizes continuous improvement both inside the classroom and outside the classroom with a commitment to mentorship and professional development opportunities for our faculty and staff. UNM-Taos professionals draw on high impact practices that increase inclusion and equity such as culturally relevant pedagogy, teaching to learn, and creating a sense of community and belonging college-wide.

What makes UNM-Taos special is our shared commitment to student engagement, learning, and success as defined by each student, whether that is transferring to four-year programs, entering the workforce, gaining new skills to change career paths, or personal enrichment. UNM-Taos provides academic and social supports and wrap around services to promote equitable outcomes for our students.

People from various identities and experiences make UNM-Taos grow and thrive. We offer opportunities for everyone—teachers and researchers, business professionals, skilled tradespeople, and many, many more—in an environment that values the unique experiences and perspectives each of us bring. Join the UNM-Taos familia today!

For firsthand information on why UNM is a great place to work and learn, visit UNM Proud to hear directly from university employees, faculty, students, and alumni. In addition to all the University has to offer, you have the added benefit of living in Taos, New Mexico — a land rich with art, history, culture, and outdoor activities. For more about life in Taos, visit taos.org and NewMexicoTrue. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

See the Position Description for additional information.

• All regular, non-temporary positions assigned to this classification are represented by a labor union and subject to the terms and conditions of the US-UNM Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Bachelor's degree; no previous experience required.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

• Experience working effectively in a community college or similar higher education setting
• Familiarity with student success, outreach, retention, or academic support initiatives.
• Experience coordinating or administering standardized testing in compliance with policies and procedures.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• A demonstrated commitment to fostering an understanding of the rich and diverse cultures of New Mexico, and to supporting the university’s mission of serving both local and global communities.
• Master’s degree

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.