"Retention Specialist"

Posting Details

Posting Number: 0801644

Classification Title: Retention Specialist

Department: First Year Seminar

Department Contact Email: kscott19@centralstate.edu

Job Summary/Basic Function

Job Summary:
The Retention Specialist is responsible for assisting first-year students with tailored course planning and goal setting to produce a successful first-year experience. They will identify and monitor the academic progress of all students at-risk of failing, to ensure they are on the path to academic success. The Retention Specialist will also proactively maintain records for each student, as well as employ effective academic engagement techniques and college and career preparedness strategies to ensure acceptable retention and graduation rates. They will collaborate with faculty, counselors, other academically qualified professionals, and university staff to provide resources and interventions that promote student achievement. In addition, the primary goal of the Retention Specialist is to retain current students by purposefully inspiring and strategizing to raise first and second year students’ academic performance. This job resides in the First and Second Year Student Success ( FSYSS ) department and reports to the Retention Coordinator.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a plan to increase retention and graduation rates
• Develop a cooperative initiative for registering students for each semester
• Track and maintain academic progress of incoming students (including retention and success rates)
• Assist with advising, registeristration and matriculation of students who have been placed on academic probation
• Advise and develop a follow-up system with students who have been identified through the carly alert system for excessive absences, unsatisfactory grades, etc.
• Maintain and/or assist in student bi-weekly progress reports
• Prepare written reports and submit electronically of all tasks geared toward the management of retention and persistence efforts to the Director of First Year Experience & Student Success
• Develop relationships with faculty liaisons
• Plan retention initiatives, activities, and or events.
• Other duties as assigned or maybe required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience in advising, admissions/enrollment procedures
• Knowledge of graduation requirements and retention techniques
• Commitment to supporting and fostering partnerships with underrepresented student populations
• Proven expertise in delivering programs and services designed to meet the needs of students from underrepresented populations
• Proven dedication to employing leadership in embracing a diverse and inclusive environment
• Interpersonal skills and abilities
• Ability to use and operate computer software
• Resilience under pressure; Knowledge of de-escalation and intervention strategies and techniques.
• Organizing and planning skills, including the ability to adhere to strict timeframes.
• Capability to integrate new systems and information efficiently.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced atmosphere and exhibit the ability to prioritize several competing projects and demands proficiently.
• High problem-solving skills and the capacity to examine components and determine a logical plan of action, in addition to awareness of when to seek aid or direction.
• Exceptional organizational and follow-through skills to ensure assignments are completed within allotted timeframes.
• Capability to manage sensitive, confidential materials with total discretion
• Familiarity with HIPPA / FERPA and 504 plans.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a related Social Science field
• Fundamental training in College and Career readiness

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree
• Experience to with student-focused programs

Posting Date: 08/26/2024

Closing Date:

Open Until Filled: Yes

Position Category: Staff - Monthly (Exempt)

Budgeted Annual Salary: $45,000

Required Documents:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Unofficial Transcripts