Undergraduate Retention Coordinator

Job Details

Department:
Univ Enrollment

Salary/Grade: EXS/8

Salary range: $77,000 - $84,000 per year. Alignment with departmental equity and market data.

Reporting to the Vice President of Enrollment, the Retention Coordinator will play a lead role in identifying barriers to retention and on‑time graduation and will collaborate across campus to identify solutions to improve the student experience. The position will work with enrollment, academic, and student affairs partners to determine students at risk at the time and will track retention after each quarter.

They will serve as a point person and university partner for students who have financial holds prior to registration, students who have been enrolled longer than four years or 12 quarters, and students who did not progress. They will provide resources for students and ensure a smooth transition back to campus. The position will also work on enrollment projects and initiatives that aim to improve student success.

The scope of this position may expand or shift during the initial years of the appointment, with responsibilities and priorities adjusting in response to institutional needs, strategic initiatives, and the incumbent's demonstrated strengths and expertise.

Retention and on‑time graduation success is a priority for Northwestern, and our rates are among the best in the country. Understanding barriers and exploring patterns is critical to ensure our students' continued success.

• Work closely with campus partners and Enrollment's Data Analytics team to identify and track students at risk of attrition.
• Monitor student retention rates after each quarter and collaborate with campus partners to address trends.
• Serve as a point of contact for students with financial holds, assisting them in navigating available resources and resolving registration barriers.
• Facilitate a smooth transition back to campus for students returning from leaves of absence or other interruptions in their studies.
• Assist in the creation and execution of enrollment strategies that enhance student persistence and academic achievement.

• Partner with the Enrollment Data Analytics and Institutional Research teams to develop and refine predictive models for student retention.
• Work closely with the Registrar's office to coordinate surveys to students who did not re‑enroll and assist in facilitating the re‑enrollment process.
• Analyze enrollment and retention data to inform policies and best practices.
• Work with academic advisors, Financial Aid, Student Affairs, and other campus partners to implement student success initiatives.

• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

• Successful completion of a full 4‑year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• Experience in higher education, particularly enrollment management, admissions, financial aid, advising, or retention.
• Working knowledge of statistical concepts and/or software.
• Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a master's degree or higher.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

• Excellent communication skills.
• Exceptional analytical skills, with the ability to collect, organize, and analyze details with attention to detail and nuance.
• Ability to handle confidential information with a high degree of discretion and tact.
• Familiarity with FERPA and other federal compliance policies.
• Willingness to adjust to evolving priorities and an expanding or shifting scope of work.
• Forward‑thinking, collaborative, has a sense of urgency and engagement, honesty and candor, and a personal presence that is approachable.
• Ability to communicate inclusively and build relationships with all members of Northwestern community (students, faculty, staff).
• Experience using People Soft or Slate CRM software.
• Familiarity with Northwestern.

At Northwestern, we provide a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre‑tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

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