Student Recruitment & Retention Specialist

Northeastern University•Oakland, CA

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

About Mills Institute @ Northeastern University Upward Bound Upward Bound (UB) is a federally funded college preparatory program that offers assistance to low-income and first-generation college-bound students. The focus of Upward Bound is to develop skills needed for a college education. UB is dedicated to helping participating students graduate from high school with a solid foundation, including completion of required coursework and a strong GPA, necessary for entering college. Upward Bound continues to support participants to ensure continued college enrollment and, ultimately, graduation. The Mills Institute @ Northeastern University Upward Bound program has played an integral role in the Oakland Unified School District for the last 50 years and is now beginning a relationship with the West Contra Costa Unified School District to continue building and expanding close relationships with eligible students and their families. The program’s ultimate goal is to equip students with the skills and motivation necessary for college graduation. Job Summary The Student Recruitment & Retention Specialist provides outreach, recruitment, and administrative support for the Upward Bound program. Reporting to the Director, Associate Director, and/or Office Manager, this position develops and manages comprehensive recruitment initiatives designed to increase participation among students from historically low college enrollment communities. The role works directly with students, families, partner schools, and community organizations to support the student application and onboarding process, facilitate student engagement activities, and assist with program operations. This is a temporary position through April 2027 with the possibility of extension or renewal for the 2027-2028 academic year. The position may require travel. Compensation is $20 per hour for up to 25 hours per week. Reports to: Director, Associate Director, and/or Office Manager Supervises: None

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