Retention Specialist

University of St. Francis; Joliet (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

University of St. Francis is seeking a part-time Retention Specialist to support student retention across the university, reporting to the Provost. The role focuses on academic success, transition to college, and co-curricular/athletic responsibilities.

This temporary position for the 2026-2027 academic year may or may not be extended, and will require collaboration with campus partners to promote retention-focused outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Commitment to serving students with positive relationships.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication and understanding of FERPA.
• Willingness to collaborate across units.
• Ability to work in a team and take initiative.
• Willingness to support Catholic and Franciscan values of the university.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Athletics, Student Affairs, academic departments, and campus partners to coordinate student support and connect students with services.
• Provide proactive support and early intervention for students by helping them navigate academic expectations and campus resources.
• Support retention and completion goals by coordinating timely outreach and contributing to retention-focused data review and follow-up.
• Monitor and respond to early alert referrals by communicating with faculty, staff, and coaches; conduct outreach to students and document follow-up actions.
• Provide general student support and create a welcoming community.
• Participate in and promote a culture of continuing quality improvement.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

FERPA knowledge

Cross-team collaboration

Initiative

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Position Details

Job Title: Retention Specialist

Position Number: XXXXXX-XX

Department: Office of the Provost

Job Grade: 7

Anticipated Salary Range: $18.86 - $20.73

Benefits: Not benefit eligible

Notice of Nondiscrimination: The University of St. Francis does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs on the basis of any protected class. The University also prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or harassment or participating in any internal or external investigation or complaint process related to allegations of misconduct. For a complete copy of USF's Policy on Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination for All Faculty, Students, Employees and Third Parties or for more information, please go to https://www.stfrancis.edu/titleix/ or contact the Title IX Coordinator at [e-mail].

Position Summary: The Retention Specialist reports to the Provost and will support student retention across the university, especially in the areas of academic success, transition to college, and co-curricular/athletic responsibilities. This is a part-time, temporary position that will be evaluated at the conclusion of the 2026-2027 academic year, and may or may not be extended at that time.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Athletics, Student Affairs, academic departments, and other campus partners to coordinate student support, share relevant concerns, and connect students with appropriate services


• Provide proactive support and early intervention for students by helping them navigate academic expectations, connect with campus resources, and resolve barriers that may affect persistence


• Support retention and completion goals for the university by coordinating timely outreach and contributing to retention-focused data review and follow-up


• Monitor and respond to early alert referrals by communicating with faculty, staff, and coaches; conduct outreach to students, and document follow-up actions


• Provide general student support


• Create a welcoming community and engage in university mission


• Participate in and promote a culture of continuing quality improvement


• Other related duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree


• Commitment to serving students with a focus on positive relationships


• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail


• Good communication and interpersonal skills with an understanding of FERPA


• Willingness to collaborate across units


• Ability to work effectively within a team and take initiative individually


• Willingness to support the Catholic and Franciscan values of the university

Preferred Requirements

• Master's degree


• Two years of professional experience in higher education


• Experience with student athletes

Hours/Shift/Work Schedule

Part-time position working 20 hours per week. This is a part-time, temporary position that will be evaluated at the conclusion of the 2026-2027 academic year, and may or may not be extended at that time.

Physical Requirements of Position

Work is performed in an office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards. Substantial time is spent working on a computer. This is sedentary work which requires the following physical activities: sitting, walking, bending, stooping, finger dexterity, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity.