Student Enrollment & Retention Specialist- (2026-2027)

Organizational Unit: Student Placement Services | Site: Davis Center | FTE: 0.80 (32 hrs/week, 52 weeks/year) | Union: AFSCME

About the Role

Under general supervision, creates and implements new recruitment and retention strategies to assist in the continued growth of enrollment at MPS. Serves as a resource for families in the selection of a school that will maximize their students’ potential and meet their multi-lingual and multi-cultural needs.

Responsibilities

• Counsels students and families on school choice options that best meet student’s academic needs and adheres to MPS policies and procedures; provides culturally competent counsel in home language to students and families.
• Supports and initiates best practices to recruit, support, and retain students by using feedback from surveys, phone calls, and other tools to monitor and improve systems that promote student retention and academic success.
• Prepares and implements recruitment activities for assigned areas; works with students, parents, and alumni of MPS to assist with the recruitment of students/families.
• Improves student retention rate by tracking progress of students through their program and counsels students regarding personal and/or academic issues; refers to other sources of counseling as needed.
• Coordinates evaluation and testing of EL students; assigns EL students to appropriate school; coordinates efforts with Multilingual Department in regard to student services.
• Organizes and presents school choice materials at various outreach meetings and events to include cultural/language specific events.
• Assists with special events, public programs and community meetings.
• Responds to email and telephone inquiries from parents and district employees.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
• Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.); AND four (4) years of experience in customer service, communications, public relations or public education programs; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.
• Knowledge of rules and regulations of the Minnesota Department of Education and other governing agencies.
• Knowledge of applicable policies, procedures and regulations covering specific areas of assignment.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public relations, marketing and public communications.
• Knowledge of local community resources and regional community services programs.
• Knowledge of local and regional geographical area, road systems, and the locations of landmarks and buildings.
• Knowledge of principles of record keeping and records management.
• Skill in providing effective customer service, and dealing tactfully and courteously with the public.
• Skill in gathering and compiling data, and reporting findings.
• Skill in interpreting, applying and explaining applicable policies and procedures.
• Skill in conflict-resolution for reaching best outcomes in sensitive situations.
• Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Skill in dealing successfully with a variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone.
• A valid Minnesota State Driver’s License may be required.
• Some positions may require demonstrated fluency (read, write, speak and comprehend) in either Spanish, Hmong, or Somali.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• HSA & FSA
• Retirement plan

Pay

Salary Range: $30.66 - $41.40 per hour

Schedule

32 hours per week, 52 weeks per year (0.80 FTE)