Academic Program Specialist, CUNY Start (HEOa) - 400570
POSITION DETAILS
CUNY Start at Kingsborough Community College (KBCC), housed within the Office of Pre
Matriculated Programs, is an intensive pre-matriculation program that supports associate degree
seeking students in developing the academic, personal, and college readiness skills necessary for
success before entering credit-bearing coursework. Through integrated advisement, academic
support, and structured skill-building, KBCC CUNY Start emphasizes student persistence,
healthy academic habits, and successful transition into college pathways.
The CUNY Start Advisor (HEOa) is a full-time student success professional responsible for
providing comprehensive academic advisement, coaching, recruitment, seminar facilitation, and
programmatic support for CUNY Start students at Kingsborough Community College (KBCC).
Reporting directly to the Director of Pre-Matriculated Programs, the Advisor plays a central role
in supporting student persistence, fostering self-advocacy, coordinating access to campus
resources, and ensuring effective implementation of advisement, recruitment, and student
engagement initiatives across pre-matriculation programming.
This position requires strong organizational leadership, student-centered coaching, and close
collaboration with instructional teams, campus partners, and the broader Pre-Matriculated
Programs office to support student success from recruitment through transition into degree
pathways.
Key Responsibilities
Student Advisement & Success Coaching
- Provide comprehensive academic, personal, and college success advisement to a caseload
of CUNY Start students;
- Conduct regular individual and group advisement sessions focused on goal setting,
academic planning, self-advocacy, problem-solving, and transition into degree pathways;
- Support students in developing healthy academic habits, time management strategies,
growth mindset, and college readiness skills;
- Monitor student attendance, participation, and academic progress, proactively intervening
when concerns arise;
- Maintain accurate student records, case notes, progress documentation, and compliance
with University and campus guidelines.
Seminar & Workshop Leadership
- Facilitate CUNY Start advisement seminars and student success workshops;
- Support implementation of curriculum focused on college readiness, academic behaviors,
self-management, and student persistence;
- Collaborate with instructional staff and program leadership to align advisement with
academic and programmatic goals;
- Assist in the development and refinement of workshops and student support initiatives.
Recruitment, Enrollment & Orientation
- Lead and support recruitment initiatives, including outreach campaigns, information
sessions, applicant screening, and onboarding;
- Coordinate and facilitate student orientations and transition programming;
- Assist with enrollment management, applicant communications, and strategic recruitment
planning to support program enrollment goals;
- Represent Pre-Matriculated Programs in recruitment events and campus outreach efforts.
Program Operations & Campus Collaboration
- Participate in student-teacher-advisor conferences and interdisciplinary team meetings;
- Collaborate with campus offices including Advisement, Registrar, Financial Aid,
Accessibility Services, Testing, and Student Affairs to support student success;
- Assist in program planning, data tracking, reporting, and continuous improvement
efforts;
- Support operational needs across multiple pre-matriculated initiatives as assigned;
- Provide coverage and support for advisement functions across program cycles including
winter, spring, summer, and fall.
Professional Engagement
- Participate in University and campus-wide trainings, meetings, and professional
development activities;
- Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and student-centered office culture;
- Support the broader goals of the Office of Pre-Matriculated Programs;
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Kingsborough Community College and the Office of Pre-Matriculated Programs are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of the students and communities served. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree and four years' relevant experience required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree strongly preferred;
- Minimum of four years of experience in academic advisement, counseling, coaching,
developmental education, student services, or related higher education work;
- Experience working with diverse student populations, particularly underprepared,
transitional, or pre-college students;
- Demonstrated ability to build supportive relationships while maintaining accountability;
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills;
- Excellent organizational, administrative, and problem-solving abilities;
- Ability to work collaboratively across departments and contribute as part of a high
functioning team;
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and higher education systems such as CUNYfirst,
DegreeWorks, Navigate, Brightspace, or similar platforms preferred.
- Availability for some evenings
CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW
Participates in the daily coordination of academic and administrative activities of a College's specialized academic program under management direction.
Supports program development, student service delivery, outcome evaluation and instructor/student recruitment, enrollment, and retention.
Recommends, implements and evaluates strategies to expand program offerings
Prepares analytical and statistical reports for management
Develops and maintains relationships with various College offices to improve student and faculty services
Serves as resource expert regarding program policies and procedures
Oversees office recordkeeping; manages updates of program web and print materials
May supervise office operations and/or department budget
Performs related duties as assigned.
Job Title Name: Academic Program Specialist
CUNY TITLE
Higher Education Assistant
FLSA
Exempt
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
$61,831- $79,598
CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.
- CUNY is in the process of implementing salary schedule increases. Once implemented, salaries of eligible employees will be adjusted by 3.5% effective 9/1/26, in accordance with the terms of the PSC-CUNY collective bargaining agreement.
HOW TO APPLY
Visit www.cuny.edu, access the employment page, log in or create a new user account, and search for this vacancy using the Job ID 32523 or Title. Select "Apply Now" and provide the requested information.
Candidates should provide a resume and cover letter.
CLOSING DATE
August 9, 2026
JOB SEARCH CATEGORY
CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.
Job ID: 32523
Location: Kingsborough Community College
