FT Staff Director-Student Retention

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Vice President of Student Affairs the Director for Student Retention provides leadership for and supervision of initiatives supporting student first to second-year retention and progression to graduation; analyzes data predicting students at risk; develops outreach and support plans for students; coordinates support with campus stakeholders; contributes to the leadership team for student success center. This is a grant-funded position.

Essential Job Functions:

• Serves as point of contact for students and faculty/staff regarding retention risk factors; identifies at-risk students and assures individualized outreach to develop individual plans for success monitors and records progress; coordinates outreach and support with University stakeholders.
• Reviews and analyzes predictive data related to student retention and completion (e.g. incoming student characteristics class attendance early warnings from faculty registration holds etc.); develop data (or other retention and persistence data sources) summary reports for various stakeholders and users to inform effective program development outreach and intervention; collects and interprets data regarding student attrition.
• Provides individualized outreach to students based on identified risk factors; assisting them in developing individual plans for success.
• Handles confidential student information with tact discretion and in compliance with FERPA regulations.
• Represents Shaw University in the most positive manner with prospective former and current students clients suppliers and the community we serve.
• Serves on University committees; participates in leadership for the student success center.
• Stay current with trends and best practices regarding student retention develop retention strategies for the college and work closely with faculty student /outreach services staff and other staff in implementing evaluating and improving retention strategies.
• Develop and implement retention programs by following up on existing initiatives and identifying new outreach opportunities.
• Review student records for retention issues; follow up on progress through personal contact and correspondence.
• Coach students through administrative barriers that are preventing them from progressing towards their degree.
• Other duties as assigned. Note: This job description is not intended to provide all duties that may be required of the position as other duties may be required of this position.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Project Coordinator; Associate Director Student Retention

Minimum Job Qualifications

Education and/or Experience:

• Masters Degree from an accredited college or university required or appropriate combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 3 years related experience in a higher education setting preferred.
• Ability to analyze data to inform strategic direction.
• Establish priorities and work in an organized manner with an emphasis on detail and accuracy.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and assignments and meet competing deadlines.
• Working knowledge of a student information system and/or knowledge of microcomputer/software applications is a must.
• Ability to work independently without close supervision and as a member of a team.

Certificates Licenses or Registrations:

None

What we offer:

• An opportunity to make a difference in young peoples lives
• A return on investment in your time and efforts
• A challenging but rewarding experience
• And of course full benefits - medical dental vision life insurances critical illness insurance Legalshield paid time off

Other Competencies

Must have a philosophy that is consistent with the Mission Vision and Core Values of the organization. Vision commitment and experience in achieving goals and pursuing excellence are critical. Strong oral and written presentation skills. Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team. Excellence in the organization decision-making problem-solving and creating a collaborative environment. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Must be able to read write and speak fluently in English.

Shaw University located in Raleigh North Carolina is the first historically black institution of higher education in the South and among the oldest in the nation. Founded in 1865 by Henry Martin Tupper our mission is to advance knowledge facilitate student learning and achievement to enhance the spiritual and ethical values of its students and to transform a diverse community of learners into future global leaders.

Physical Demands:

Ability to sit or stand for up to 8 hours/day. Some lifting (up to 25 pounds occasionally) bending and carrying. Specific vision abilities include the ability to use close vision. The employee is regularly required to talk and hear and to use hands and fingers to handle or feel.

Required Experience:

Director