Advising and Retention Specialist
About The Position
The Advising and Retention Specialist promotes student success by providing accurate, responsive, and comprehensive support in academic advising, registration, financial aid, and healthcare compliance/practicum. The role works with students to support enrollment, engagement, persistence, and completion of educational goals, including identifying barriers and connecting students with appropriate resources. The Specialist partners with the Student Support Liaison and other departments to provide coordinated, timely support and a consistent student experience. The Specialist advises students on university policies, procedures, self-service tools, and program requirements; monitors student accounts and progress; and maintains accurate student records and interaction documentation. The role also supports new student intake by answering questions, reviewing program costs, discussing funding options, and developing financial plans. This position reports to the Supervisor or Manager of Advising and Retention Services.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Outstanding customer service skills.
- Ability to work a variety of office hours, including evenings and weekends.
- Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and communication skills, including superior written and verbal abilities.
- Ability to work independently and make sound decisions with minimal supervision and direction.
- Self-starter with the ability to prioritize effectively.
- Eligible to obtain and maintain access to the NSLDS system; must not be in default of Title IV Federal aid.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team and interact effectively with individuals at all organizational levels.
Nice To Haves
- Two or more years of experience in customer service, academic advising, financial aid advising, higher education, or a related area preferred.
- Exposure to Microsoft Word, Excel, Power BI, PowerPoint, and Copilot.
- Experience with Student Information Systems is a plus.
Responsibilities
- Assist students with appropriate course registration and ensure they understand degree and practicum application requirements, as applicable to their program.
- Advocate for students’ academic, financial, and healthcare compliance advising needs to support enrollment, engagement, and completion of their educational goals.
- Proactively monitor student progress using predictive analytics to identify at-risk scenarios, implement strategies that promote academic success, and address barriers to persistence or graduation through timely resource referrals.
- Partner with the Student Support Liaison to coordinate student support, communication, issue resolution, and the student experience.
- Advise students on university policies and procedures, self-service tools, program requirements, and academic, financial aid, and healthcare compliance/practicum matters.
- Provide financial advising throughout the student lifecycle by monitoring student accounts, offering guidance on financial eligibility, and exercising discretion to assess and adjust financial plans.
- Use appropriate systems and student data to confirm and track accurate enrollment, persistence, and graduation information for assigned program or campus locations, or assist multiple locations based on enrollment needs.
- Document all student interactions in appropriate institutional systems.
- Maintain knowledge of Title IV and academic programs, institutional policies, and federal and state regulations, and comply with applicable requirements.
- Assist and engage students through virtual advising appointments, inbound and outbound calls, email, SMS, and proactive outreach, seeking first-contact resolution.
- Identify opportunities and implement process and technology solutions to enhance the student retention journey.
- Collaborate with other departments and functional areas to deliver an optimal student experience.
- Respond to student inquiries about healthcare compliance requirements and provide accurate guidance to help students understand and meet applicable standards.
- Support new student intake by partnering with enrollment to answer questions, review program costs, and present funding options.
- Develop and confirm accurate financial plans, set clear timelines for completing application processes, and help ensure students are financially prepared to start and persist in their education.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Comply with all policies and standards.
Benefits
- Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
- 401(k) retirement program with a 6% employer match.
- 15 paid vacation days each calendar year.
- 12 paid holidays and 2 floating holidays.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
