Student Services Specialist Sr (American Indian)

Student Services Specialist Sr (American Indian)

Job ID : 321907

Location : Mesa Community College

Full / Part Time : Full Time

Regular / Temporary : Regular

Hiring Salary Range

$20.61 - $26.80 / hourly, DOE

Grade

111

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm; some evenings and weekends may be required

Summer Hours : Monday - Thursday, 7am-6pm

Work Calendar

12 Months

Maricopa Summary

10 Colleges. Unlimited Opportunities.

The Maricopa County Community College District is one of the largest community college systems in the nation. Home to 10 individually accredited community colleges and 31 satellite locations, we proudly serve students in every corner of the Valley. Each day, our dedicated faculty, staff, and administrators, live out our vision- creating excellence in education for a better world.

We focus on people-not profits.

With 100% acceptance, zero rejections, and affordable tuition, we provide the flexibility and support our students need to succeed in and beyond the classroom. Discover how we're changing college.

We don't just support our community-we help build it.

We are the largest provider of workforce development training in the state. The activities of our colleges and their students support one out of every 28 jobs in Maricopa County. Learn about our economic impact.

We believe our employees are our most valuable asset.

Our 10 colleges and District Office support nearly 10,000 jobs and careers throughout Greater Phoenix.

Join us in making a real difference in the lives of over 140,000 college students each year.

Campus Statement

Mesa Community College (MCC), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary during 2025, is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving more than 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu .

Benefits

Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is committed to providing a competitive and comprehensive benefits program that supports our employees' and their families' health and well-being. Therefore, the MCCCD benefits support every stage of life and are designed to meet the diverse needs of our community. Explore the wide range of benefits and perks available to eligible employees at MCCCD :

Affordable and Comprehensive Benefits Package :

• Nationwide Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Paid Time Off : Vacation, Sick Leave, and Personal Time
• 20 Paid Observed Holidays
• Company-paid Life Insurance, AD&D, and Short-Term Disability plans, with the option to purchase supplemental coverage
• Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) Pension , including Long Term Disability and Retiree Health Insurance with 100% employer-matching contributions
• Optional Retirement Plans : 403(b), 457(b), Roth 403(b), Roth 457(b)
• Tuition Reimbursement for employees and dependents
• Annual Professional Development Funding
• Flexible Work Schedules

Employee Health & Wellness Programs :

Job Summary

The Student Services Specialist Sr serves to promote the academic success, retention, and overall well-being of Native American students by providing responsive support services, advocacy, and resource navigation. This role is integral to the mission of the American Indian Institute, fostering a supportive environment that respects and uplifts Indigenous identities, traditions, and educational goals. Under general supervision, the Support Specialist works collaboratively with internal departments, tribal communities, and external partners to support Native American students throughout their educational journey. Responsibilities include academic advising support, outreach and recruitment, event coordination, student tracking and data reporting, and assistance with financial aid and scholarship resources. The position requires cultural competence, sensitivity to tribal sovereignty, ability to initiate and respond to change, and an understanding of the barriers Indigenous students may face in higher education. The Support Specialist acts as a liaison between the college and Native communities, helping to ensure equitable access to programs and services.

The Support Specialist position in the American Indian Institute serves as a key advocate and resource for Native American and indigenous students enrolled at Mesa Community College. This position is responsible for providing responsive academic support, student advising, and outreach services that enhance student retention, success, and engagement. The Support Specialist works collaboratively with institute staff, faculty, tribal representatives, and student services to coordinate programs that address the unique needs of Native students, including academic guidance, scholarship and financial aid navigation, and cultural programming.

In addition to direct student support, the position assists in data collection, progress tracking, event planning, and reporting to ensure program effectiveness and alignment with institutional goals. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills, knowledge of Native American cultures and tribal communities, and experience working in an educational or student services setting. This role requires initiative, cultural humility, and a commitment to educational equity for Indigenous populations.

Essential Functions

40% Academic Advisement, Retention & Student Support : Provides 1 : 1 culturally responsive academic advising and success support for American Indian / Alaskan Native (AI / AN) students related to admissions, on boarding, retention, registration procedures, student success and FAFSA / Tribal scholarship processes. Provides educational assistance and guidance to AI / AN students related to Guided Pathways Framework, goal setting, critical decision making, degree and certificate options, transfer pathways and university transfer process, academic course selection & registration and satisfactory academic progress utilizing PC based software Peoplesoft (SIS), Fiscal Management System (FMS), 25 Live, CANVAS, Microsoft Office Suite, AdvisorTrac, Adobe Acrobat, etc. Assist students in developing prescribed academic plans, planning schedules, course recommendations, and determining individualized education solutions for students to adequately study and prepare for their desired career goals Monitors student progress and provides registration assistance to ensure that students are complying with college's academic policies and in accordance with tribal scholarship progress reporting to ensure continued student funding. Acts as a liaison between college academic faculty, campus advisors / staff / support services, department staff and tribal higher education organizations and community entities serving American Indians in AZ and out-of-state; coordinates and guides American Indian student clubs with fundraising events, field trips, club meetings, conference attendance. Follows up on assigned retention responsibilities through EARS Referral System.

30% Tribal Relations, Program Coordination and Management : Serves as a liaison between the campus community and American Indian Tribal Nations and affiliated organizations / entities to establish reciprocal and collaborative relationships. Works to provide information on tribal history, sovereignty, protocols, customs and traditions to enhance, coordinate and advocate for educational opportunities and needs of AI / AN students. Implements programs, activities and networks that connect the college to urban and rural based American Indian communities to reinforce MCCCD's commitment to Indigenous Communities for the support and advancement of Indigenous people. Identifies academic and extracurricular activities, campus clubs, summer programs, university transfer, & internship opportunities (STEM & AISES, MorningStar Leadership Foundation, Big Brothers / Big Sister, FWS and on- campus employment). Provides advice and consultation to AI / AN students to select options best suited to their life and academic goals, interests, and skills. Connects students to tribal education, health, and community resources related to housing, scholarships, food resources, healthcare. Assesses student needs and provides holistic, culturally-sensitive and relevant advising and referrals including, but not limited to student finances, career services, tutoring, and other academic departments (Admissions and Records, Financial Aid, Student Life and Leadership, Testing Services, Counseling, Athletics, Career Center, TRiO program, etc.). Coordinates monthly and yearly signature departmental events and programs that promote academic support, engagement and advocacy for American Indian students. Coordinates & prepares reports from data to track and implement department strategies for programs and initiatives, such as new student welcome & orientation and specialized retention programming events (Native Welcome & Native Cafe, Indigenous Nations Month, Native Heritage Spirit Week, Native Heritage Celebrations, Spring Tailgate Transfer Fair, Native American Recognition Games, AISES National and Regional Leadership Conferences, University Spotlights, Native Heritage Library Display collaboration, student travel, community food pantries, etc.). Also, provides department assistance, management, and implementation of any grant programs that come along (most recent 12% Gaming Grant, Bank of America Grant, HEERF Funding). Provides ongoing & proactive follow-up to ensure student learning and academic outcomes are met.

20% Recruitment and Outreach : Develop and maintain strong relationships with Arizona's federally recognized tribes and other Indigenous communities aiming to reach the K-12 Native American Population. Assists prospective students seeking to pursue a certificate or degree at Mesa Community College by providing support to the student, parents, families, high school counselors, tribal education offices and other school officials. Assists in the implementation of in person and virtual campus information sessions as well as campus visits, and travel throughout the state of Arizona and some out-of-state locations to attend college and career fairs at high schools, education centers and tribal communities.

10% Other Duties : Serves on hiring committees (review applications / applicant interviews); monthly meetings with direct supervisor and team about budget items and expenditures, all event planning, suggestions and campus directives. Provides as-needed training for faculty and staff to address the special needs of Native American students. Interprets and explains MCC and Maricopa Community College District policies and procedures related to admissions, curriculum, advising, student success, and degree completion. Other duties as assigned by the department Director or the Dean of Student Development. Direct the work of student and temporary workers; other representative duties as assigned. Serve on hiring committees; advise and / or guide student clubs, as needs exist.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate's Degree from a regionally accredited institution and two years of student services or college teaching experience or experience assisting with educational program development and coordination, student advisement, financial aid, or related student development programs.

OR

An equivalent combination of the conferred degree and directly related full-time work experience as described above sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation, may be considered.

Desired Qualifications

A Master's Degree in Education, Counseling, Academic Advising, American Indian Studies, Anthropology, Sociology, any liberal arts or sciences discipline, or related field.

B Two (2) or more years of experience teaching or providing academic or career advising in a college or university setting or within Native American communities.

C Experience applying academic or career advising approaches, theories, and competencies.

D Working knowledge of student development and academic programming, university / college academic and financial policies, academic admissions and records policies and procedures.

E Experience using online student databases (i.e. SIS / PeopleSoft, Advisortrac, Cranium Cafe, Microsoft Office Suite, PC-based software, etc.) to support academic advising or career advising, student success, academic progress, and student learning.

F Experience working with Native American students OR students from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

G Experience working with student cohorts and identifying student success strategies to support persistence, retention, and completion.

H Experience in working independently, prioritizing work-flow, solving problems, and making decisions.

I Experience collaborating with faculty or Academic Affairs on integrative projects.

Special Working Conditions

Work schedule varies during the year : August through mid-May : Monday - Friday, 8 hour days; mid-May through the end of July : Monday - Thursday, 10 hour days

May require working evening and weekend hours (example : Saturday coverage during peak weeks)

This position is fully on-site, with no remote options

Required to sit for a prolonged period of time; viewing a computer monitor

May be required to travel or be assigned to another MCCD location

Travel to campus during interview / selection process will be at candidate's own expense

MCC does not sponsor individuals for work visas

How to Apply

Applicants are required to submit a resume showing how the applicant meets the minimum and desired qualifications. All minimum requirements must be met at the time of the application.

Additional materials will not be accepted after the job posting has closed.

Missing materials or incomplete employment history will not be considered.

Please ensure your materials clearly provide the following information.

Applicants who currently work for any of the MCCCD campuses / locations should utilize their HCM Employee Self Service page to apply for jobs by logging in to HCM and clicking on NavBar >

Navigator >

Self Service >

Recruiting >

Careers. Click on link for instructions on how to apply.

Applicants who are not currently working for any of the MCCCD locations should apply at https : / / www.maricopa.edu / about / careers.

If you encounter a technical issue in the upload of documents or the submission of your application, please contact MCC Human Resources at strategicstaffing@mesacc.edu prior to the application deadline. We are accessible on business days from 8 : 00 am to 5 : 00 pm Arizona time.

Posting Close Date

Apply on or before October 27, 2025 to be considered.

EEO, Title IX, & Clery Act

Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) will not discriminate, nor tolerate discrimination in employment or education, against any applicant, employee, or student because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status (including document abuse), age, disability, veteran status or genetic information.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, states : "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."

The policy of the MCCCD is to provide an educational, employment, and business environment free of gender discrimination. Incidents of misconduct should be reported to the college Title IX Coordinator, as outlined in policy, contact information is available at this link Title IX Coordinators.

The Clery Act is a Federal law requiring United States Colleges and Universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Crime reporting data for each of the Maricopa Community Colleges, as required under the Clery Act, is available at this link Clery Act.

To apply, visit https : / / jobs.maricopa.edu / psp / MCPAHPRD / EMPLOYEE / HRMS / c / HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1000&JobOpeningId=321907&PostingSeq=1

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