Retention Specialist

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Position Title: Retention Specialist Job Category: Academic Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Outreach Specialist JobDuties: Under the leadership of the Director and Assistant Director for Retention in Multicultural Student Services, the Retention Specialist will provide on-going support students of promise at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse.This position responds to students’ academic and financial needs through coaching and referral to appropriate campus resources. Retention Specialist supports students to navigate the university system, focusing on academic, financial and student engagement with a holistic approach to advising. Our goal is to provide students with an atmosphere that supports connection, access, authenticity, and sense of belonging. This role works to ensure students receive accurate, timely, and holistic advising to promote student success, retention, and persistence.The Division of Access, Belonging, & Compliance is committed to fostering a strong sense of community where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to thrive. The division fosters leadership development and advocacy programming that empowers faculty, staff, and students to pursue the Wisconsin Idea and succeed in a complex global society. The Division includes the following departments: Center for Civil Dialogue and Civic Engagement, Disability Resource Center, McNair Scholars, Office of Multicultural Student Services, Office of Civil Rights and Compliance, Pride Center, Student Support Services, Title IX, and Youth Protections.UW-La Crosse does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 608-785-8013. The review of applications starts on November 17, 2025. Applications received on or before November 17th are prioritized and review will continue until the position(s) is/are filled.Initial interviews will be conducted virtually, with shortlisted candidates invited to campus. Key JobResponsibilities: Retention Program Initiatives 40% Assists in the development of programs and initiatives that that relate to the retention and graduation for students of promise. Promote awareness, sensitivity, advocacy, and understanding to ensure access for students of promise. Helps coordinate the office’s AERIE living/learning community (LLC) program in partnership with University’s Residence Life.Provides leadership for the development of appropriate transition programs as the programming relates to first year experience transition, financial and academic success. Conduct advisement meetings with each LLC student and assigned caseload to collaboratively set, monitor, and revise individual academic goals, ensuring consistent progress and support throughout the academic year. Co-supervise, hire and train four undergraduate student mentors to support their effectiveness working with LLC mentees.Assist in direct internal and external LLC communication strategies, including website content, social media, emails, and campus wide communication. Direct recruitment activities in coordination with Residence Life and Admissions, as well as relevant campus offices Partners with academic advisors, faculty, staff, students, and administrative personnel to track analytics, and helps identify risk indicators to support data-informed retention and transfer strategies Collaborates with campus partners to ensure a comprehensive and holistic approach to students needs and services are being met.Other Duties and Responsibilities 10% Represent the department and Division at university functions that require training or orientation. Occasional weekend, evening work and travel work is required. Represent the department and Division at university functions that require training or orientation. Assist in recruitment efforts in collaboration with Admissions such as tabling events, campus visit presentations and talking with prospective student(s). Monitor budget related to retention services and programming Serve on university and division committees Other duties as assigned, reflective of unit and divisional mission and values.Academic and Financial Retention 50% Work with Assistant Director for Retention to create strategies and coordinate efforts for tracking students on academic probation, suspension and re-admittance. Establish a student-centered approach in student advising by explaining policies, referring to campus resources, and developing self-advocacy skills. Partners with academic advisors, faculty, staff, students, and administrative personnel to track analytics, and helps identify risk indicators to support data-informed retention and persistence strategies.Monitors, plans, and facilitates student academic progress, student programming, and success plans. Establishes and maintains ongoing efforts to assess and evaluate the quality of campus life for minoritized students and recommends appropriate solutions to address academic and non-academic issues. Supports staff with SAP appeals and assists students through complex problems, assesses individual's circumstances, and resolves issues the processing and receipt of federal aid and financial concerns when necessary.Maintains positive and productive working relationships with academic departments and student support offices, including the Registrar's Office, Financial Aid,Career andProfessional Development Office, Counseling Services, Residence Life and to assist students' persistence through graduation. Collaborate and serve as a liaison with academic advisors and student success professionals in the college and other divisions to coordinate student support efforts across campus. Maintains confidentiality and accurate student records and processes and responds to academic inquiries according to established institutional and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) policies.Works with the OMSS Assistant Director for Retention and Retention Specialist to communicate and report student outreach utilizing Navigate platform. Department: Multicultural Student ServicesCompensation: $46,500 / year RequiredQualifications: Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, sociology, psychology, or related field. Minimum of one year experience of demonstrated ability to work with low income, first generation, transfer, multicultural and/or diverse students in an educational setting.Experience working with event planning, organizing, marketing and communication strategies, and working with multiple stakeholders on projects. Ability to work collaboratively with students, staff, faculty, and community members, especially when working with student leaders Demonstrated proficiency in oral and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills. Experience applying student success principles, including academic engagement, increasing access, fostering community, and enhancing belonging, in related work.Strong computer proficiency with bolthires Office applications. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a part of a team PreferredQualifications: Master’s degree in education, student affairs and higher education, or related field. Experience with training and/or development Experience coordinating and facilitating small group discussions. Experience working with financial aid programs. Strong computer proficiency with Peoplesoft, Canvas, and Navigate : Required application documents Cover letter Resume/CV Contact Information: Reg Hawkins [email protected] Special Notes: Application deadlines TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Priority consideration is given to those candidates who apply by the listed ‘First Review Date’.Applications received after that date may be considered at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or if you are not able to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact the Office of Human Resources.Confidentiality of Applicant Materials UWL is a state agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWL will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request. CBC & Reference Check Policy All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education.It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act) For the UWL Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see or contact the University Police Department at 608.785.9000. INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR BENEFITSYour benefits add an additional 40%+ to the overall financial package from the university.Highlights include: paid vacation for 12-month positions. excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage. paid holidays and sick days after 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career. benefits at UWL are highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation. Benefit eligibility is determined at the point of hire. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only. Benefits are also pro-rated based on the appointment percentage.UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.The Universities of Wisconsin serve approximately 161,000 students. Awarding nearly 37,000 degrees annually, the Universities of Wisconsin is Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Nearly 90 percent of in-state Universities of Wisconsin graduates stay in Wisconsin five years after earning a degree – with a median salary of more than $66,000. The Universities of Wisconsin provides a 23:1 return on state investment.The Universities of Wisconsin also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin’s culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy. The Universities of Wisconsin and its employees are purpose-driven, people-focused, and committed to stewardship. Apply tot his job