Student Services Retention Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview: The Retention Coordinator plays a central role in developing, implementing, and evaluating institution-wide retention strategies. This position collaborates closely with academic and administrative units, analyzes student data to identify trends and risk factors, and supports the development of policies and procedures that strengthen student persistence. The Retention Coordinator also serves as a key liaison to the institution’s Retention Committee.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Communication Management: Respond promptly to daily communications via email and voicemail, addressing inquiries promptly and professionally.
2. Policy Adherence and Ethical Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to the University's mission, policies, procedures, ethical standards, compliance with data protection regulations, and pertinent legal regulations in all aspects of admission activities.
3. University Engagement: Participate in Commencement Exercises, new student orientation, university events, committees, self-studies, and University Commencement Ceremonies.
4. Special Projects: Execute special projects assigned by the VP of Operations or the Student Services Director.
5. Compliance Adherence: Ensure compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, as well as FNU Policies, Procedures, Rules, Regulations, and Code of Ethics. As well as Title IX, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as amended from time to time (“FERPA”), the Florida Information Protection Act of 2014, as amended from time to time (“FIPA”), the EU General Data Protection Regulation as amended from time to time (GDPR) and all other applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, and regulations
6. Assigned Duties: Undertake other assigned duties as required.

Position Responsibilities:

1. Partner with academic departments, administrative offices, and student support units to identify, design, and implement effective retention strategies.
2. Collaborate with the Retention Committee (Division Heads, Deans, Administrative Offices) to evaluate institutional needs and recommend evidence-based interventions.
3. Support the development and revision of institutional policies and procedures related to student retention, persistence, and re-engagement.
4. Collect, analyze, and interpret historical and current student data to identify patterns, risk indicators, and underlying causes of attrition.
5. Produce regular retention dashboards, reports, and presentations for leadership and the Retention Committee.
6. Monitor the effectiveness of retention initiatives and recommend adjustments based on data-driven insights.
7. Coordinate retention-related initiatives, including early alert systems, outreach campaigns, and re-enrollment efforts.
8. Maintain documentation of retention programs, workflows, and outcomes.
9. Assist in developing training materials for faculty and staff on retention best practices.
10. Serve as the central point of contact for retention-related inquiries and cross-departmental coordination.
11. Facilitate communication among Student Services, academic units, and administrative departments to ensure alignment of retention efforts.
12. Maintain confidentiality and uphold institutional policies, ethical standards, and compliance with applicable regulations, including FERPA, Title IX, FIPA, and GDPR.
13. Perform other duties as assigned to support the Office of the Vice President of Operations' effective functioning.
14. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution is required. Master’s degree preferred (Education, Higher Ed Administration, Data Analytics, or related field).
• Experience in student services, institutional research, advising, or retention initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills and experience working with student information systems and data tools.
• Proficiency with SIS platforms, data analysis tools, and retention/early alert systems used in higher education
• Exceptional organizational, planning, and project management skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex priorities under tight deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, tact, discretion, and maintain absolute confidentiality with highly sensitive information.
• Highly proactive, resourceful, and capable of anticipating needs and taking initiative to resolve issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and work effectively with all levels of staff, faculty, leadership, and external stakeholders.