Student Retention Specialist

Apply now Job no:502923
Work type:Exempt Staff Full-time
Location:Partial Remote, Bethlehem
Categories:Higher Education Administration

The Student Retention Specialist is responsible for the implementation and oversight of student retention and persistence programs and initiatives originating from the Office of Student Retention. This position works collaboratively with offices across the university (e.g., Academic Advisors, Registrar, Financial Aid, Bursar, Student Affairs) to assist students in resolving issues, navigating support, and managing complex cases that may affect persistence, satisfaction, and graduation. The Lehigh community takes seriously our commitment to antiracism and The Principles of our Equitable Community.

This position is a Grade: 9 - 40 with an approximate salary range of $54,390-$66,190 and is subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications

Lehigh University offers a comprehensive and family friendly benefits package which includes but is not limited to Health Care, Retirement and Educational benefits. Information can be found on our website at hr.lehigh.edu/benefits

Position Number: S71560

1. Manage and Implement Student Retention and Graduation Programs and Initiatives (40%)

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Serve as a key member of the CRM implementation team. Assist in the training of new student, faculty, and staff users. Coordinates the development and implementation of a campus-wide CRM communications plan. Monitor early alerts and work with colleges to develop appropriate interventions. Provide user feedback to the vendor for continuous improvement of the system.
• Summer Completion Grant Program: Prequalify student participants based on program’s eligibility requirements. Oversee the program's budget and make award recommendations based on available funds. Monitor program participant progress throughout the summer term.
• Student Success Grant Program: Prequalify student participants based on program’s eligibility requirements. Oversee the program's budget and make award recommendations based on available funds. Monitor program participant progress throughout term awarded through participant graduation.
• Peer Mentorship Program: Develop a robust peer mentorship program in coordination with other offices on campus to support student success. Recruit, train, and lead a team of work-study students serving as peer mentors.

2. Student Outreach and Support (30%)

• Maintain communications with students served by the Office of Student Retention, e.g., respond to student inquiries and help to refer students and resolve problems in one-on-one meetings and via e-mail; proactively reach out to students as needed to support student connectedness and persistence.
• Develop and implement a re-enrollment communications plan targeting students who have stopped out or who have been academically suspended.
• Work with academic advisors, advising offices, and student support offices to identify additional support needed for registered students. Connect students to appropriate offices across Lehigh to meet those needs.
• Contact students who are not registered and connect them with their academic advisors.
• Track transfer school destinations for students who have stopped out of Lehigh; reconnect with those who have not yet enrolled in another academic institution.
• Schedule and conduct interviews with students who are considering leaving the University and students who have formally withdrawn from the University.
• Keep detailed records and notes of meetings and conversations with students.
• Maintain data integrity and confidentiality.

3. Administrative Office Support (20%)

• Track students’ persistence, with a special focus on first-generation college students, students returning after an academic dismissal, students on academic probation, students receiving Academic Performance Concern notifications, students with failing midterm grades, etc.
• Collect and track student readmission and withdrawal form data.
• Monitor and track weekly transcript request reports.
• Create and manage an up-to-date database to share real-time student retention data with the undergraduate colleges.
• Develop and maintain content of student retention website.
• Evaluate current office practices and procedures and implement process improvements to create a more efficient work environment.
• Remain current in best practices in retention and student success through self-directed reading and professional contacts.

4. Special Projects (10%)

• Assist the Director of Retention in the ongoing development, implementation, and assessment of new and existing retention interventions and initiatives.
• Assist in the development and preparation of the University’s annual student retention report.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Special Considerations

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist at [email protected]

The duties of this position may allow the employee to work partially remote as deemed appropriate by their supervisor

This position works with minors

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Higher Education

• Three to five years related work experience

• Good analytical and decision-making skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to build, foster, and maintain positive professional relationships

Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position

Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety.  Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.

Advertised:June 20, 2024 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:Open until filled