"Retention Specialist"

Job Summary/Basic Function

Job Summary:
The Retention Specialist shall assist students experiencing academic difficulties in maintaining their enrollment through intentional efforts to enhance and strategize for improved academic performance. They will collaborate with Student Success Coaches to establish personalized course plans and set goals tailored to each student’s major. They will also collaborate with academics, counselors, other academic experts, and university staff to provide resources and interventions that improve student achievement. In addition, they will establish direct communication and constantly track the academic development of these students to ensure they are on the optimum course toward achieving academic excellence. The Retention Specialist will actively identify, monitor, and document each student’s progress, employing effective academic engagement strategies and college and career preparedness methods to ensure the alignment of trending national retention and graduation rates.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively with Student Success Coaches, Faculty Advisors, and other key personnel to design, and implement retention campaigns and intervention initiatives each semester.
• Work closely with academic personnel in the Colleges and other Divisions/Offices to coordinate student support efforts across campus.
• Assess the success of collaborative intervention efforts by reviewing student data/reports (surveys) and analyzing information according to subgroups.
• Assist with Retention and Student Success programs and support New Student Orientation.
• Organize a student retention awareness month (activities per unit if applicable)
• Respond to tracking requests on assigned students through the early alert system and provide feedback and intentional interventions according to alert types placed.
• Document and report the academic progress of incoming and continuing students in academic distress (including retention and success rates; per semester).
• Guide student interactions; including referrals to appropriate offices.
• Be highly accessible to individual students and groups of students as a resource on academic and personal concerns that impact progression.
• Provide students with a thorough understanding of resources and policies; orient students towards his/her role as self-advocate for services.
• Maintain records and provide monthly departmental reports as directed.
• Attend retention focused conferences annually.
• Perform other appropriate duties as assigned by the Executive Director, First- and Second-Year Student Success.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree within Social Science, Social Work, Counseling, Education, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Two years of professional advising, student support services, teaching experience, or retention-focused programs in a higher education setting.
• Ability to sit and use a computer for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting (up to 50 lbs.), moving materials for workshops or events.
• Regular mobility required within office and campus environments.
• Normal manual dexterity and coordination for office-based tasks.
• Frequent internal communication with students, faculty, and university staff.
• Ongoing coordination with academic departments, student affairs, and campus resources.
• Occasional external communication with vendors or professional associations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters’ Degree in Higher Education, Counseling, Student Affairs, or a closely related field.
• 2–4 years of experience working directly in student retention, college level teaching, academic support services, or case management roles.
• Knowledge of best practices in retention strategies and equity-centered student support.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of college advising, admissions/enrollment policies, graduation requirements, and retention strategies
• Knowledge of retention models and success programs
• Commitment to support and build relationships with students from underrepresented populations
• Experience implementing programs and services geared towards meeting the needs of students from underrepresented backgrounds
• Proven commitment to providing leadership in embracing an atmosphere of diversity and inclusion
• Interpersonal human relations skills
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Ability to work flexible schedules
• Proficiency in operating personal computers and student success software (e.g., Navigate, Banner, CRM platforms)
• Resiliency under pressure, de-escalation and intervention tactics and skills.
• Demonstrated organizational and planning skills, including proven expertise in follow-up and follow through to completion within established time frames.
• Ability to quickly learn and assimilate new systems and information.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in operating personal computers and student success software (e.g., Navigate, Banner, CRM platforms)
• Excellent organization and follow-up / follow-through skills to ensure completion of assignments within established timeframes.
• Familiarity with academic accommodations such as 504 plans and disability services.

Position Category: Staff - Monthly (Exempt)
Budgeted Annual Salary: $45,000
Required Documents:
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Unofficial Transcripts