Transition and Retention Specialist (Contingent II - Grant Funded))

Maryland Connect•Patuxent Riding, MD

1d•$48,138 - $59,985•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Transition and Retention Specialist performs routine professional and analytical assignments involving the application of management principles to operational activities. The position coordinates enrollment activity for new students and supports retention throughout the admissions process, particularly through campus experiences. The specialist engages students by email, phone, in person, and virtually, guiding them through the admissions process to matriculation. This twelve-month, grant-funded, non-regular fixed-term position coordinates new student orientation, campus tours and visitation, and other transition programs. It also supervises student leaders and workers, manages event registration and related budgets, and collaborates with faculty, staff, students, and University Relations and Marketing. The role reports to the Director for New Student Experiences and Student Engagement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Knowledge and understanding of computer systems and software packages.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Excellent organizational, project management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Attention to detail and deadlines, flexibility, and ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work independently and project a professional, positive image.
Demonstrated ability to plan and implement large-scale events.
Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and execute complicated and continuing assignments without instruction, and respond quickly to changing priorities.
Effective oral and written communication and project management skills, including the ability to present complex information and organize data for audiences with varied backgrounds.
Ability to provide outstanding customer service and project a professional, polished image.
Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships with peers and interact with senior administrators and other campus constituencies.
Demonstrated knowledge of orientation program development and major campus program planning, and working knowledge of other student services programs.
Demonstrated ability to create programs responsive to a diverse and multicultural environment.
Experience with the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education.
Ability to perform specialized clerical tasks and understand and apply departmental policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and manage New Student Orientation programs and events for freshmen, transfer students, and their families.
Tailor orientation efforts to first-year, transfer, first-generation, adult learner, veteran, and international student populations.
Identify New Student Orientation Leaders and Bulldog Ambassadors each academic year.
Develop and implement leadership-focused training for Orientation Leaders and Bulldog Ambassadors.
Develop and implement assessment and evaluation plans for orientation programs, campus visitation, and orientation leader programs; maintain records and statistics.
Oversee campus tours and coordinate individualized welcome sessions for visiting groups and families.
Plan, develop, schedule, and implement day-to-day operations for orientation, campus tours and visitation, and other transition programs.
Collaborate with faculty, staff, and students across divisions to ensure successful delivery of new student programming.
Manage event registration.
Manage budgets, vendors, and payments related to marketing, advertising, and other event expenses.
Coordinate with University Relations and Marketing to develop and create Bulldog materials.
Directly supervise Orientation Leaders, Bulldog Ambassadors, student workers, and office volunteers, and create contracts.
Manage the transition of newly accepted students through matriculation.