Retention and Advising Specialist (temporary/part-time)

General Summary of Position:

The Part-Time Retention and Advising Specialist is a member of the Academic Services team, focusing specifically on supporting retention and re-enrollment efforts as part of the university's broader student success strategy. This role involves managing a caseload of students with a focus on students experiencing financial challenges and who may be eligible for a retention grant and engaging in proactive outreach and support efforts. Through regular one-to-one meetings, group sessions, and targeted interventions, this position works to improve retention and facilitating student success. This position collaborates closely with campus partners, such as the Solution Center and Financial Aid, and is essential to ensure a comprehensive support network for students, addressing their academic, financial, and personal needs.

This is a private foundation funded, temporary non-benefited position. Position funding timeframe is 2025-2027. Continued employment is contingent upon renewed funding.

Examples of duties include:

Proactive Outreach & Support-UMass Lowell utilizes Salesforce (CRM) to support all outreach efforts. This increasingly is part of our larger campus student success strategy.

1. Manage a caseload of students as part of the re-enrollment campaign. This is a proactive effort to provide additional support to students who have not enrolled for further semesters.
2. Actively engage, monitor and support students who are recipients of retention grants.
3. Meet with students individually or in groups to develop success plans. This includes developing and delivering workshops or activities related to time management, study skills, and goal setting.
4. Based on individual student needs, implement interventions to assist students in identifying, evaluating, and developing targeted action plans for dealing with academic challenges.

Academic Advising & Success Coaching

1. General academic advising and success coaching for students who may be eligible or have received retention grants on program and general education requirements; registration matters; departmental, college, and university policies and procedures; academic success strategies; financial literacy; graduation requirements; and career options.
2. Comprehensive advising includes evaluating student needs and assisting them in developing appropriate educational plans that include individualized 4-year graduation plans and revisions as necessary.
3. Refer students to appropriate resources for assistance in overcoming learning obstacles, scholarships, job opportunities, intensive assistance with career decisions, or other essential support services.
4. *Monitor early warning grades, degree benchmark completion, and general student progress as well as participation in advising and mentoring activities.

3. Collaboration with Campus Partners

Work closely with the Solution Center, Financial Aid, and other departments to provide holistic student support. Facilitate referrals and ensure open communication with campus partners to meet students' academic, financial, and personal needs.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in education, psychology or a related field
• Experience in academic advising, retention services, or student support in higher education
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a commitment to student-centered service
• Ability to collaborate effectively with campus partners, particularly Financial Aid and the Solution Center

Additional Considerations:

Proficiency in Salesforce (CRM) or similar platforms for student engagement and tracking

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Initial review of applications will begin January 6, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. However, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applicants is received.

This is a part-time, temporary, non-unit, grant funded and non-benefited position.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process.