CTE Student Recruitment and Retention Specialist

Ivy Tech Community College • East Chicago, IN

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The CTE Recruitment and Retention Specialist supports student recruitment, persistence, and completion within Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. This position works collaboratively with academic leadership, advising, and student support services to identify and engage students at key points in their academic pathway, with the goal of improving retention, progression, and credential attainment. The role combines proactive student engagement with data-informed decision-making to support CTE programs aligned with institutional priorities and Perkins/CLNA goals. Responsibilities include student outreach, coordination of support services, monitoring student progress, and identifying trends that impact student success. This role is funded by the federal Perkins grant and has an expected end date of June 30, 2028. There is a possibility the position could be extended but it is not guaranteed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, student affairs, or related field
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and follow through on tasks
• Experience working with diverse student populations

Nice To Haves

• Experience in higher education, advising, or student support services
• Familiarity with CTE programs or workforce-aligned education
• Experience using student data systems or reports to inform decision-making

Responsibilities

• Support recruitment efforts for CTE programs through outreach to prospective and current students
• Assist students in understanding program pathways, credential opportunities, and career outcomes
• Collaborate with advising and enrollment teams to support onboarding and transition into CTE programs
• Provide guidance and support to CTE students related to academic progress, program requirements, and available resources
• Proactively communicate with students to assess needs and connect them with appropriate campus or community resources
• Support students in navigating academic plans and completing required steps toward credential attainment
• Utilize available reports and data tools to identify students at risk of not persisting or completing (e.g., course performance, stop-out patterns, enrollment gaps)
• Conduct targeted outreach to student groups based on identified needs
• Track and document outreach efforts and student outcomes
• Participate in regular meetings with deans, program chairs, and student support teams to review enrollment, retention, and progression trends
• Coordinate with faculty and staff to address student needs and support program-level retention strategies
• Assist in implementing retention initiatives aligned with program and campus goals
• Monitor student engagement and progression within assigned CTE programs
• Identify trends and barriers impacting recruitment, retention, and completion
• Share insights with leadership to support continuous improvement efforts
• Maintain accurate student records and documentation of outreach and interventions
• Utilize institutional systems and tools for communication, tracking, and reporting
• Respond to student and campus requests in a timely manner
• Support occasional evening or weekend activities as needed

Benefits

• Multiple medical plan options paired with a Health Savings Account with a generous employer contribution
• Dental plan with no-cost preventive services and coverage for orthodontia
• Vision plan with low-cost exams and allowances for glasses or contact lenses
• Employee Assistance Program offering no-cost confidential counseling sessions, legal consultations, financial planning consultations, and other resources
• Wellness program with opportunities to earn $250 in Wellness Rewards
• Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare (limited purpose) and dependent care
• 10% employer retirement contribution, fully vested after two years
• Basic life insurance equal to annual salary paid by the College, with optional supplemental coverage
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits
• Fee remission for employees, spouses, and dependent children
• Tuition assistance for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs
• Paid professional development opportunities
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, holidays, and winter recess
• Flexible work arrangements where available
• Paid childbirth recovery leave (8 weeks)
• Paid parental leave (4 weeks)
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Additional discounts on gym memberships, transportation, and various retail services

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level