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Retention & Graduation Specialist
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Position Number: 3479382
Location: Fort Myers, FL
Position Type: Student Affairs and Services

Retention & Graduation Specialist

Job Summary
The Retention & Graduation Specialist is responsible for the delivery of a year-round strategy of proactive outreach to students that promote and advance the Division of Student Success & Enrollment Management's mission of improving the academic progress rate and timely degree completion of undergraduate students, while collaborating with leadership across the campus to identify and address educational and personal barriers that can impact their academic success.

Florida Gulf Coast University is committed to establishing and maintaining an inclusive working and learning environment in which students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all other aspects of the campus life reflect a diverse, multi-cultural, and international worldview.

At FGCU, we collectively stand against any individual or group that practices any form of racism, discrimination, intolerance, hate expressions, or disrespect. We are committed to preparing students to understand, live among, appreciate, and work in an inherently diverse country and world made up of people with different ethnic and racial backgrounds, religious beliefs, abilities, ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, socio-economic status, cultural traditions, family statuses, and military backgrounds. FGCU strives to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes our University stronger. The University community recognizes the importance of a diverse and inclusive institution and holds these ideals as paramount for the current and future success of the institution.

We seek colleagues who promote and embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply for this position as we believe that our University will grow and move forward through a commitment of equality for all.

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

Collaborates with Institutional Research to identify students in need of intervention at all points in the student experience.
Works alongside and supports University Advising Services (UAS) staff to identify and assist students' progression toward degree.
Maintains up-to-date knowledge of the University's advising process, including but not limited to timelines, deadlines, and retention and graduation requirements.
Meets formally with UAS leadership and receives guidance from Assistant VP of University Advising Services.
Supports University Advising Directors and University Department Chairs to enhance and implement initiatives and interventions which directly impact the University's performance metrics.
Effectively identifies and refers students to academic support services including tutoring, supplemental instruction, library services and the writing lab.
Collaborates with the leadership of the Division of Student Success & Enrollment Management to create and manage a plan for effective, developmentally appropriate student-level interventions.
Engages in an analytical, data-driven approach to problem solving and decision-making.
Identifies trends and factors tied to degree progression and degree completion that can be used to develop strategies to enhance student retention and timely graduation.
Conducts outreach to identified students and takes necessary steps to address their concerns: identification of core issues, triaging concerns when appropriate, connection to appropriate departments when necessary.
May hire, train and supervise a team of professional and/or student (para-professional) staff, who will assist with outreach to identified students.
Serves as the primary liaison to critical departments that can address student concerns, including (but not limited to) Academic Colleges, Housing & Residence Life, The Dean of Students Office; University Advising Services, Office of the Registrar, Financial Aid & Scholarships, Bursar, and Counseling & Psychological Services, etc.
Maintains accurate records of student intervention; generates regular activity reports and provides information to the university community as needed.
Monitors and manages faculty/staff Early Alert notifications and makes referrals accordingly.
Serves on the Enrollment Management Council, the Withdrawal by Exception Committee, and other committees as needed, to provide data to inform knowledge-based decision making that can positively impact student success.

Other Duties:

Other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in college student personnel, higher education administration, or related area from a regionally accredited institution.
Four years of professional full-time experience in the area of higher education student services, including (but not limited to) academic support, academic advising, case management, or related areas.
Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.
Experience developing strategies and/or programs for advancing students toward their academic and professional goals.
Experience working in teams to effectively impact change.
Experience operating a personal computer and proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher and Outlook).

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree from an accredited institution in college student personnel, higher education administration, or related area from a regionally accredited institution.
Experience supervising professional and/or student staff.
Experience in the knowledge and use of technology specific to academic engagement: Banner9, Degree Works, Tableau, Workday, Maxient, COGNOS, and any other tools and resources that capture relevant information about academic progress and/or engagement.
Experience with utilizing predictive analytics in an academic engagement setting.
Experience articulating and executing marketing/communication strategies to successfully engage students.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of student development theory, the needs of students in transition, and the core elements of student success.
Knowledge of FERPA regulations for handling student records.
Knowledge of University programs and policies and Florida State Board of Education policies and rules.
Knowledge of or ability to learn student information systems (Banner or Workday).
Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and an ability to prioritize and complete simultaneous projects within deadlines.
Ability to effectively manage the work of others by providing information, guidance and motivation
Ability to interact in a professional manner with a diverse group of staff, faculty, students, and the community in a service-oriented environment.
Ability to work successfully as both a member of a team and independently.
Ability to take initiative to plan, organize, coordinate and perform work when numerous and diverse demands are involved.
Ability to think critically and creatively, have a high standard of integrity, and be motivated to incorporate best practices into the organizational structure.
Ability to operate a personal computer with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
Ability to operate personal computers with proficiency and learn new applications and systems.
Ability to thrive in an organization that values the diversity of its student body and workforce and actively promotes equity and inclusion.

Pay Grade: 15

To apply, visit https://fgcu.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/eaglejobs/job/Main-Campus/Retention---Graduation-Specialist_R0002871