Student Engagement & Retention Manager - Data-Driven Impact

Pepperdine University; Malibu (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Pepperdine University is seeking a Manager, Student Engagement and Retention for Seaver College to guide persistence initiatives across the campus. The role uses EAB Navigate and data analytics to identify at‑risk students and drive proactive interventions, ensuring a clear, financially viable path to graduation.

The position emphasizes strategic collaboration with Career Center, advising, and academic divisions, with a focus on re‑enrollment, FERPA compliance, and supporting student success.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, Counseling, Business, or related field.
• At least 3 years in student affairs, success coaching, advising, or academic administration.
• Ability to mentor students on personal finances and budgeting.
• Experience in managing re-enrollment pipelines and persistence data.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.

Responsibilities

• Proactive case management and coaching to identify at-risk students and develop persistence plans.
• Coordinate with SSC, Counseling Center, and Financial Aid to deliver high-touch interventions.
• Partner with Career Center and academic divisions to align goals with post-college outcomes.
• Monitor data from HRL, Athletics, OISS, and OIE to inform retention strategies and lead a retention team.
• Design campaigns to re-engage students returning from stop-out or not enrolling.
• Communicate value propositions to parents/guardians.

Skills

Mentoring

Data-driven outreach

Student outreach

Project coordination

Office & Workspace tools

Education

Master’s degree in Higher Education or related field

Tools

EAB Navigate

PeopleSoft

Excel/Sheets

Job description

Pepperdine University is seeking a Manager, Student Engagement and Retention for Seaver College to guide persistence initiatives across the campus. The role uses EAB Navigate and data analytics to identify at‑risk students and drive proactive interventions, ensuring a clear, financially viable path to graduation.

The position emphasizes strategic collaboration with Career Center, advising, and academic divisions, with a focus on re‑enrollment, FERPA compliance, and supporting student success.