Student Recruitment & Retention Specialist

About the Opportunity About Mills Institute @ Northeastern University Upward Bound Upward Bound (UB) is a federally funded college preparatory program that offers assistance to low-income and first-generation college-bound students. The focus of Upward Bound is to develop skills needed for a college education. UB is dedicated to helping participating students graduate from high school with a solid foundation, including completion of required coursework and a strong GPA, necessary for entering college.

Upward Bound continues to support participants to ensure continued college enrollment and, ultimately, graduation.

The Mills Institute @ Northeastern University Upward Bound program has played an integral role in the Oakland Unified School District for the last 50 years and is now beginning a relationship with the West Contra Costa Unified School District to continue building and expanding close relationships with eligible students and their families. The program’s ultimate goal is to equip students with the skills and motivation necessary for college graduation.

Job Summary The Student Recruitment & Retention Specialist provides outreach, recruitment, and administrative support for the Upward Bound program. Reporting to the Director, Associate Director, and/or Office Manager, this position develops and manages comprehensive recruitment initiatives designed to increase participation among students from historically low college enrollment communities. The role works directly with students, families, partner schools, and community organizations to support the student application and onboarding process, facilitate student engagement activities, and assist with program operations.

This is a temporary position through April 2027 with the possibility of extension or renewal for the  academic year. The position may require travel. Compensation is $20 per hour for up to 25 hours per week.

Reports to:

Director, Associate Director, and/or Office Manager Supervises:
None

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities Recruitment of Potential Upward Bound Scholars Develop and manage comprehensive and strategic student recruitment initiatives to increase the number of students from historically low college enrollment communities

Conduct recruitment presentations at feeder school sites and various classes

Recruit prospective students at open house events and community outreach activities

Use data to identify students who may be eligible for the Upward Bound program

Support prospective students and families with completion of the Upward Bound student application

Conduct initial student and parent interviews to determine program eligibility and assess program fit Process applications in a timely manner

Develop program marketing materials

Maintain detailed files for program applicants

Supporting Student Retention Activities Facilitate workshops for newly admitted students during bi-monthly Saturday College sessions

Facilitate workshops for newly admitted middle school students during Saturday College Conduct outreach via email, text, and telephone to recently admitted students

Support Upward Bound staff during Saturday College and Wednesday events

Communicate regularly with students, parents, and community partners to support the application and enrollment process

Program Outreach and Event Support Collaborate with staff to plan and implement recruitment and engagement activities

Conduct outreach to area high school students

Plan and support recruitment events

General Office Support Support administrative tasks as assigned by the Program Director and/or Office Manager Provide general program and office support as needed

Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director

Minimum Qualifications Required High  School Diploma

Demonstrated proficiency in a related field

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Inspirational and culturally aware, with demonstrated knowledge of challenges facing low-income and first-generation students

Knowledge of child and adolescent development and different learning styles

Ability to effectively work with students from diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, linguistic, and ethnic backgrounds

Ab…