Student Persistence Specialist

About the position

The Student Persistence Specialist supports student retention by proactively identifying at-risk students, providing timely outreach, and collaborating with campus teams to remove barriers to success. Combining data insights with personal engagement, this role keeps students connected to their academic and career goals. Note: Schedule may include evenings and Saturdays as needed to support campus operations.

Responsibilities

• Monitor attendance, academic performance, and engagement data to identify at-risk students.
• Provide timely, personalized outreach via phone, text, email, or in-person, offering coaching and resources to support success.
• Document interactions and ensure consistent follow-up through resolution or re-engagement.
• Support students returning from Leave of Absence and conduct SAP advising.
• Participate in orientations, appeals/grievance committees, and campus retention meetings.
• Identify and address root causes of disengagement and work collaboratively with relevant teams to resolve student barriers to success.
• Connect students to appropriate services (e.g., financial aid, tutoring, wellness) and follow through to ensure support is delivered.
• Follow through on all support actions to ensure students receive needed interventions and maintain forward momentum.
• Maintain visibility on campus and act as a first point of contact for students in need.
• Track, analyze and report outreach efforts, persistence trends, and outcomes; use data to refine support strategies over time.
• Support campus leadership in achieving retention and persistence goals.
• Ensure compliance with documentation, audit readiness, and accreditation standards.
• Act as a liaison between campus and Unitek leadership to align retention efforts.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Deans, Program Directors, HR, Registrars, Financial Aid, Career Services, and Enrollment teams to enhance student experience and satisfaction.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree required; Bachelor's preferred.
• 1-3 years of experience in student services, advising, admissions, or related support roles.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a student-centered, empathetic approach.
• Ability to manage multiple student cases and maintain detailed documentation.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision starting the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment
• 2 Weeks’ starting Vacation per year. Increasing based on years of service with company
• 12 paid Holidays and 2 Floating Holiday
• 401K with a Company Match
• Company Paid Life Insurance at 1x’s your annual salary
• Leadership development and training for career advancement
• Tuition assistance and Forgiveness for you and your family up to 100% depending on program