Title: TRiO Retention and Engagement Advisor

Position Type: Professional Tech Full time

College: Trinidad State College

Division: Student Affairs

Department: TSC Advisor

Campus: Trinidad Alamosa Campus

Location: Alamosa

Salary Range: $45,500 - $49,500

Who We Are:

At TSC, we value and uphold a commitment to a workplace that focuses on employees. Our mission statement is "Enriching our diverse communities through quality educational experiences and lifelong learning."
Trinidad State College, located in Trinidad, Colorado, is a state-supported, two-year institution of higher education. The College was established by an act of the State Legislature in 1925 and is the oldest public two-year college in the State of Colorado. The College’s Service Area includes eight rural counties characterized by low population density and small communities. One campus is located in Trinidad and is a residential campus while the other, located in Alamosa, is a commuter campus. Both campuses serve distinct populations. As a comprehensive Community College, Trinidad State College not only offers ongoing transfer Associate of Arts Degree and Associate of Applied Science (vocational) Degree programs but also has developed and implemented numerous successful short-term vocational certificate programs, and totally inclusive adult education and developmental programs.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the TRiO SSS Director this position focused on retaining and engaging program participants through good academic standing and graduation and improving student academic performance by providing resources and support to overcome barriers to academic success. This includes academic coaching, mentoring, and GAI (Generative Artificial Intelligence)- literacy training. The position advises students on the position’s subject of focus and serves as primary contact for tutors, mentors, and instructors for the cultural component of the program. A case load of over 120 students will be tracked, advised, and assisted to ensure attainment of their educational goals. This is a grant-funded position until August 31, 2030, and contingent upon continued funding.

Duties & Responsibilities:

- Provide academic guidance and support for SSS participants, including monitoring their progress, conducting needs assessments, and setting goals for retention
- Coordinate with the Administrative Assistant on SSS student recruitment and interview process
- Work with the Director to evaluate/select students the Administrative Assistant has identified as potential SSS Program participants.
- Track/document academic progress of SSS participants (e.g. grades, GPA), providing guidance on available resources when students are not meeting their academic goals.
- Maintain documentation and records in Internet Native Banner (INB), EAB Navigate 360, and Student Access Database.
- Provide workshops, seminars, and needs assessments to determine the student’s strengths and growth opportunities.
- Plan and organize educational and cultural events for program participants
- Consult with faculty, Financial Aid, Admissions, SSS staff, and Counseling on behalf of project participants
- Coordinate SSS orientation for new and returning participants
- Participate in both college committees, activities as assigned, and in professional organizations (ASPIRE) and with the TSC Trinidad Campus TRiO communities
- Contribute to the APR (Annual Performance Report) to the Department of Education on student success, persistence, retention, and graduation goals
- Train SSS participants on the use of tools (e.g. Portal, EAB Navigate 360, Degree Works, Brainfuse, Handshake, Conover)
- Position requires some travel and evening/weekend work
- Other related duties as assigned to support the SSS Project and TSC
- Travel between both campuses and beyond for professional development
- Advises students about content and structure of postsecondary programs including graduation and/or transfer requirements for a particular program of study
- Audits, monitors, and evaluates individual student academic progress
- Interprets testing results relevant to placement decisions; determines student readiness for college programs
- Assists students in the development of an educational plan including choosing a program of study and/or clarifying educational goals
- Informs students about alternatives, limitations and possible consequences of academic decisions (e.g. adding, dropping and withdrawing from courses; change of program, major and/or transfer institution)
- Maintains up-to-date knowledge about the College’s programs and requirements
- Process course withdrawals, adds, and drops as required
- Maintains administrative documents and confidential student records
- Participates in individual and team professional development, remains current with technology used to provide advising services

Competencies/KSAs:

Minimum Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree in Humanities or related field, and one year working with disadvantaged students Preferred master’s degree in education, Counseling, Social Work or related field
- Preferred experience in educational setting, knowledge of the higher education system, financial aid programs and student retention programs
- Superior oral/written communication skills and excellent organizational skills required
- Experience in educational setting, knowledge of the higher education system, financial aid and student retention programs.
- Proficient in various computer applications to include Microsoft’s Office Suite, Internet Native Banner (INB), EAB Navigate 360, and Student Access Database.
- Experience as a member of a collaborative team Experience working with under-represented students is desirable
- Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to successfully relate to diverse students

Preferred Qualifications:

- Background similar to SSS participants is preferred
- Bilingual (Spanish) is preferred

Selection Process:

Special Requirements:
The successful candidate must submit to and successfully complete a post-offer, pre-employment background check as a condition of hire

Application Instructions: 

To ensure consideration, materials must be received in Human Resources by Monday, August 31, 2026. Application screening will begin immediately and only the most qualified candidates will receive further consideration. This position will remain open until filled.

For consideration, an applicant must submit the following:
A letter addressing the professional qualifications listed in the position description
A current resume or a current curriculum vitae
Unofficial Transcripts (of highest education attained)
The names and telephone numbers of at least three (3) references from persons in a position to evaluate the applicant's expertise as it relates to the position requirements.

Inquiries
Yvette Atencio, Human Resources Director – (888) TSC-1925, ext. 5538 or 719-846-5538
Alfredo Burciaga, Vice President of Student Affairs – 719-846-5458

Additional Information/Benefits:

Notice To All Applicants
Former employees of the Colorado Community College system or one of its 13 colleges, who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination, must disclose this information on your application/within your application materials. All materials submitted become the property of Trinidad State College and will not be returned. The State of Colorado must comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act/1986. If hired, you will be required to provide documents to show your identity and authorization to work. This law applies to all persons hired. Colorado fiscal rules require all new employees to be on direct deposit.

CAMPUS SECURITY AUTHORITY
This position has been identified by the U.S. Department of Education as a Campus Security Authority. As a Campus Security Authority, the incumbent in this position is required to report all crimes that they become aware of to the Vice President of Student Affairs, Dean of Students or Human Resources Department at Trinidad State College.

This position must report all incidents, whether directly or indirectly, that you become aware regarding Civil Rights, which includes all sexual misconduct incidences, to the Equal Opportunity/Title IX Coordinator for the College.

This position is responsible for development of student training and awareness programming for the athletic team regarding unlawful discrimination and harassment prevention, which includes sexual misconduct, in collaboration with the Equal Opportunity/Title IX Coordinator for the College as well as the College Athletic Director.

This position is responsible for development of primary prevention and awareness programs for the athletic team for incoming students as well as ongoing prevention and awareness campaigns pursuant to the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act on dating and domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, in collaboration with College staff responsible with overseeing Clery Act compliance.

For information regarding Trinidad State College Security, including crime statistics for the Trinidad and Alamosa campus and surrounding area, please see the Trinidad State College Campus Security website at: http://www.trinidadstate.edu/campus-security.html. For a hard copy report please contact 719-846- 5618

TSC Mission Statement
Trinidad State’s mission is to enrich the lives of our diverse communities by providing quality educational experiences and promoting lifelong learning.

In addition to rewarding and meaningful work, we offer a comprehensive selection of benefits to support our employees, including:

Strong, flexible retirement benefits including Colorado PERA's Defined Benefit Plan or Defined Contribution Plan. TSC contributes 20.95% of your salary on your behalf. Supplemental retirement plans including 401(k), 403(b) and 457 plans are also available. Please note student employees are not eligible to contribute to PERA.
Medical insurance is offered to instructors and other variable hour employees who have worked, on average, at least 30 hours per week in a 12-month period. TSC/CCCS uses an initial 12-month measurement period to determine medical benefit eligibility, and a 12-month standard measurement period. Additional information about this, and Life and Disability benefit information can be found at the CCCS Employee Benefits site under “Instructor & Variable Hour Employee Benefit Information.” Please note that Kaiser and Anthem Blue Priority plans are not offered at TSC.
Employee assistance services such as counseling, professional coaching, financial planning, and more, are available to you and members of your household at no cost through the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP)
Sick leave is granted in accordance with SB20-205, Sick Leave for Employees, accrued at one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 48 hours per year.
State employees are eligible to participate in BenefitHub which offers discounts for retailers and services and other benefits resources.
Employees may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Additional information about this program can be found on the Colorado Division of Human Resources website.

In addition to rewarding and meaningful work, we offer a comprehensive selection of benefits to support our employees, including:

Strong, flexible retirement benefits including Colorado PERA's Defined Benefit Plan or Defined Contribution Plan. TSC contributes 20.95% of your salary on your behalf. Supplemental retirement plans including 401(k), 403(b) and 457 plans are also available. Please note student employees are not eligible to contribute to PERA.
Medical insurance is offered to instructors and other variable hour employees who have worked, on average, at least 30 hours per week in a 12-month period. TSC/CCCS uses an initial 12-month measurement period to determine medical benefit eligibility, and a 12-month standard measurement period. Additional information about this, and Life and Disability benefit information can be found at the CCCS Employee Benefits site under “Instructor & Variable Hour Employee Benefit Information.” Please note that Kaiser and Anthem Blue Priority plans are not offered at TSC.
Employee assistance services such as counseling, professional coaching, financial planning, and more, are available to you and members of your household at no cost through the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP)
Sick leave is granted in accordance with SB20-205, Sick Leave for Employees, accrued at one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 48 hours per year.
State employees are eligible to participate in BenefitHub which offers discounts for retailers and services and other benefits resources.
Employees may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Additional information about this program can be found on the Colorado Division of Human Resources website.