Retention Specialist

Position Details
Position Information
Job Title
Retention Specialist
Position Number
001261-00
Department
Residence Education - Joliet IL main campus
Job Grade
8
Position Summary
The University of St. Francis invites applications for the position of Retention Specialist. The Retention Specialist will be responsible for new student academic success, transition to college, and First Year Experience designed to focus on Latinx students, underserved populations and their families. This position is grant-funded and contingent on continued grant funding. The University of St. Francis is a welcoming community of learners committed to enhancing diversity and equity.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Achieve retention and completion goals for the university
• Support the FYE redesign to promote retention and completion
• Design a comprehensive FYE with 4 engagement events
• Connect mentors with Foundations I students (mentees) at SOAR, Welcome Weekend, on campus and via phone/text
• Select and train FYE mentors; plan summer schedule for Foundations I mentees with mentors
• Provide support and early intervention for First Year students
• Coordinate efforts with the Retention, Persistence and Completion committee
• At USF's Welcome Weekend for incoming students, the Retention Specialist will host an event to connect with new students
• Serve as a key member of the Care Team and meet regularly with a caseload of Hispanic and low-income students who are identified as being at-risk based on USF's established persistence risk dashboard metrics
• Oversee the HSI mentoring program in conjunction with the LHS and UVA
• Serve on committees for sophomore year programming, and family and student engagement.
• Collaborate with Career Success Center in hosting in-person and virtual workshops on preparing for on-campus employment marketed toward Latinx and low-income students.
• Contribute to Student and Family Engagement Committee
• Create a welcoming community and engage in university mission
• Participate in and promote a culture of continuing quality improvement
• Other related duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• Two years of professional experience in higher education
• Commitment to serving students
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively within a team and take initiative individually
• Willingness to support the Catholic and Franciscan values of the university

Preferred Requirements

• Master's degree
• Experience with non-traditional student populations
• Experience with ESL, ELL, or bilingual education

Hours/Shift/Work Schedule
Monday - Friday 8am-4:30pm with some nights and weekends
Physical Requirements of Position
Work is performed in an office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards. Substantial time is spent working on a computer. This is sedentary work which requires the following physical activities: sitting, walking, bending, stooping, finger dexterity, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
FP0673-16
Open Date
10/19/2023
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes