Student Recruitment & Retention Specialist

The Mills Institute @ Northeastern University Upward Bound program is a federally funded college-preparatory initiative supporting low-income and first-generation college-bound students. The program focuses on developing essential skills for college success, ensuring high school graduation with a strong academic foundation, and providing ongoing support for college enrollment and graduation. With a 50-year history in the Oakland Unified School District, the program is expanding to build relationships with eligible students and families in the West Contra Costa Unified School District.

About the role

The Student Recruitment & Retention Specialist provides outreach, recruitment, and administrative support for the Upward Bound program. This position develops and manages recruitment initiatives to increase participation among students from historically low college enrollment communities, working directly with students, families, partner schools, and community organizations. The role supports the student application and onboarding process, facilitates engagement activities, and assists with program operations. This is a temporary position through April 2027, with possible extension for the 2027-2028 academic year, and may require travel.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage comprehensive and strategic student recruitment initiatives to increase participation from historically low college enrollment communities.
• Conduct recruitment presentations at feeder school sites and various classes.
• Recruit prospective students at open house events and community outreach activities.
• Use data to identify students who may be eligible for the Upward Bound program.
• Support prospective students and families with completion of the Upward Bound student application.
• Conduct initial student and parent interviews to determine program eligibility and assess program fit.
• Process applications in a timely manner.
• Develop program marketing materials and maintain detailed files for program applicants.
• Facilitate workshops for newly admitted students during bi-monthly Saturday College sessions.
• Conduct outreach via email, text, and telephone to recently admitted students.
• Support Upward Bound staff during Saturday College and Wednesday events.
• Communicate regularly with students, parents, and community partners to support the application and enrollment process.
• Collaborate with staff to plan and implement recruitment and engagement activities.
• Conduct outreach to area high school students and plan and support recruitment events.
• Support administrative tasks as assigned by the Program Director and/or Office Manager.
• Provide general program and office support as needed.

Requirements

• High School Diploma.
• Demonstrated proficiency in a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Inspirational and culturally aware, with demonstrated knowledge of challenges facing low-income and first-generation students.
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development and different learning styles.
• Ability to effectively work with students from diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, linguistic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Ability to manage multiple activities, services, deadlines, and priorities while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.
• Clean driving record and reliable transportation.
• Ability to travel to multiple school sites.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Benefits

Northeastern University offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life programs, retirement plans, and commuting & transportation benefits.

Pay

$20 per hour for up to 25 hours per week.