Looking for a new opportunity where you can make a difference and grow your career at the same time?

Look no further

We’re Sonoran Desert Institute and we’ve been changing lives since 2000.

Our team is growing, and we are seeking an experienced Academic Records Specialist to join our Office of the Registrar team!

Our story:

Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) has been changing lives since 2000. As a DEAC accredited school, our mission is to provide students with current, industry-driven, quality education, delivered through online distance education and practical applications. SDI is an employee-owned company creating a culture with an ownership mentality at the foundation. We believe in rewarding our employees through the success of the institution. We’re proud to be recognized by the Great Place to Work Institute as a Great Place to Work for both 2023 and 2024 — and we’re just getting started. Come be a part of our dynamic organization where you will have the ability to impact the lives of others as they pursue their educational journey with us.

What you will be doing:

The Academic Records Specialist assists students and is responsible for maintaining the integrity and retention of student academic records, while ensuring compliance with all regulatory agencies. The Academic Records Specialist serves as the front-end resource and educator for students, staff, and faculty in determining appropriate interpretation and application of institutional policies, deadlines, and procedures as they relate to academic records and transfer of credit. The Academic Records Specialist works independently and collaborates with other team members to provide exceptional customer service, while operating in a fast-paced team environment on tasks and ongoing projects.

• Exhibit appropriate navigation and usage of Anthology as SDI’s system of record for student information in order to perform all duties
• Analyze records for accuracy and update information as necessary (including demographic and graduation date changes) to maintain the integrity of student records
• Demonstrate clear understanding of academic programs, degree requirements, and academic policies
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure consistent understanding and application of best practices, policies and procedures, and pertinent information necessary for other departments to perform their duties
• Coordinate with other departments to comply with regulatory requirements regarding the collection and retention of all documentation required by SDI
• Process requests for information consistent with FERPA guidelines
• Perform reviews of incoming enrollment documents and process new student enrollments
• Facilitate the timely collection of prior college transcripts, perform transfer credit evaluations, apply credit, and adjust schedules to ensure students benefit from prior course credits
• Initiate background checks, when necessary, to ensure student eligibility for admission
• Monitor and update student billing methods and ensure funding requirements are met for admissibility
• Register all required coursework including makeup courses and equivalents to ensure fulfillment of graduation requirements
• Demonstrate understanding of student academic progress and academic plans and coordinate efforts with other departments to facilitate the appeals process
• Monitor and update expected graduation dates resulting from enrollment changes and unexpected academic progress
• Process student cancellations, start date changes, and other student status changes
• Prepare and distribute official transcripts upon request
• Manage required student communications from the Office of the Registrar throughout the student lifecycle
• Provide guidance to students through documented processes on all matters related to their academic files
• Document and update standard operating procedures and system processes
• Leverage reporting tools and functions within Anthology to create reports, automate processes and ensure accuracy of data
• Participate in professional development opportunities and UAT of Anthology system upgrades

What we offer:

• Highly competitive compensation
• Award winning culture
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Comprehensive benefits package with 100% company-paid medical option for employee
• 401(k) with generous company match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet Insurance
• Company-paid Life insurance
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, and Volunteer time off!)
• 14 Paid holidays
• Referral program
• Education Tuition Benefit program
• Career development opportunities with a growing company
• And perhaps most importantly, a team who is dedicated to your success!

What we are looking for:

• Associate degree, required; Bachelor degree preferred
• One year or more experience in record maintenance
• Experience in higher education industry preferred
• Extremely detailed oriented and able to manage high volume of data entering
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Proven ability to provide outstanding customer service
• Organized, self-starter
• Collaborative mindset
• Ability to perform duties in a manner that is consistent with Service Level Agreements established for the Office of the Registrar
• Experience with CampusVue/CampusNexus Student/Anthology, strongly preferred
• Computer skills with the ability to work with various software including Word and Excel
• Some travel, up to 5%

Sonoran Desert Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It recruits and hires without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran or disability status, sexual orientation, gender expression, or any factors prohibited by law and affirms in policy and practice to support equal opportunity in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

*Preference given to candidates currently residing or planning to reside in the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area, AZ upon hire. Unless specifically agreed upon, SDI does not provide relocation assistance

**Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

***All benefits not available immediately upon hire. Some eligibility requirements may need to be met to be eligible for some benefits based on company policy.