"Student Engagement Coordinator: Retention and Transition Programs"

Job Description

Position Category:

Staff (Non-Exempt)
FLSA: Non-exempt
FTE: 1
Location: Thousand Oaks

University Background:

The mission of California Lutheran University is to educate leaders for a global society who are strong in character and judgment, confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice. Founded in 1959 in beautiful Ventura County, the university has an enrollment of about 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students who come from across the nation and around the world from a diversity of backgrounds, cultures and faiths. As a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, Cal Lutheran is looking for candidates with a dedication to and success in working in diverse communities. The university is committed to an inclusive learning and work environment that values individual differences and respects each person's dignity.

Basic Function:

Under the direction of the Director of Retention and Transition Programs, the Student Engagement Coordinator for Retention and Transition Programs assists in the development and implementation of innovative programs that support a comprehensive student life experience and promote student success.

This position supports student transition and retention initiatives through coordination of orientation, peer mentorship programs and the development of engagement opportunities that foster connection and belonging throughout the student lifecycle. The coordinator contributes to programs that support student persistence and engagement, including campus traditions, transition initiatives, and retention-focused support.

Through collaboration with campus partners, the coordinator contributes to the university's mission by supporting students' successful transition into and continued engagement with the campus community.

Representative Duties:

• Coordinate and execute recruitment, selection, and training for Peer Advisors. E
• Supervise Peer Advisor Leads (PALs) and provide training to ensure Peer Advisors effectively partner with faculty, contribute to the classroom, and enhance the first-year experience. E
• Coordinate the recruitment, selection, and supervision of Orientation Staff. E
• Assist with the planning, coordination, logistics, scheduling, and registration processes for New Student Orientation, Transfer Orientation, and Family Orientation. E
• Maintain and update the Orientation website and related communication materials. E
• Assist in the development, implementation, and assessment of Orientation programs. E
• Develop and coordinate transition and engagement initiatives that support students at key stages of the student lifecycle, including first-year transition programs, sophomore and junior engagement initiatives, leadership development opportunities, and senior milestone events.
• Serve as the Student Life liaison for Transfer Registration Day events and initiatives. E
• Manage and implement major student programs and events, including planning logistics, coordinating campus partners, managing event approvals, and overseeing event execution. E
• Supervise Student Life student workers and provide mentorship and guidance related to program planning and execution. E
• Assist in the development and assessment of programs that support student leadership, engagement, and retention. E
• Coordinate with vendors, speakers, and external partners to execute contracts and agreements related to programming initiatives. E
• Collaborate with faculty, the First Year Experience Director, and other campus partners to support student transition and retention initiatives. E
• Maintain regular communication with the direct supervisor regarding student programs, events, and initiatives. E
• Maintain visibility and accessibility to students to encourage engagement and connection to campus resources. E
• Develop and implement marketing and communication strategies to promote student engagement opportunities, including management of websites, social media, and campus communication channels. E
• Assist students with academic, personal, and social concerns and make appropriate referrals to campus resources as needed. E
• Contribute to the overall goals of Student Life through participation in departmental initiatives, meetings, and collaborative programming. E
• Support division-wide programs and events, including Commencement, Homecoming, Orientation, and Admitted Student Day. E
• Support division-wide Student Affairs initiatives, events, and programs. E
• Serve on university and Student Affairs committees as assigned. E
• Stay informed of current CLU, regional, and national trends regarding student leadership, involvement, and campus activities. E
• Assist with general problem-solving and participate in campus crisis response when appropriate. E
• Contribute to the overall work of the Office of Student Life and perform other duties as assigned.

E= Essential Duties

Knowledge Of:

• University missions, goals, and objectives.
• General knowledge of the methods and problems of organizational and program management.
• Supervision, training, and student development as it relates to college-age students individuals.
• Group advising and facilitation methods and techniques.
• Basic budgeting principles.
• Marketing and outreach strategies.
• Database and website management.
• Principles and practices of organization and record keeping.
• Basic liability and risk management issues and resolution management.
• Diverse student populations.
• Large-scale event planning.
• Oral and written communication and presentation skills.

Ability To:

• Demonstrate leadership in developing and motivating student staff and student leaders.
• Effectively manage multiple projects and tasks independently with consistent follow-through.
• Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Work independently and exercise sound judgement with minimal supervision.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with a diverse population of students, staff, and faculty.
• Organize and manage projects with attention to detail.
• Deliver effective presentations to various-sized groups.
• Plan and execute large-scale programs and events.
• Communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Drive to conduct work.

Minimum Qualifications:

Any combination equivalent to: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, and one year of related experience (e.g., graduate assistantship).

Preferred Qualifications:

A Master's degree in a related field is preferred. Demonstrated commitment to and successful experience working in diverse, multicultural, and multi-racial communities. Experience coordinating orientation, transition, retention and leadership programs.

Licenses and Other Requirements:

Valid California Driver's License for occasional job-related travel which may include driving students.

Physical Abilities:

Detect to understand appropriate written correspondence; operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer; communicate to exchange information in person, in writing, on the telephone and by email; stationary position for extended periods of time; move or transport light objects; position self to store and/or retrieve files.

Working Environment:

Busy office environment with frequent interruptions. Evening hours required. Some weekend hours are required. Some travel is required, including driving a vehicle to conduct university business. Indoor and outdoor work environment. Occasional contact with dissatisfied individuals.

Hiring Range

$26-$27.5
Posting Number: Staff004912022
Open Date: 03/19/2026
Close Date: 4/5/2026

Application Procedure/Special Instructions

To apply, visit https://careers.callutheran.edu/postings/13058