Student Affairs Retention Specialist

Position Title

Student Affairs Retention Specialist

Job Profile

The College of Community Engagement and Professions is seeking a Student Affairs Retention Specialist.

Job Duties

• Improves various completion rates through tailored initiatives to support students, including coordination of academic support and identification of barriers to success
• Connects students with UWM resources and helps students navigate steps to accessing resources
• Proactively reaches out to students to encourage registration, persistence, academic planning, and action related to academic concerns
• Advocates for student needs and promotes streamlined learning experience
• Leverages early alert, academic performance, and retention monitoring systems to promote student success through active outreach to students
• Buils relationships with students to understand their unique needs and challenges
• Liaises as needed with external partners while being FERPA compliant
• Captures student on-boarding experience and development of cohort-based professional support communities
• Develops case management system for on-going support and guidance of students

Key Job Responsibilities

• Improves various completion rates through tailored initiatives to support students, including coordination of academic support and identification of barriers to success
• Connects students with UWM resources and helps students navigate steps to accessing resources
• Proactively reaches out to students to encourage registration, persistence, academic planning, and action related to academic concerns
• Advocates for student needs and promotes streamlined learning experience
• Leverages early alert, academic performance, and retention monitoring systems to promote student success through active outreach to students
• Buils relationships with students to understand their unique needs and challenges
• Liaises as needed with external partners while being FERPA compliant
• Captures student on-boarding experience and development of cohort-based professional support communities
• Develops case management system for on-going support and guidance of students

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Social Work, Higher Education or related field
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working in a college/university setting in an advising, coaching, or related support role
• Experience using student information systems or case management tools
• Strong communication skills (as evidenced by application materials)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building relationships with various populations
• 3+ years’ experience working in a college/university setting in an advising or coaching capacity
• Experience with teacher, social work, and/or information science and technology education programs

Compensation

Minimum of $55,000 annually. Final salary offer will be contingent upon knowledge, skills, and abilities demonstrated throughout the selection process.

How To Apply

Applicants are required to apply online and will be expected to provide: A cover letter that addresses the candidate’s professional level work experience as it relates to all required and preferred qualifications. A resume

Note: Applicants must complete all required fields and attach all required documents prior to submitting the online application to ensure full consideration.

Instances where the Search and Screen Committee is unable to ascertain from the candidates' application materials whether they meet any of the qualifications, they may be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications.

Finalist candidate(s) being considered for hire will be required to provide three professional/supervisor references through an external reference checking tool. References will not be contacted prior to candidates being notified.

Apply by the application deadline, July 27, 2026.

Questions about the position should be directed to Jackson Prowse (prowse@uwm.edu).