Student Retention and Engagement Specialist

Goodwill Industries Of Middle Ga•Macon, GA

About The Position

Under the direction of the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, the Student Retention and Engagement Specialist supports on-campus and online Helms College students by developing, coordinating, and implementing programs, events, and activities that promote engagement, academic success, retention, course completion, and graduation. The specialist serves as a liaison among academic departments, faculty, and students, providing consistent communication and proactive support throughout the student lifecycle. The role also helps foster a positive and inclusive college culture through individualized guidance, coordinated support services, and initiatives that encourage personal and academic growth. The specialist mentors students and coordinates retention efforts, including regular retention meetings, attendance monitoring, data analysis, student outreach, advising, and individualized academic improvement plans. The role supports online learners through digital engagement, learning-management-system analytics, success coaching, and connections to appropriate resources. It also includes maintaining confidential student records in compliance with FERPA, coordinating referrals and follow-up for students who may need support, serving as Chair of the Graduation Committee, and helping organize virtual and in-person events. The position reports to the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and requires a flexible schedule to support morning and evening cohorts, events, and time-sensitive student needs. It is exempt, and occasional extended or irregular hours do not receive compensatory time.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, human resources, or a related field.
At least 1 year of experience in coaching, advising, or counseling.
General administrative skills, including developing, implementing, and monitoring policies and procedures.
Computer literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Excellent verbal and written communication and collaboration skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to partner with a dynamic leadership team and department leaders and interact with employees at all levels.
Ability to communicate effectively with and relate to leadership, faculty and staff, students, external advisors, governmental agencies, and community organizations.
Ability to establish rapport with students, instructors, and administrators and demonstrate multicultural competence.
Initiative, empathy, collaboration, accountability, sound judgment, and integrity.
Ability to interpret data, stay current with technology, and make effective business decisions that promote mission and financial goals.
Ability to identify internal and external partners and build relationships, collaborate, influence, and negotiate toward mutually beneficial outcomes.
Alignment with and enthusiasm for Rev. Edgar Helm's faith-based social enterprise model to eliminate poverty one career at a time.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, adjusting availability to support morning and evening cohorts, events, and time-sensitive student issues.

Nice To Haves

Graduate degree.
Experience working with non-traditional students.

Responsibilities

Model Goodwill Industries' core values of service, ownership, accountability, and respect.
Mentor students and serve as a primary point of contact, partnering with faculty, Admissions, and Student Services to provide coordinated support.
Lead retention efforts by organizing and facilitating regular retention meetings and working with academic and student-service teams to address student needs.
Collect, analyze, and report data on retention, progression, and student concerns to guide interventions, advising practices, and program improvements toward meeting or exceeding ACCET's 67% retention benchmark for each program.
Generate, review, and analyze attendance reports to identify absenteeism patterns, maintain accurate records, and support timely interventions with faculty and Student Affairs.
Reach out to students with attendance concerns, document communications and outcomes, and coordinate individualized plans with instructors or support staff.
Initiate proactive communication with students by phone, email, video conferencing, or learning platforms.
Conduct regular check-ins with assigned online and in-person advisees; provide guidance, explain academic policies and deadlines, evaluate progress, and develop improvement plans when needed.
Identify challenges faced by online learners and connect them with appropriate support services.
Collaborate with instructional design and faculty teams to improve online student success strategies.
Encourage virtual engagement through digital communication tools and online communities.
Monitor learning-management-system engagement analytics, including login frequency, discussion participation, and assignment submissions, and provide learner support.
Provide online learners with individualized success coaching, including time-management strategies, study plans, and accountability routines.
Recognize signs of student distress or disengagement and coordinate referrals with the Student Support Advisor or campus leadership.
Follow up after referrals to help ensure students receive support, understand next steps, and remain connected to the college community.
Maintain accurate and confidential student records in compliance with FERPA, including grades, registration, academic status, and graduation eligibility.
Pursue professional development related to retention, advising, and educational technologies, and serve on institutional committees advancing student success.
Collaborate with the registrar, faculty, Career Services, and Admissions to align retention and engagement strategies with institutional goals.
Serve as Chair of the Graduation Committee and oversee commencement planning, coordination, and implementation with campus partners.
Assist with organizing virtual and in-person events that promote academic and career readiness.
Perform other work-related duties assigned by the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs or required by evolving student needs.