Retention Specialist

NOTE:This is a grant-funded position associated with the ENMU-R ACCESS (Academic Connection, Caring, Engagement & Student Success) DHSI Title V Project. The role aims to improve retention and completion rates for Hispanic and low-income students.This position is funded through an external grant. Continued employment beyond the fiscal year is contingent upon continuous funding.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Retention Specialist develops and implements strategies to enhance student retention and success, with a focus on providing holistic support and advocacy. This role manages the ACES Ambassador Program, collaborates with mental health and academic support teams, and connects students with resources to promote persistence and graduation. This position reports to the ACCESS Activity Director.

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide wrap-around services and advocacy to students, assessing and addressing academic, social, and personal challenges.
• Intervene with appropriate referrals to academic advisors, mental health counselors, the Behavioral Intervention Team, or community services as needed.
• Manage the ACES Ambassador Program, including recruiting, training, and supervising student ambassadors.
• Develop and implement workshops for students, staff, and faculty on topics related to retention, academic success, and well-being.
• Create strategies and initiatives to support students who withdrew during the pandemic, helping them re-enroll and complete their programs.
• Work collaboratively with the Mental Health and Student Resource Coordinator to provide comprehensive support and advocacy.
• Coordinate efforts with academic advisors, mental health professionals, and community organizations to deliver holistic student support.
• Proactively engage students at risk of attrition, providing individualized retention plans and follow-up support.
• Reach out to students identified through early alerts or at pivotal academic points to promote persistence and engagement.
• Develop communication campaigns to raise awareness of retention initiatives and support services.
• Track and analyze data on student participation, engagement, and outcomes to evaluate program effectiveness.
• Prepare reports and recommend data-driven improvements to retention strategies.
• Perform other duties as assigned or deemed necessary.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Bilingual proficiency (Spanish and English).
• Two years of professional experience providing counseling and postsecondary advisement services.
• Strong collaboration, communication, and mentoring skills.
• Experience with data tracking systems.
• Knowledge of student retention best practices.
• Commitment to student advocacy, cultural competency, and the ability to build supportive relationships with diverse student populations.

• Master's degree in education, counseling, social work, or a related field.
• Experience providing wrap-around services, case management, and making referrals.
• Ability to collaborate and coordinate with various stakeholders.
• Ability to develop and deliver workshops or training programs effectively communicating, engaging, and building relationships with students.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the job.

Electronic Application Instructions: Electronic applications should be submitted through the "Apply" link on the top of this page. Please attach the following required documents to your electronic application:

Required Documents:
Letter of Interest
Resume/ Curriculum vitae
Transcripts Official or Unofficial. (Scanned/PDF transcripts required if being used to meet the minimum or preferred qualifications; Copy and Paste transcripts will not be considered.)

ENMU-Roswell is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Title IX Employer. Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status in its programs, activities, or employment. People seeking additional information about the University's non-discrimination policy should contact the Affirmative Action Officer at (575) 562-2218. Individuals with disabilities requesting an accommodation can call the office of human resources at (575) 624-7411. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs, activities, employment and admission, and the University is required by Title IX and 34 C.F.R. Part 106 not to discriminate in such a manner. For more information regarding Title IX please read our Notice of Nondiscrimination at www.roswell.enmu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/. New Mexico is an open records State; therefore ENMU-R complies with the Inspection of Public Records Act, NMSA 1978, Chapter 14, Article 2, from the Office of the New Mexico Attorney General. Requests for records should be sent to Frances Dubiel atfrances.dubiel@roswell.enmu.edu. For any other inquires please contact Human Resources at (575) 624-7412 or e-mailHR@roswell.enmu.edu

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the job.

ENMU-Roswell reserves the right to cancel, change, or close any advertised position at any time. The decision to do so will be based upon the needs of the University and the final determination will rest with the President.

APPLICANTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SUBMITTING COMPLETE APPLICATIONS