Retention Coordinator

The University of Akron; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 54,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Akron is seeking an energetic advisor to assist students through academic, personal, and career coaching within the Office of Academic and Retention Support. You will coordinate onboarding for new students, develop programs for persistence and achievement, and collaborate with campus partners to strengthen support services for diverse populations.

Requires a Master’s degree and 2+ years in advising or counseling.

Qualifications

• Requires a relevant Master's Degree.
• Minimum of 2 years of work experience in academic advising/coaching and/or counseling within an education setting and/or social service setting or related fields.
• Strong organizational skills and basic computer skills including word processing and database capabilities, and excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Ability to provide case management and student support services in a higher education setting required.
• Experience working with non-traditional and/or first-generation populations in an educational setting is preferred.
• Requires travel for business and a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic, personal, and career coaching and mentoring, interpret procedures, and maintain records and case documentation.
• Monitor student engagement, persistence, and academic progress; analyze data to inform interventions and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Cultivate relationships to support student success and connect students with campus and community resources.
• Develop first-year initiatives, onboarding experiences, and programs promoting academic achievement and retention.
• Plan, coordinate, and participate in recruitment, outreach, and workforce development initiatives; supervise staff.

Skills

Academic advising

Student coaching

Data analysis

Communication

Planning & coordination

Staff supervision

Education

Master's Degree

Tools

Word processing

Database capabilities

Job description

Assist students in the Office of Academic and Retention Support at The University of Akron. Provide retention initiatives and help students achieve their educational goals by offering academic, personal, and career support throughout their collegiate journey. Act as a liaison to campus departments while providing tailor support to diverse student populations, including traditional, non-traditional, post-baccalaureate, transfer, new and returning students, in their pursuit of professional degrees. Deliver academic, personal, and career support through programmatic initiatives, along with case management and advising support. Establish and build rapport through collaboration with internal and external partners. Implement new strategies and initiatives for student retention and success. Supervise and train professional and student staff.

Essential Functions:

• Provide comprehensive support to students through academic, personal, and career coaching and mentoring; interpret and disseminate University academic and administrative procedures; maintain accurate records and case documentation; monitor and track student engagement, persistence, and academic progress; analyze and utilize student data to inform individualized interventions and evaluate program effectiveness; cultivate collaborative relationships to support student success; and connect students with appropriate campus and community resources.
• Implement and manage first-year initiatives designed to support new students, including coordinating onboarding experiences, delivering student success programming, and developing initiatives that promote academic achievement, retention, and persistence.
• Develop and implement initiatives designed to enhance support services and resources for first-generation college students, promoting their academic success and overall college experience.
• Plan, coordinate, and participate in recruitment and outreach initiatives that increase awareness of the Office of Academic and Retention Support's programs and services and support student enrollment.
• Support the planning, coordination, implementation, and assessment of workforce development initiatives by tracking student participation and outcomes, coordinating workforce programming, and cultivating partnerships with employers, educational institutions, and community organizations. Other duties as assigned.

Job Summary:

Assist students in the Office of Academic and Retention Support at The University of Akron. Provide retention initiatives and help students achieve their educational goals by offering academic, personal, and career support throughout their collegiate journey. Act as a liaison to campus departments while providing tailor support to diverse student populations, including traditional, non-traditional, post-baccalaureate, transfer, new and returning students, in their pursuit of professional degrees. Deliver academic, personal, and career support through programmatic initiatives, along with case management and advising support. Establish and build rapport through collaboration with internal and external partners. Implement new strategies and initiatives for student retention and success. Supervise and train professional and student staff.

Essential Functions:

• Provide comprehensive support to students through academic, personal, and career coaching and mentoring; interpret and disseminate University academic and administrative procedures; maintain accurate records and case documentation; monitor and track student engagement, persistence, and academic progress; analyze and utilize student data to inform individualized interventions and evaluate program effectiveness; cultivate collaborative relationships to support student success; and connect students with appropriate campus and community resources.
• Implement and manage first-year initiatives designed to support new students, including coordinating onboarding experiences, delivering student success programming, and developing initiatives that promote academic achievement, retention, and persistence.
• Develop and implement initiatives designed to enhance support services and resources for first-generation college students, promoting their academic success and overall college experience.
• Plan, coordinate, and participate in recruitment and outreach initiatives that increase awareness of the Office of Academic and Retention Support's programs and services and support student enrollment.
• Support the planning, coordination, implementation, and assessment of workforce development initiatives by tracking student participation and outcomes, coordinating workforce programming, and cultivating partnerships with employers, educational institutions, and community organizations. Other duties as assigned.

Additional Position Information:

Education:

Requires a relevant Master's Degree.

Licenses/Certifications/Requirements:

Valid driver's license.

Experience:

Requires a minimum of 2 years of work experience in academic advising/coaching and/or counseling within an education setting and/or social service setting or related fields. Strong organizational skills and basic computer skills including word processing and database capabilities, and excellent written and verbal communication skills required. Ability to provide case management and student support services in a higher education setting required. Experience working with non-traditional and/or first-generation populations in an educational setting is preferred. Experience developing curriculum, designing and implementing student programming, and planning and coordinating events is preferred. Familiarity with campus resources and University policies and procedures preferred. The position requires the ability to travel as needed for business purposes and maintain a flexible schedule, including occasional evening and weekend commitments.

Compensation:

The compensation for this position is commensurate with experience.

Application Deadline:

August 16, 2026

FLSA Status (exempt/nonexempt):

United States of America (Exempt)

Background Check Statement

The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

State of Residence Statement

It is the expectation of the University of Akron that allwork performed as an employee ofthe University will be performed in Ohio.