Student Navigator

Make a Difference in Students’ Lives New River Community and Technical College is seeking a dedicated Student Navigator to support students on their path to academic success. This role is ideal for a student-centered professional who is passionate about access, equity, and helping diverse learners—especially first-generation and high-risk students—overcome barriers and thrive.

Reporting to the Director of Student Services, the Student Navigator plays a key role in student retention, re-entry, and completion by providing personalized guidance, coordinating support services, and implementing innovative student success initiatives.

What You’ll Do

Student Guidance & Advocacy Provide individualized academic and career guidance to students, with a focus on first-generation, high-risk, and underserved populations. Work one-on-one with students to resolve financial aid appeals and support re-entry and retention in academic programs. Advocate for student needs and ensure access to appropriate resources, services, and accommodations.

Academic Support & Case Management Respond to faculty referrals through the early alert system and proactively follow up with students to address academic challenges. Ensure new students complete all required application materials and onboarding requirements. Collaborate with Accessibility Services to support students with disabilities and promote inclusive learning environments.

Program Development & Student Engagement Research best practices and help design, implement, and assess initiatives that support student success. Coordinate and support key student services, including: Career Services (resume workshops, mock interviews, career fairs, and Handshake platform expertise) Tutoring Services New Student Orientation (in-person and online) Student Activities and Organizations, including SGA and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK)

Professional Growth Complete required compliance training in a timely manner. Participate in ongoing professional development through LinkedIn Learning and professional organizations.

What We’re Looking For

• Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field.
• Two (2) years of experience in student counseling or academic advising.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Skills & Abilities Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to build trust, problem-solve, and manage complex student cases.
• Knowledge of student success strategies, advising frameworks, and higher education environments.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including first-generation students and students with disabilities.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives.
• Comfort using data and assessment tools to evaluate and improve programs.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work across departments and lead student-focused initiatives.
• Adaptability and innovation in response to evolving student needs.

This position will be working for the Ghent and Princeton, WV campus locations.

*This position is grant funded and is contingent upon the availability of continued grant funding.

Why Join Us? You’ll be part of a mission-driven institution where your work directly impacts student success and community growth. This role offers meaningful engagement, professional development opportunities, and the chance to shape programs that help students reach their goals.