Academic Retention Specialist

University of Idaho; Moscow (ID); On-site; USD 44,834 - 54,797; Full time

Job summary

The University of Idaho is seeking an Academic Retention Specialist to enhance student success and degree completion. The role involves close collaboration with various departments to support undergraduate students, particularly first-generation students in need of academic assistance.

Responsibilities include monitoring students' academic progress, organizing study sessions, and providing guidance on academic choices. A Bachelor’s Degree is required along with experience in advising. Pay starts at $49,816 based on experience.

Qualifications

• Experience working with students in an advising and mentoring role.
• Proficiency in editing and writing business correspondence.
• Ability to explain policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Meet with students monthly to monitor academic progress.
• Assess and coordinate academic tutoring opportunities.
• Guide and mentor students in exploring their choices of majors.

Skills

Advising and mentoring

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Position Overview

The Academic Retention Specialist is expected to work closely with University Advising Services, Student Support Services, Counseling and Mental Health Center, and other university departments to ensure that students receive the support needed for academic success and degree completion. This position also facilitates workshops, orientation activities, and other retention initiatives. The role focuses on first-year and all undergraduate students, with an emphasis on first‑generation students requiring extensive academic assistance.

Duties

• Meet with students on a monthly basis to monitor academic progress
• Assess and coordinate academic tutoring opportunities
• Oversee daily study tables and organize study sessions
• Guide and mentor students in exploring their choices of majors and coursework
• Advise students on personal, financial, social, and academic matters
• Research and assist with scholarship and internship opportunities
• Collaborate with university resources and personnel to provide comprehensive support services

Position Qualifications

1. Required Experience: Demonstrated ability to balance multiple priorities and deadlines; experience working with students in an advising and mentoring role; proficiency in editing and writing business correspondence with proper grammar and punctuation; ability to explain policies and procedures; experience using computer software for work processing, email, internet research, and social media engagement; experience maintaining strict confidentiality; experience working as part of a team to achieve shared goals.
2. Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree.
3. Required Other: Must be able to work non‑standard hours and occasional weekends; must possess a valid driver’s license and meet university vehicle‑driving policy requirements.
4. Additional Preferred: Master’s degree in higher education administration, business, public administration, or related field; one or more years of experience organizing, coordinating, and managing academic retention programs; excellent interpersonal communication skills with an ability to interface professionally with departments, staff, faculty, and students; experience in researching, interpreting, and applying university policies and procedures with considerable knowledge of academic issues and graduation requirements; experience in office management and record keeping.

Pay

$49,816 or higher depending on experience.

EEO Statement

The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.