Retention Specialist

Brief Position Overview

The purpose of the position is to support and meet the proposed outcomes for the US Department of Education TRIO SSS grant. Specifically, the Retention Coordinator will serve as a case manager interacting and advising 140 MSU TRIO SSS student scholars to ensure they retain and graduate at levels higher than their peer population group as specified in the grant.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

• Develop an intervention strategy for at‑risk students or those with a low career maturity profile based on the evidence from the student intake, BCCSE, Strong Interest Inventory, Student Engagement, class attendance, course outcomes, etc. and then use this information to successfully implement the terms and requirements of the US Department of Education TRIO SSS grant submitted by MSU.
• Using a case management model, develop, implement, and maintain the MSU Academic Success & Career Plan for each of the eligible TRIO SSS student scholars.
• Work with various constituents (academic advisors, faculty, career coaches, financial coaches, success advisors, health promotions, learning strategist, activities, and engagement, etc.) to promote student success and individual professional development.
• Maintain accurate records and appropriate data management practices to ensure evidence of effort and outcomes are properly recorded to demonstrate grant outcomes.

• Bachelor’s degree in education, communication, sociology, psychology, or related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education.
• Demonstrated professional experience in higher education, working with underserved students in need of academic support, socialization to a campus environment, and/or career/professional coaching.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Demonstrated excellence in program development, implementation, and delivery assessment.
• Demonstrated competence in information systems (e.g., Word processing, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).

• Knowledge of MSU policies and procedures.
• Experience with SCT Banner system and web‑based reports (including the student module).
• Knowledge of US Department of Education TRIO SSS grant guidelines.

This position is contingent upon continued grant funding. Must be able to work a flexible schedule which may include days, nights, and occasional weekends.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law. In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans.

To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.