TRiO SSS Retention Specialist

Founded in 1854, Hamline was the first university in Minnesota and among the first coeducational institutions in the nation. Hamline University provides a world-class education for undergraduate and graduate students. Our faculty, staff, and students cultivate an ethic of civic responsibility, social justice, and inclusive leadership and service.

Hamline University is an Equal Opportunity employer. Hamline University does not discriminate on the basis of race; color; religion; creed; sex; national origin; marital status; familial status; status with regard to public assistance; membership or activity in a local human rights commission; disability; age; protected veteran status; or any other status protected by applicable law in its education or employment programs or activities. The University will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Founded in 1854, Hamline was the first university in Minnesota and among the first coeducational institutions in the nation. Hamline University provides a world-class education for undergraduate and graduate students. Our faculty, staff and students cultivate an ethic of civic responsibility, social justice and inclusive leadership and service.

JOB SUMMARY

The Retention Specialist is a dynamic and data-informed professional who works collaboratively to support students in the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program. The Retention Specialist provides direct, holistic support to a caseload of 25-35 students who are first-generation, low-income, and/or have documented disabilities. The Retention Specialist builds strong relationships with students, empowers them to navigate academic and personal challenges, and connects them to resources that support their persistence, academic success, and graduation.

This position also coordinates the team’s academic coaching and referrals, data entry and management, and events.

This is a 100% grant-funded position. Continued employment is contingent upon the renewal of federal funding.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Holistic Advising & Case Management

• Manage a caseload of 25-35 assigned SSS participants, serving as a secondary point of contact within the TRIO SSS program.
• Meet regularly with students for one-on-one sessions and cohort-based advising to provide proactive academic, financial, career, and personal guidance.
• Develop and monitor individualized Plan for Academic and Career Exploration (PACE) with each student to set goals and track progress toward degree completion.
• Assist students on course selection, major exploration, and understanding degree requirements, working in close collaboration with TRiO colleagues, the Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA), and faculty advisors.
• Support students with financial aid processes, including FAFSA completion/renewal and scholarship searches, to promote financial literacy and reduce loan debt.
• Provide timely and effective interventions for students experiencing academic or personal difficulties, making appropriate referrals to campus partners.

Data Entry, Management, & Reporting

• Maintain accurate, detailed, and confidential records of all student contacts and progress in the program's database.
• Serve as the team’s data quality coordinator, ensuring consistency, timeliness, and accuracy through monitoring, validation, and cleanup.
• Assist the Program Director in analyzing and reporting on student persistence, risk factors, and institutional barriers.
• Assist the Program Director in compiling and reporting data related to program objectives for the Annual Performance Report (APR).

Collaborative Student Support

• Work in a highly collaborative team environment with the Program Director and Student Success Specialist to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive support model for all participants.
• Assist the Program Director in the planning, coordination, and assessment of SSS workshops and events.
• Serve as a liaison to key campus partners, including the Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA), Registrar's Office, Financial Aid, Counseling and Health Services, Career Development Center (CDC), and faculty advisors.
• Foster a vibrant and supportive cohort community among SSS participants.
• Other duties, as assigned.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the: Program Director of TRiO Student Support Services

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND KEY COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrated experience and a genuine passion for working with students from diverse backgrounds, particularly those who are first-generation, low-income, and/or have disabilities.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to use data to inform decision-making and student interventions.
• Excellent problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal, active listening, and communication skills, with a proven ability to build rapport and trust with students.
• Strong desire and ability to work in a highly collaborative team environment.

MINIMUM EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• A Bachelor's degree in Education, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.
• A minimum of one (1) year of professional experience in academic coaching or tutoring, student support services, or academic advising in a higher education setting OR student advising in a comparable college access or success organization.

PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Direct experience working in or history as a participant of a federal TRIO program or a similar educational opportunity program.
• Personal experience in overcoming barriers similar to those confronting the SSS target population.
• Familiarity with student success technologies and early alert systems (e.g., Starfish, EAB Navigate).
• Experience using a student information system (e.g., Workday) and/or a TRIO database.

WORKING CONDITIONS / EQUIPMENT

• Must be able to perform the following essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation:
• Must be able to work at a desk and on a computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift at least 25 lbs. on an occasional basis.
• Ability to travel on and off campus locations

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This is a full-time, 1.0 FTE exempt position which requires a minimum of 40 hours a week, 10 months a year. This position is not eligible for hybrid or remote work. Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required.

Compensation and Benefits:

Pay Range: $43,332.00 per year

Full-Time Benefits:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity
• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Paid Time off, including vacation time, paid holidays and safe and sick leave time off
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account (FSA)
• Health savings account (HSA)
• Tuition waiver

All questions marked ‘Required’ need to be answered in order to submit the application. It is important that your application show all of the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. If rejected, you must reapply for the position in order to be considered. A resume or curriculum vitae, a cover letter outlining your qualifications for and interest in the position, contact information for 3 current, professional references, as well as copies of transcripts (if required) must be uploaded with each application.