Job Summary:
Assist students in the Office of Academic and Retention Support at The University of Akron. Provide retention initiatives and help students achieve their educational goals by offering academic, personal, and career support throughout their collegiate journey. Act as a liaison to campus departments while providing tailor support to diverse student populations, including traditional, non-traditional, post-baccalaureate, transfer, new and returning students, in their pursuit of professional degrees. Deliver academic, personal, and career support through programmatic initiatives, along with case management and advising support. Establish and build rapport through collaboration with internal and external partners. Implement new strategies and initiatives for student retention and success. Supervise and train professional and student staff.
Essential Functions:
- Provide comprehensive support to students through academic, personal, and career coaching and mentoring; interpret and disseminate University academic and administrative procedures; maintain accurate records and case documentation; monitor and track student engagement, persistence, and academic progress; analyze and utilize student data to inform individualized interventions and evaluate program effectiveness; cultivate collaborative relationships to support student success; and connect students with appropriate campus and community resources.
- Implement and manage first-year initiatives designed to support new students, including coordinating onboarding experiences, delivering student success programming, and developing initiatives that promote academic achievement, retention, and persistence.
- Develop and implement initiatives designed to enhance support services and resources for first-generation college students, promoting their academic success and overall college experience.
- Plan, coordinate, and participate in recruitment and outreach initiatives that increase awareness of the Office of Academic and Retention Support's programs and services and support student enrollment.
- Support the planning, coordination, implementation, and assessment of workforce development initiatives by tracking student participation and outcomes, coordinating workforce programming, and cultivating partnerships with employers, educational institutions, and community organizations. Other duties as assigned.
Education:
Requires a relevant Master's Degree.
Licenses/Certifications/Requirements:
Valid driver’s license.
Experience:
Requires a minimum of 2 years of work experience in academic advising/coaching and/or counseling within an education setting and/or social service setting or related fields. Strong organizational skills and basic computer skills including word processing and database capabilities, and excellent written and verbal communication skills required. Ability to provide case management and student support services in a higher education setting required. Experience working with non-traditional and/or first-generation populations in an educational setting is preferred. Experience developing curriculum, designing and implementing student programming, and planning and coordinating events is preferred. Familiarity with campus resources and University policies and procedures preferred. The position requires the ability to travel as needed for business purposes and maintain a flexible schedule, including occasional evening and weekend commitments.
Application Instructions: In order to be considered for this position, please complete the online application and attach your resume.
Compensation: The compensation for this position is commensurate with experience.
Application Deadline: August 16, 2026
FLSA Status (exempt/nonexempt):
Union Affiliation (if applicable):
For assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed:
Shawna HarrisEmail:
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Background Check StatementThe University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search.
Non-Discrimination StatementThe University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.
State of Residence StatementIt is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio.
Skills Required
- Relevant Master’s degree
- Valid driver’s license
- Minimum 2 years experience in academic advising/coaching and/or counseling in education or social services
- Ability to provide case management and student support services in a higher education setting
- Strong organizational skills
- Basic computer skills including word processing and database capabilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to travel as needed and maintain a flexible schedule including occasional evenings and weekends
- Experience working with non-traditional and/or first-generation college students
- Experience developing curriculum, designing and implementing student programming, and planning/coordinating events
- Familiarity with campus resources and university policies and procedures
- Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check and verification of credentials
- Ability to perform work in Ohio (state residency expectation)
What We Do
The University of Akron is a public research university in Ohio that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with a strong focus on STEM fields and polymer research.
