Retention Specialist (Student Support Services)

Sul Ross State University; Alpine (TX); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Sul Ross State University is seeking a Retention Specialist (Student Support Services) to advise prospective, new, and returning students and support academic planning and retention initiatives on the Alpine campus.

The role focuses on advising, retention through graduation, and coordination of communications with students, departments, and community resources. This position requires attention to detail and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and experience.
• Familiarity with higher education processes.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience in working with diverse populations / college students / faculty.
• Ability to learn new software and use computer application programs.

Responsibilities

• Advises current students about concerns/issues that might affect completing degree requirements.
• Maintains students’ files (Banner and tools).
• Facilitates updates and changes as necessary.
• Assists with retention outreach events and sessions.
• Coordinates communications to students regarding retention activities and resources.
• Assists with returning students.
• Maintains monthly appointments with Director of Student Services.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Oral and written communication

Communication skills

Diversity experience

Computer skills

Higher education familiarity

Boundaries awareness

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Banner

Job description

Retention Specialist (Student Support Services)

Job Title

Job Title Retention Specialist (Student Support Services)

Location

Location Alpine

Department

Department Student Support Services

Job No.

Job No. G99925

Posting Date

Posting Date 05/01/2026

End Date

Until Filled Yes

Appointment Date

Salary $37,080

Required

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree; or a combination of education and experience.
• Familiarity with higher education processes.
• An exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively utilize computer application programs and ability to learn new software; Experience in working with diverse populations / college students /faculty.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Well-spoken and sensitive to the boundaries of the job description.

Preferred

Preferred:

Primary Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities

Summary Function: Advise prospective, new, and returning students.

The Retention Specialist/Advisor will assist academic departments with academic planning, advisement interpretation, and implementation of university policies and procedures in the areas of student retention. Provides information to and advises enrolled students regarding retention services and issues concerning academics offered by the University, including retention through graduation. The Retention Specialist Advisor will have a specific key Population specialty assigned to him/her and will be responsible for all coordinated knowledge of the features of said population. This position requires a highly focused attention to detail and is information sensitive.

Scope: Student services advising; working with the Culture of Care grant, and advising students to complete related goals and objectives proposed in Title V: Culture of Care grant application.

Duties Essential: Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Advises current students about concerns/issues that might affect completing academic degree requirements. Maintains students’ files (Banner and associated tools). Facilitates updates and changes as necessary. Actively assists with retention outreach events and retention sessions/presentations. Refers students with academic discrepancies to proper officials for further action. Coordinates communications to students regarding retention related activities, community resources, and career readiness resources. Assists with returning students. Maintains monthly appointments with Director of Student Services.

Population administration. Works extended hours occasionally. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Working Conditions: Usual: Office Conditions; exempt from overtime provisions. Position is Security Sensitive. Unusual: A willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Any qualifications to be considered in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Human Resources Director.

Other Information

It is the policy of Sul Ross State University to provide equal employment opportunity for all persons in accordance with their individual, job related qualifications and without consideration of race, creed, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status and ancestry. Equal employment opportunities shall be afforded in all personnel actions or decisions including, but not necessarily limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, upgrading, promotion, demotion, termination and salary. Retaliation is prohibited against a person who opposes a discriminatory practice, files a charge, testifies, assists or participates in an investigative proceeding or hearing.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report

The report contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.

A paper copy of the report will be provided upon request. If you would like to receive a paper copy, you can contact the Office of Student Life, located on the Alpine Campus in the Morgan University Center, Room 211 or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling 432-837-8424 or emailing [e-mail]

About SRSU

Our campuses span a fascinating part of Texas—Alpine, in the heart of the beautiful Big Bend area, and Del Rio, Eagle Pass and Uvalde along the vibrant, bicultural Texas/Mexico border.

What you’ve heard is true – there is something very special about the areas we serve in our great State, and Sul Ross State University is vital to the continued growth and progress of our students and the communities we serve.

Sul Ross State provides students with the education they need to translate their passions into a fulfilling career. This life-changing experience has a multi-generational impact, transforming the lives of our students, their families and positively impacting the communities in which they reside. We value learning and strive to provide high quality education in a welcoming, supportive environment. We take pride in the fact that we serve a diverse population including many first-generation college students as well as non-traditional students, international students, student-athletes and graduate students.

From teaching, coaching and law enforcement, to science, ranch management and the Fine Arts, SRSU offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Known as the Frontier University of Texas, Sul Ross encourages each student to explore their own frontiers and to exceed their educational, personal and professional goals.

For more information about how we’re strategizing for the future, I invite you to visit www.sulross.edu .

Required Documents

• Resume
• Letter of Intent
• Transcripts

Optional Documents

• Letter of Recommendation (1)
• Letter of Recommendation (2)
• Letter of Recommendation (3)
• Transcript 2
• Transcript 3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Are you legally authorized to work in the US?
  • Yes
  • No
• Are you legally authorized to work in the US?
  • Yes
  • No
• If yes, please indicate the type of employment authorization or visa sponsorship you anticipate needing.

  (Open Ended Question)