Advising and Retention Supervisor

Job Description

The Supervisor, Advising and Retention Services plays a critical leadership role in supporting student success and driving institutional growth. This position oversees a team of Advising and Retention Specialists or Student Support Liaisons, ensuring high-quality service delivery and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a team of advising and retention specialists or student support liaisons.
• Execute persistence tactics focused on continuing/resume student enrollment which improve student academic outcomes and contributes to the growth of the university.
• Partner with the Student Support Liaison leadership to provide coordinated support for students, ensuring seamless communication, timely issue resolution, and a consistent student experience.
• Act as the liaison for deans, faculty, and campus/online administrators in support of students and acts as a SME for advising & retention initiatives and programs.
• Collaborate with Advising and Retention Services leadership to execute the university’s persistence strategy and drive total enrollment.
• Assists with prioritizing persistence tactics and outreach strategies throughout the session to support students and drive session-to-session enrollment.
• Supports advisors through refresher trainings, ensures their program knowledge is up to date, and coaches through difficult conversations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for escalated student issues, conducting thorough research to identify solutions and ensuring timely, satisfactory resolution.
• Demonstrate world-class customer service by taking full ownership of student inquiries and concerns.
• Assist students with appropriate course registration and ensure students understand degree and practicum application requirements (as applicable per program).
• Advise students on university policies and procedures, self-service tools, program requirements, and related academic, financial aid, and healthcare compliance/practicum matters.
• Utilize appropriate systems and student data to confirm and track accurate enrollment, persistence, and graduation information for students in their assigned program/campus locations and/or by assisting multiple program/campus locations based on enrollment needs.
• Documents all interactions in the appropriate institutional systems.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of all Title IV and academic programs, policies and procedures.
• Identify opportunities and implement process and technology solutions that enhance the student retention journey.
• Collaborates with other departments and functional areas to deliver an optimal student experience.
• Lead or contribute to university and departmental initiatives, including process improvement efforts.
• Represent the Advising and Retention Services department in meetings and actively participate in institutional activities and events.
• Conduct team meetings and serve as the primary point of contact in the absence of the immediate supervisor, providing leadership and guidance to support the team’s alignment with departmental vision and purpose.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree Required
• 5+ years experience in customer service, academic advising, financial aid advising, higher education or related experience Required
• 1+ year as a Sr Executive Advising and Retention Specialist or management experience Required
• Outstanding customer service skills.
• Ability to work a variety of office hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Demonstrates a high level of interpersonal, problem-solving, and communication skills, with superior written and verbal abilities.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions with minimal supervision and direction.
• Must be a self-starter with the ability to prioritize effectively.
• Exposure to software and tools (Microsoft Word, Excel, Power BI, PowerPoint, Copilot).
• Experience with Student Information Systems a plus.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain systems access to the NSLDS system (must not be in default of Title IV Federal aid).
• Demonstrates the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team, while effectively interacting with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Self-motivated and willing to take ownership of, and quickly resolve complex issues.

Additional Information

In support of the pay transparency laws enacted across the country, the expected salary range for this position is between $72,000 and $78,000. Actual pay will be adjusted based on job-related factors permitted by law, such as experience and training; geographic location; licensure and certifications; market factors; departmental budgets; and responsibility.

The position qualifies for the below benefits:

• Health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
• 401k Retirement Program + 6% employer match
• Participation in Covista’s Flexible Time Off (FTO) Policy
• 12 Paid Holidays

For more information related to our benefits please visit: https://careers.covista.com/benefits

Equal Opportunity – Minority / Female / Disability / V / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation