"TRIO Retention Specialist"

Job Details

Department Information

TRIO Student Support Services – at Colorado State University Pueblo – purpose is to increase the retention and graduation rates of low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities. This is accomplished by providing supportive services such as: academic action planning, tutoring, and monitoring of student academic progress. Participants are eligible to utilize academic success seminars, mentoring, college success courses, academic, financial, and graduate school advisement.

Description of Job

This full-time administrative professional position will be responsible for direct academic, retention, and other support services to Colorado State University Pueblo’s TRIO Student Support Services program participants. This position reports directly to the Director of TRIO Student Support Services (SSS).

This position is currently funded by the TRIO SSS grant until August 31st, 2030. Continuation of the position after this date is contingent on grant renewal from the Department of Education and the successful meeting of grant objectives.

Primary Duties
Meets regularly with program participants to provide a range of academic and other program services to participants. Must be able to build rapport and strong relationships with program participants. Works with the Director to recruit, interview, evaluate, and select students for the program. Coordinates program screening and selection of incoming participants. Monitors student progress, needs assessment, and goal setting. Provides academic, career, financial aid, financial literacy, and graduate school counseling to students enrolled in the program. Maintain participant records and communicate regularly with faculty, key partners, etc. Develop participant Academic Action Plans to ensure completion of identified programs.

Provides workshops seminars and needs assessments for program participants. Plans and assists in the organizing of educational and cultural events for program participants. Coordinates transfer visits to Graduate School Programs.

Conduct individualized follow-up sessions to provide support to students in achieving their academic goals as well as their integration into campus life. Track students academic progress and advise them of resources available when not meeting academic goals.

Collects both quantitative and qualitative data related to student progress. Generates reports based on collected data and provides analyses of the data in relation to program development and student success. Reports results of evaluations and identify trends or areas of concern.

Works with campus advising departments to remain current in advising. Assembles informed referrals for participants for tutoring, study skills workshops, study groups, university services, or other community agencies and organizations. Attends local, state, and national workshops and/or conferences. Assists with Discover Day and Orientation.

Ancillary Duties
Participate in Professional organizations (ie: TAP (TRIO Alliance of Pueblo), APIRE (Association of Special Programs in Region Eight)). Serve on campus committees. Works occasional evenings or weekend events.

Salary Range
$54,000-$58,000

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in counseling, education, social work, or related field; or a combination of a Master’s degree in another field with work experience with disadvantaged students.
• Valid unrestricted driver’s license.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including: Word, Access, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Two years of experience in an SSS project or similar college success program.
• Experience in a position requiring sensitivity to working with college low-income, first-generation students, students with disabilities, or students who are otherwise academically under-prepared for a college setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with peer coaching practices.
• Knowledge of developing educational objectives and assessment of student needs, performance, and outcomes.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English.
• Two years of professional experience related to college academic advising or financial aid.
• Experience providing professional development training.

Supplemental Information

All interested candidates must apply through the online application system. No other format of application materials will be accepted.

Applicants must attach the following documents, in order to be considered for this position:

• a letter of intent (cover letter) describing the means in which you meet the qualifications for this position
• a current resume or CV
• unofficial or official transcripts showing required degree conferred
• three professional references, either within the application or as an attachment (please note: personal references do not count towards this requirement ).

Applications submitted without the required attachments/information above will be considered incomplete and will not move forward in the selection process. Once submitted, applicants will not be able to make changes or add information to their application packet, with the exception of their personal contact and demographic information.

Early submission of application materials is encouraged. Applications received by 8:00 AM (MST) on January 5th, 2026, will receive full consideration. Screening of applications will begin only after this deadline is met, and will continue until the position is filled.