Lead Advisor/Retention Specialist

Primary Purpose of the Organization

The Department of Student Success advances retention and graduation by providing structured, intentional experiences for second-, third-, and fourth-year students, with a focus on academic engagement, resource navigation, and graduation planning. The department is committed to creating a seamless, student-centered experience that empowers students to achieve academic, personal, and professional success at every stage of their journey.

This mission is carried out through a collaborative, team-based approach; innovative and engaging programming; personalized coaching; and targeted outreach. These efforts foster academic excellence, holistic support, and equitable access to resources, ensuring that all students are equipped to persist through graduation and beyond.

Primary Purpose of the Position

The Lead Advisor/Retention Specialist provides academic advising, coaching, and support services to promote student retention, persistence, and academic success, with a primary focus on sophomore students and Second Year Experience (2YE) programming. This position designs, coordinates, and implements initiatives that address the unique academic, social, and professional development needs of sophomores, ensuring their steady progression toward graduation and preparation for career or graduate school opportunities.

Working collaboratively with faculty, student support professionals, and campus partners, the Lead Advisor/Retention Specialist fosters an integrated service delivery model that enhances sophomore engagement, monitors the student experience, and applies evidence-based strategies to address barriers to success. While the primary emphasis is on sophomore retention, the position also contributes to university-wide efforts that support persistence and completion for all students.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

• Master's degree from an accredited institution with at least two years of work experience in higher education in either of the following areas: academic advising, counseling, admissions, enrollment management, or student affairs.
• Experience interpreting and administering academic policies.
• Proficiency with the EAB Navigate student success management system or a similar platform, Ellucian Banner Student, the Canvas Learning Management System, the DegreeWorks degree auditing system, or related platforms.