Retention Specialist

Retention Specialist

The purpose of the position is to support and meet the proposed outcomes for the US Department of Education TRIOSSS grant. Specifically, the Retention Coordinator will serve as a case manager interacting and advising 140 MSU TRIOSSS student scholars to ensure they retain and graduate at levels higher than their peer population group as specified in the grant.

Position Number - 4M0074

Department - TRiO/Student Support Services

Division - Division of Student Success

Appointment Type - Classified

Contract Term - Fiscal Year

FLSA - Non-Exempt

Union Affiliation - FOCUS-MFPE

FTE - 1.0

Benefits Eligible - Eligible

Salary - $22.99 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications

Recruitment Type - Open

General Statement - The Division of Student Success is comprised of several offices, people, and programs working together to foster a holistic collegiate experience at Montana State University. We encompass every facet of the student experience. Each unit in the division supports students in their academic goals and personal journeys while they work to become graduates of Montana State University. In support of the Montana State University mission, the mission of Student Success is to enhance the learning environment of the University; support students in the attainment of their educational objectives; foster in students a sense of responsibility, self-directedness, community, and a positive identity with Montana State University. Access and Success is dedicated to supporting students in their journey of personal and academic growth by providing opportunities for learning, leadership development, dialogue, and self-reflection. We aim to equip students with the tools they need to navigate challenges, engage with diverse perspectives, and lead with purpose in their communities. We work closely with students, faculty, staff, parents, student-focused programs, and other university partners to foster a sense of purpose and belonging. The over-arching goal of TRIOSSS is to advance student retention and graduation outcomes for 140 low income, first generation an/or disabled college students by providing access, resources, solutions, and expertise to promote student success through career maturity, learning support, engagement and financial acumen.

Duties and Responsibilities - Develop an intervention strategy for at-risk students or those with a low career maturity profile based on the evidence from the student intake, BCCSE, Strong Interest Inventory, Student Engagement, class attendance, course outcomes, etc. Then using this information to successfully implement the terms and requirements of the US Department of Education TRIOSSS grant submitted by MSU. Using a case management model, develop, implement, and maintain the MSU Academic Success & Career Plan for each of the eligible TRIOSSS student scholars. Work with various constituents (academic advisors, faculty, career coaches, financial coaches, success advisors, health promotions, learning strategist, activities, and engagement, etc.) to promote student success and individual professional development. Maintain accurate records and appropriate data management practices to ensure evidence of effort and outcomes are properly recorded to demonstrate grant outcomes.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills - Bachelor's degree in education, communication, sociology, psychology, or related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education; Demonstrated professional experience in higher education, working with underserved students in need of academic support, socialization to a campus environment, and/or career/professional coaching. Excellent organizational and communication skills; Demonstrated excellence in program development, implementation, and delivery assessment. Demonstrated competence in information systems (e.g. word processing, excel, access, PowerPoint);

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information - This position is contingent upon continued grant funding. Must be able to work a flexible schedule which may include days, nights, and occasional weekends. This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties? - No

Number of Vacancies - 1

Applications will be: - Screening of applications will begin on July 15 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

EEO Statement - Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law. In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter