Student Success & Retention Specialist

Northeastern Illinois University • Chicago, IL

12d • $24

About The Position

The Student Success & Retention Specialist supports NEIU’s mission of promoting student success from recruitment through graduation and supports NEIU students by providing support to NEIU students by providing direct services, outreach, and individualized support. The position assists in the planning and implementation of student engagement and retention initiatives. The position also assesses the needs of the students by providing guidance, coaching, and referrals to students. The position will also identify students who may be at risk and coordinate targeted support efforts, while cultivating a school culture that promotes a sense of belonging and academic success for students. This position is collaborative in nature and will work with various stakeholders to ensure students receive the best comprehensive support that promotes academic achievement, and degree completion.

Requirements

• Any one or combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the categories below: A. Coursework in social work or behavioral sciences, or closely related field as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent: 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months) Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months) 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months) Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months) B. Progressively more responsible work experience in social service/ counseling at a paraprofessional level under qualified supervision.
• Must have the ability to lift at least 25 lbs and transport testing supplies, orientation materials, and other items deemed necessary to fulfill SSR programming and events.
• This position requires a background check.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with programs like Project Success or TRIO (supporting first-generation, low-income, or under-prepared students).
• Demonstrated experience designing/coordinating retention programs or workshops.
• Comfort working in an urban public university environment, with diverse student schedules (including part-time, working adults).

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and implement onboarding and transition activities for new and returning students, including open houses, preview days, next-steps workshops, high school outreach visits, and New Student Orientation.
• Conduct outreach and provide individual support to students, which includes but is not limited to assessing needs, goal setting, and providing guidance on academic habits such as study skills, time management, and self-advocacy.
• Help students navigate their transition to NEIU, promoting belonging and engagement, especially for first-generation, commuter, and nontraditional students.
• Participate in welcome week and first-year experience events to support student adjustment and start early engagement, with a focus on commuter and part-time students.
• Connect students with appropriate university resources such as tutoring, academic advising, financial aid, Student Disability Services, and other support programs.
• Will provide resource materials, information, and referrals that promote retention and degree progress.
• Provide individualized guidance and support to students experiencing academic, social, or personal challenges affecting their persistence.
• Serve as a liaison to academic advising, faculty, admissions, and student support offices to ensure support and timely intervention for students.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders to address the needs of the students and foster a holistic approach to ensure student success.
• Participate in committees and task forces related to student retention, persistence, and success in order to advance the department and promote student success.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to remain current with best practices for student support, retention strategies, and educational programs.
• Monitor student progress by utilizing databases (e.g., GPA standing, credit completion, enrollment status) to identify students who may be at risk of withdrawing.
• Maintain accurate records of student interactions, outreach efforts, progress, and referrals.
• Collect and analyze retention related data to help identify trends and assess the effectiveness of interventions.
• Prepare reports and dashboards for institutional stakeholders on retention metrics.
• Assist the interim Associate Director in general outreach, communication, and program materials in order to support departmental and student success initiatives.
• Ability to work nights and weekends as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). Please visit our Employee Benefits page to learn more about our comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision benefits, sick and vacation days, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees