Retention Specialist

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Retention Specialist performs intervention strategies to improve overall student success with the goal of improving The University of Tulsa undergraduate retention and degree completion rates. Special focus is placed on stabilizing first-year retention, which significantly impacts institutional ROI. The position requires a disciplined, creative thinker who can use various information systems and all available campus resources to resolve complex issues that impede a student's ability to remain at TU. This position reports to the Director of Student Success Initiatives, Retention, & Persistence.

Essential Functions (Responsibilities):

Proactive Student Support & Case Management

• Employ a structured case management approach that supports student success while ensuring alignment with institutional policies and procedures.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with students through regular, documented interactions that promote engagement, accountability, and self-sufficiency.
• Assess complex student concerns, coordinate appropriate interventions and referrals, and monitor progress through ongoing support.
• Partner with students to develop action plans, strengthen decision-making skills, and connect them with relevant campus and community resources.

Outreach & Retention Initiatives

• Respond to referrals from faculty, staff, and campus partners and proactively engage students exhibiting risk factors associated with attrition.
• Utilize student success technologies, data, and analytics to identify risks, prioritize outreach efforts, and inform intervention strategies.
• Develop and implement evidence-based retention initiatives, including targeted outreach and academic support programs, to advance institutional goals.
• Coordinate early alert and academic intervention efforts to promote student persistence and achievement.

Collaboration & Student Advocacy

• Collaborate with faculty, academic advisors, and Student Affairs partners to develop coordinated strategies that address student needs and enhance success outcomes.
• Apply inclusive, student-centered practices that recognize the impact of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and systemic barriers on student development and success.
• Serve as a student advocate and campus resource while fostering collaborative partnerships across the university community.

Summer Bridge

• Coordinates and co-leads the implementation of the Hurricane Prep Summer Bridge Program that promotes student success, including initiatives serving high-risk student populations.
• Assists with the implementation of other existing summer bridge programs, as needed.

Student Experience

• Supervise and oversee operations of the Holmes Student Center first-floor reception desk, which is one of the primary points of contact for existing and prospective students.
  
  • Supervise 5-10 student employees, including their recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance management to ensure consistent and high-quality customer service.

Assessment & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor student records, maintain accurate case documentation, and track outcomes related to student retention and success.
• Identify trends affecting student retention and persistence and communicate findings to Student Success leadership.
• Assist with the collection, analysis, and dissemination of retention, persistence, and assessment data.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and remain informed on emerging best practices in student success and case management.

Required Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Education, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field; or five years' experience working with college-aged students.
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting student success, retention, and holistic student development.
• Knowledge of student support services, resources, and best practices in higher education.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, manage a caseload, and take initiative in addressing student needs with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to prioritize competing responsibilities, manage multiple projects, and consistently follow through on assignments in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong relationship-building skills with experience in advising, coaching, mentoring, case management, or student support services.
• Strong customer service orientation with a proactive, solution-focused approach.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Collaborative team member with the ability to build effective partnerships across departments while maintaining ownership of individual responsibilities.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for students from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including active listening, empathy, and professionalism.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and student information, case management, or database systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.

Special Job Dimensions:

Work requires working with highly sensitive or confidential information and must be able to work occasional evenings or weekends.

Note: The essential job functions and associated qualifications contained in this document describe the general nature and level of the work performed. They are not intended to represent an exhaustive listing or be inclusive of all aspects of the job. The tasks and procedures involved in the performance of the essential job functions may vary day-to-day. Major changes in areas of responsibility may occur, as directed by management, and will require revision of this job description.

About Us

The University of Tulsa is a student-centered research university that cultivates interconnected learning experiences to explore complex ideas and create new knowledge in a spirit of free inquiry. Guided by our commitment to service and inclusion, we prepare individuals to make meaningful contributions to our campus, our community, and our world.

The University endeavors to create and nurture an informed and inclusive environment in its workplace and educational programs. Affirmative action and equal employment opportunity are integral parts of the University not just because they are legally mandated, but because we recognize that the present and future strength of the university is based primarily on people and their skills, experience, and potential. The University does not discriminate in access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, disability, genetic information, ancestry, or marital status. The University seeks to recruit, select, and promote students, faculty, and all other employees on the basis of individual merit.