Retention Specialist

Retention Specialist

FOCUS AREA: Career Services

SALARY: Salary mid to high 40’s DOQ. Excellent benefits package. Consideration of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

At Peru State College, the Retention Specialists (RS) serve as vital parts of the campus-wide team of passionate, student-centered, higher education professionals dedicated to helping students overcome obstacles and realize success. Retention Specialists are responsible for retention programing and services focused on the first-year experience and at-risk student populations. This position provides programmatic leadership in student centered initiatives such as career fairs, working with students on career exploration, resume writing, workforce readiness skill development, pre-enrollment guidance, workshops and skill development activities, and all pieces of the job search process, and may teach one section of College Success. The position provides success coaching to students on academic probation and will develop and maintain a career plan for students that encourages their development throughout their academic journey. Will oversee and administer the four-year career plan for students and provide leadership and support for the Career Scholars program as well as advise and counsel students concerning employment opportunities. The Retention Specialist will work collaboratively with faculty and staff to identify and address amendable obstacles to student success. As needed, may supervise proficiency/evaluation testing, supervise peer mentors/peer tutors for students needing support in with language barriers or remedial education in math or English. Will advise and assist students in determining proficiency in college level courses. Due to the importance of the RS being a high visibility, high student contact position, the RS will have occasional evening and weekend work. This position is exempt with regard to FLSA overtime provisions. This position is covered by the NSCPA bargaining unit.

QUALIFICATIONS:

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree and related work experience. A master’s degree, preferably in a field related to higher education, human development, learning theory, guidance and counseling/career guidance, psychology, or related field is strongly preferred, as is a minimum of two years of experience working within retention programming, academic support, or student affairs. The Retention Specialist should have functional knowledge of the role of support programming in retention efforts and a familiarity with best practices in higher education student services. Additionally, this individual should possess a strong affinity toward detail-oriented projects, have basic proficiency with Microsoft Office, effective interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, and be able to maintain confidentiality. The successful candidate should have the ability to work with a wide variety of individuals including faculty, department heads, members of the campus community, students, and external constituencies.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Go to www.peru.edu and click on the link for Success Factors for online employment application. Work authorization and/or visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Please submit the completed application and references.

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