Temporary Retention Counselor

Fayetteville State University; Fayetteville (NC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Fayetteville State University is looking for a Retention Counselor who will help students develop the necessary skills for their academic and career journeys. This role involves addressing advising, registration, and enrollment needs with a focus on increasing retention and graduation rates.

The ideal candidate should possess a graduate degree, experience in student success programs, and excellent communication skills. This position requires on-site presence in Fayetteville, NC.

Qualifications

• Hold an earned graduate degree in higher education or another education-related area.
• Experience working with student success programs in a higher education setting.
• Three to five years experience advising first-year or exploratory/undecided students.

Responsibilities

• Aid students in developing knowledge and skills for academic and career success.
• Address advising, registration, and enrollment needs to increase retention rates.
• Track academic progress toward graduation and provide proactive support.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Knowledge of advising and registration technology

Education

Graduate degree in higher education or related area

Tools

Banner

Microsoft Outlook

Canvas Learning Management System

EAB Navigate

Job description

Primary Purpose of the Organization

Applicants for this posting pool may be selected for temporary positions as needed for the student success department. The Department of Student Success advances Fayetteville State University’s mission by fostering academic achievement, persistence, and graduation through a coordinated network of programs and services that empower students to thrive from enrollment through degree completion. The department includes multiple units that collaborate to provide proactive, student-centered support in areas such as academic advising, retention initiatives, degree planning, academic coaching, and resource navigation. Collectively, these efforts are designed to remove barriers to success, enhance student engagement, and promote continuous progress toward graduation. The Retention Team focuses on early intervention, individualized student outreach, and data-informed strategies to support academic success and persistence. The department operates under the leadership of the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Success and aligns with Fayetteville State University’s strategic priorities to improve retention, persistence, and graduation outcomes.

Primary Purpose of the Position

The Retention Counselor is a dual role that aids students in developing the knowledge, skills, and personal accountability needed to explore academic, co-curricular, and career options while evaluating and tracking progress toward graduation. This role focuses on addressing advising, registration, and enrollment needs to increase retention and graduation rates. This position is required to work on-site.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Hold an earned graduate degree in higher education or another education-related area.
• Must have experience working with student success programs in a higher education setting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge – Knowledge of best practices in higher education for enhancing student academic skills; knowledge of current advising and registration technology; and the ability to help students navigate the various platforms available to them (i.e., Banner, Microsoft Outlook, and Canvas).
• Skills – Communication skills to explain, write, advocate for, and report on the needs of the program and academic outcomes; interpersonal skills to interact effectively with students, staff, and faculty; proficiency in computers, student success technology, Microsoft Office, and Zoom/Teams; attention to detail; strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize while multi-tasking and manage tasks efficiently and timely.
• Abilities – Ability to respond effectively to unexpected events and make adjustments in plans as needed; listen and analyze academic needs; generate reports on academic progression; navigate student records; answer basic questions about processes and direct students to appropriate resources; establish and maintain productive working relationships; manage time, work calmly under pressure, and deliver on tight deadlines; work independently and collaboratively with other offices; comply with federal and university student confidentiality requirements; ability to work occasionally after 5:00 p.m. and on weekends (especially during peak times).

Preferred Qualifications

• Three to five years experience advising first-year students, particularly exploratory/undecided students.
• One to two years experience in advising and programming for special populations.
• Proficiency with student success management systems such as EAB Navigate, Ellucian Banner, Student, Canvas Learning Management System, and Degree Works.
• At least two years of experience working with student populations as an advisor, peer.
• Previous experience as a coach/leader, resident assistant, or tutor.

Other Information

If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

EEO Statement

This position is subject to the successful completion of an employment background check. An employment background check includes a criminal background check, employment verification, reference checks, license verification (if applicable), academic verification, and credit history check (if applicable). Fayetteville State University is committed to equality of educational opportunity and employment and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status. Moreover, Fayetteville State University values diversity and actively seeks to recruit talented students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds.

Veteran's Statement

Fayetteville State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and seeks priority referrals of protected veterans for our openings.

Closing Information

Open Until Filled: Yes.