Retention Specialist

Position Information

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship

Announcement Number: STAFF - VA - 27004

Position Number: 4M0074

Department: TRiO/Student Support Services

Division:
Division of Student Success

Appointment Type:
Classified

FLSA:
Non-Exempt

Union Affiliation: FOCUS-MFPE

FTE: 1.0

Benefits Eligible:
Yes

Salary: $22.99 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications

Recruitment Type:
Open

The Division of Student Success is comprised of several offices, people, and programs working together to foster a holistic collegiate experience at Montana State University. We encompass every facet of the student experience. Each unit in the division supports students in their academic goals and personal journeys while they work to become graduates of Montana State University. In support of the Montana State University mission, the mission of Student Success is to enhance the learning environment of the University;

support students in the attainment of their educational objectives; foster in students a sense of responsibility, self‑directedness, community, and a positive identity with Montana State University.

Access and Success is dedicated to supporting students in their journey of personal and academic growth by providing opportunities for learning, leadership development, dialogue, and self‑reflection. We aim to equip students with the tools they need to navigate challenges, engage with diverse perspectives, and lead with purpose in their communities. We work closely with students, faculty, staff, parents, student‑focused programs, and other university partners to foster a sense of purpose and belonging.

The over‑arching goal of TRiO SSS is to advance student retention and graduation outcomes for 140 low income, first‑generation and/or disabled college students by providing access, resources, solutions, and expertise to promote student success through career maturity, learning support, engagement, and financial acumen.

• 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. 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.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to regularly exercise independent authority, judgment, and discretion to improve student retention on campus, and is required to understand and work within a strategic retention framework, but will have the…