Student Recruitment & Retention Specialist

Northeastern University•Oakland, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Mills Institute @ Northeastern University Upward Bound (UB) is a federally funded college preparatory program dedicated to assisting low-income and first-generation college-bound students in developing the skills necessary for college education. The program aims to ensure students graduate high school with a strong foundation for college entry and provides ongoing support for college enrollment and graduation. For 50 years, UB has served the Oakland Unified School District and is now expanding its reach to the West Contra Costa Unified School District. The ultimate goal is to equip students with the skills and motivation for college graduation. The Student Recruitment & Retention Specialist will provide outreach, recruitment, and administrative support for the Upward Bound program. This role involves developing and managing recruitment initiatives to increase participation from historically low college enrollment communities, working directly with students, families, schools, and community organizations to support the application and onboarding process, facilitate engagement activities, and assist with program operations. This is a temporary position through April 2027 with the possibility of extension or renewal. Travel may be required.

Requirements

High School Diploma
Demonstrated proficiency in a related field
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Inspirational and culturally aware, with demonstrated knowledge of challenges facing low-income and first-generation students
Knowledge of child and adolescent development and different learning styles
Ability to effectively work with students from diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, linguistic, and ethnic backgrounds
Ability to manage multiple activities, services, deadlines, and priorities while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy
Clean driving record and reliable transportation
Ability to travel to multiple school sites
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

Responsibilities

Develop and manage comprehensive and strategic student recruitment initiatives to increase the number of students from historically low college enrollment communities
Conduct recruitment presentations at feeder school sites and various classes
Recruit prospective students at open house events and community outreach activities
Use data to identify students who may be eligible for the Upward Bound program
Support prospective students and families with completion of the Upward Bound student application
Conduct initial student and parent interviews to determine program eligibility and assess program fit
Process applications in a timely manner
Develop program marketing materials
Maintain detailed files for program applicants
Facilitate workshops for newly admitted students during bi-monthly Saturday College sessions
Facilitate workshops for newly admitted middle school students during Saturday College
Conduct outreach via email, text, and telephone to recently admitted students
Support Upward Bound staff during Saturday College and Wednesday events
Communicate regularly with students, parents, and community partners to support the application and enrollment process
Collaborate with staff to plan and implement recruitment and engagement activities
Conduct outreach to area high school students
Plan and support recruitment events
Support administrative tasks as assigned by the Program Director and/or Office Manager
Provide general program and office support as needed
Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director