Academic Retention Specialist

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Position Title:

Academic Retention Specialist

Job Category:
Academic Staff |

Employment Type:

Terminal (Fixed Term) | Job Profile:
Retention Specialist

The Academic Retention Specialist for the School of STEM plays a key role in advancing student success by coordinating student-centered initiatives that support retention, engagement, and recruitment across STEM programs. Rather than serving as a primary academic advisor, this position focuses on developing and supporting activities, events, and outreach efforts that foster connection, belonging, and awareness of academic and career pathways within STEM.

The Specialist collaborates with faculty, staff, and campus partners to help deliver a unified message around STEM opportunities, career options, and pathways, while contributing to a welcoming environment for students.

Working in partnership with faculty advisors, academic units, and administrative colleagues, the Academic Retention Specialist supports data-informed retention and recruitment efforts by monitoring student engagement trends, helping identify risk indicators, and coordinating targeted initiatives that encourage persistence and program completion. The role includes planning and supporting recruitment activities, creating opportunities for interdisciplinary student engagement, assisting with pathway and transition initiatives, and connecting students with appropriate campus resources as needed.

This position is ideal for a collaborative, student-focused professional who enjoys building community, coordinating programs, and contributing to retention and recruitment strategies that support long-term student success in STEM.

Hybrid remote work may be available after the successful completion of the initial training period. Please note that the remote work policy is subject to change at the discretion of the school or university.

• Health plans, currently starting at $45 per month.
• 176 hours of vacation per year (prorated for start date).
• 36 hours of personal holiday, and 9 legal holidays (prorated for start date).
• 176 Hours of sick leave for first 18 months. After this period, employees can earn up to 96 hours per fiscal year. Accumulates without limit and does not expire.
• Paid parental leave after six months of continuous employment.
• Wisconsin Retirement System (pension) with 7.2% employer contribution for 2026.

All employment benefits are subject to change. A full list of current benefits and eligibility requirements can be found on our website.

This position is offered as a one-year fixed-term appointment and is being established as part of a strategic investment in student success and retention within the School of STEM. As a newly created role, the Academic Retention Specialist will play a key part in shaping retention practices, evaluating impact, and contributing to data-informed strategies that support long-term program goals. Continuation beyond the initial appointment may be considered based on demonstrated outcomes, institutional needs, and available funding.

• Makes recommendations to improve retention efforts.
• Communicates, assists, and monitors progress of students.
• Monitors, plans, and facilitates student academic progress, student programming, and success plans.
• Adheres to the established plan of operation, curriculum, process policy, program procedures, and all other related federal regulations.
• Partners with academic advisors, faculty, staff, students, and administrative personnel to track analytics, and help identify risk indicators to support data-informed retention and transfer strategies.
• Maintains accurate student records including contact logs, case notes, and files.
• May assist with Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion and/or provide financial aid/scholarship information.
• Provides referrals to appropriate campus resources.
• Advocates for campus-wide retention initiatives.

School of STEM

Starting at $46,000 and commensurate with experience.

• Bachelor's degree.
• Professional experience providing academic advising, student support, coaching, case management, or retention-related services.
• Experience maintaining accurate records, case notes, or advising documentation using electronic systems or databases.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally, as evidenced by application materials and prior professional roles.
• Experience working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders to support individual success.
• Experience maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information.

• At least 2-3 years of professional experience providing academic advising, student support, coaching, case management, or retention-related services.
• Experience using student information systems, advising platforms, or data tools to…