"Director of Student Retention Initiatives"

Position Summary

Michigan State University actively promotes a dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

This is a full time Academic Specialist - Advisor position in the continuing system. The Director of Student Retention Initiatives will support student journeys from recruitment to graduation by taking on the primary administrative load for the college, supporting the work of academic advisors within the college, and aligning college efforts with larger university initiatives.

The critical job responsibilities of the Director of Academic Initiatives include:

• Assisting and supporting the Assistant Dean with annual planning and processes vital to the operations of the Office of Undergraduate Studies/Office of Undergraduate Affairs
• Approving administrative forms, processing credit/no credit forms, completing RNR forms, and processing student requests to exceed repeat credit limit and/or to exceed 20 credits in a term
• Administering Academic Standing for Undergraduate Students (ASUS) decisions and signing off on the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) process
• Providing leadership, strategic vision, organization, and administrative oversight for the Student Training for Academic Success (STAR) program
• Providing college level organizational structure for readmission and reinstatement
• Overseeing college-wide initiatives to support intervention measures such as Enhancing Academic Success Early (EASE)
• Serving as the college liaison to for the College Student Success Group (CSSG)
• Developing relationships with key regional and national associations that support student success
• Supporting college-wide access initiatives and policies for the benefit of students and enhancing the student academic experience
• Supporting university and college initiatives, including colloquium and commencement

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters -Student affairs or related field

Minimum Requirements

• A minimum of five (5) years of academic advising and/or academic and student affairs experience
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience coordinating and leading student success and retention initiatives
• Ability to work as an effective member of a team and maintain positive collaborations with stakeholders
• Sound decision making ability, excellent communication (written and oral), organizational, and interpersonal skills required
• Knowledge of undergraduate academic policies and procedures
• Engagement in relevant external professional activities

Desired Qualifications

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience coordinating and leading student success and retention initiatives
• Prior experience working with students through academic probation, including mentorship programs and/or seminar courses aimed at academic recovery
• Prior experience working with university platforms and data collection software such as Campus Solutions and Registrar’s Office (RO) systems and forms
• Excellent written, oral, and dynamic presentation communication skills
• Strong organizational skills

Required Application Materials

1. Cover Letter
2. CV
3. Student Success and Retention Statement (a statement addressing how your past and/or present contributions to student success and retention will advance our efforts and commitment to student retention initiatives)
4. Contact information for three professional references

Special Instructions

For this position, remote friendly means up to two (2) days per week where some of the duties can be performed remotely.

For specific questions about the position, please contact Assistant Dean Dr. Ken W. Horne, Jr. at hornek@msu.edu.

Review of Applications Begins On

03/27/2026

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.