New Student Navigator

Unity Environmental University is seeking a New Student Navigator to support Distance Education students during their academic journey. This role involves guiding students through financial aid, account activation, and course readiness while maintaining accurate records. The Navigator will engage with students via various communication methods and assist them in choosing their degree paths. The position is designed to help non-traditional and adult learners succeed in their educational pursuits.
About Unity:

At Unity Environmental University we are on a mission to make
environmental education accessible and affordable to all. Our
unique model combines a functional hierarchy and project-based
structure through our four Sustainable Education Business Units
(SEBUs) to promote collaboration and innovation (Distance
Education, Sustainable Ventures, and In-Person Education). We
prioritize our students' needs above all else, offering a variety
of modalities, including in-person, and online. Our innovative and
inclusive culture prepares students to tackle real-world challenges
and cultivate the next generation of environmental professionals
and leaders who can make a positive impact on our world.

Our Mission:

We are dedicated to delivering quality education and experiences
that produce outstanding environmentally competent professionals
and inspire individuals from all walks of life to steward
sustainable ecosystems.

About Distance Education:

Distance Education provides an entirely asynchronous, online
learning experience that adapts to the unique circumstances of each
student. Our fully accredited bachelor's and master's degree
programs, as well as non-degree credits, empower learners to shape
their own educational journey. With 8 five-week terms for
undergraduates and 5 eight-week terms for graduate students, our
model offers unparalleled flexibility. You can learn at your own
pace, and take breaks as needed. By using your everyday environment
as your laboratory, you'll integrate your studies into your daily
life. This makes our education ideal for busy professionals who
seek to advance their careers while still honoring their
commitments. We are committed to empowering our students to become
the changemakers our world needs, wherever they are.

The Opportunity:

The New Student Navigator plays a key role in supporting Distance
Education students through the initial stages of their academic
journey while addressing any potential obstacles along the way.
Acting as the first point of contact, the New Student Navigator
provides guidance on financial aid and payments, account
activation, course readiness, career outcomes, and additional
resources relevant to the student experience at Unity. They
communicate via email, text, phone, and video calls, and help new
students choose their degree path and complete all necessary steps
prior to matriculation, while maintaining accurate student
records.

Day to Day Responsibilities:
• Meet or exceed application to matriculation conversion
goals.
• Become knowledgeable and articulate about Unity Environmental
University Distance Education, its programs, market niche,
strategies, policies and procedures.
• Understand how to work with non-traditional and adult
learners.
• Engage new students through phone contact within 24 hours of
handoff
• Maintain student enthusiasm for Unity Distance Education from
application through Week 2 of the first term, or throughout the
lifecycle of non-degree students.
• Proactively assist students with Unity accounts (Student
Portal, Canvas, Unity email, etc.).
• Provide timely and accurate responses to student inquiries, not
to exceed 24 business hours.
• Offer program-specific guidance on career outcomes, course
requirements, and completion timelines.
• Assist students with financial aid and funding options (e.g.
Federal Aid, Military Benefits, other 3rd parties).
• Maintain accurate student records using the University
CRM/SIS.
• Participate in regular training sessions, including
cross-training to provide support and backfill at any stage of the
student lifecycle during high-demand periods.
• Work with Distance Education staff and leaders to develop
strategies for effective onboarding and conversion efforts.
• Maintain appropriate records and submit timely reports on all
retention activities as needed.
• Pro-actively communicate challenges, successes, and failures
with leadership.
• Attend Institution events such as orientations, open houses,
graduation, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Do you have the skills?
• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience in direct customer support, sales/recruitment, or
account management.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to create personal
connections with students through various mediums (text, email,
video).
• Skilled in managing caseloads, planned engagement, and accurate
record keeping, maintaining efficiency with multiple contacts.
• Excellent initiative with ability to work both autonomously and
in a team with great time management skills.
• Willingness to work with students from diverse
political/socioeconomic backgrounds and a wide range of physical
and academic abilities.
• Personal commitment to the environmental focus and mission of
the Institution.
• Ability to function effectively within a matrix organizational
structure, maintaining open lines of communication while being
discreet, courteous, and well-poised.
• Valid Maine Driver’s License with a good driving record.

Preferred:
• Proficiency in Salesforce
• Experience in Finance, Financial Literacy Coaching, or
Financial Aid
• Knowledge of labor market and/or career outcomes for degree
holders

Are you contemplating the job but uncertain if you should
apply? We encourage you to reach out to us regardless. At our
company, we acknowledge that not everyone begins their professional
journey with equal advantages, opportunities, or privileges.
Therefore, we value your unique skills and experiences. Take a
chance and submit your application; you may be precisely the
individual we're searching for!

Location: Pineland Farms, New Gloucester, Maine

Just a half hour from Portland, Unity Environmental University
Headquarters, Unity Environmental University Distance Education,
The Technical School for Environmental Professions, and the School
of Environmental Business & Sustainable Ventures are based at
the Pineland Farms campus. The facilities are within easy access to
one of the fastest-growing cities for startups in the
country.

Work Schedule:

Work hours are specific to the requirements of this position and
can include days, evenings, weekends. Working extended hours may be
required as needed and Unity Environmental University employees
must be flexible and cooperative in fulfilling their
responsibilities while meeting the institution's needs.

Although at Unity Environmental University Enterprise employees are
generally scheduled to work at their base location, there are times
when travel is necessary and employees are required from time to
time to attend events, meetings or work temporary assignment at any
Unity Environmental University location.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, it is regularly required
to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to
stand or walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up
to 20 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include
close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception,
and the ability to adjust focus. The use of either hand for
repetitive movements such as grasping, grasping, and turning, and
fine manipulation is required as is the ability to use the
telephone for internal and external communications.

Company Perks:

Unity Environmental University offers a comprehensive and
competitive compensation and benefits package for its faculty and
staff. Benefits for eligible employees include:
• Paid holidays off
• 4 weeks of PTO
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Short- and Long-term disability
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan with up to 8% match
• Relocation Assistance