Manager, Student Success and Retention Initiatives

Job Description

Job Description

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Expected Salary Range: $60,000 - $65,000 annually
(Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.)

Benefits & Perks:

RMU offers a comprehensive benefits and perks package, which includes:

• Four weeks of paid holidays in addition to accrued paid time off
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employer‑matched HSA and 401(k) with immediate vesting
• Life and disability insurance
• Tuition discounts, tuition reimbursement, and professional development funding
• Mental health counseling and wellness resources
• Financial wellness coaching and retirement planning support

WORK ENVIRONMENT & SCHEDULE

This position is based on site at the RMU Campus (1800 S Novell Place, Provo IT 84606) in a typical office environment and primarily performs sedentary work. The role requires regular computer use, frequent communication with students and university stakeholders, and occasional lifting of up to 30 pounds. Occasional extended hours may be necessary based on student and university needs.

ABOUT THE ROLE / WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

The Student Success and Retention Manager (SSRM) reports to the Director of the Office of Student Engagement and Success and plays a central role in advancing institutional student retention, persistence, and satisfaction initiatives. The SSRM provides strategic oversight, coordination, and assessment of student success efforts across the university and collaborates closely with college deans, program directors, faculty, and functional area leaders to support graduate student success.

Under the direction of the Director of the Office of Student Engagement and Success, the SSRM leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of student success strategies, processes, and outreach initiatives for graduate healthcare student populations. This role requires proactive engagement with identified student populations, cross-functional collaboration with academic and administrative departments, and the management of systems and reporting structures used to track, analyze, and communicate student success and retention data to key stakeholders.

The SSRM is responsible for expanding and refining student success initiatives, standardized processes, assessment metrics, and reporting practices to support informed decision-making and continuous improvement. The position contributes to institutional planning by translating data and student feedback into actionable insights, supporting student leadership and engagement initiatives, and removing barriers to student success while aligning with Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions’ Mission, Vision, Core Values, and institutional standards.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

New Enrollment Engagement & Support

• Coordinate outreach and support for late-enrolling students, including communication, referrals, and collaboration with Admissions, Registrar, and academic programs to support successful onboarding and course participation.
• Manage regular updates for the Office of Student Engagement and Success (OSES) pages in orientation course and, enrollment checklist updates in collaboration with EduTech and Admissions departments.
• Present to incoming students on OSES resources during student info sessions and new student orientations.

Student Success Strategy & Resources 

• Develop individualized success plans with students and implement proactive strategies focused on student academic success and persistence. Refer students to appropriate campus resources, groups, services, workshops, and activities based on their individual needs.
• Develop and manage comprehensive outreach campaigns and advising strategies for students in academic probation statuses, withdrawing students, and re-entering students to foster student retention.
• Manage standardized processes in the SIS and CRM to track, support, and engage with students in temporary withdrawal status, students navigating enrollment status changes, course participation outreach, financial holds, late enrollments, and other identified at-risk student populations.
• Manage ongoing collaboration with program directors and the OSES Leadership Team regarding students on probation status and other at-risk students to discuss student needs and create action plans.
• Manage the university-wide “The Student Experience” resource to assist in institutional knowledge and remove barriers to getting students the assistance they need.
• Develop and maintain faculty advising support resources and initiatives.
• Stay up-to-date on university policies and procedures including those regarding academic probation, withdrawal, and re-admittance.

Student Programming & Outreach

• Manage planning, coordination, communication, implementation, and outcome assessments for Student Success Series initiatives.
• Serve as a key liaison between the Student Senate, OSES, and university leadership to elevate student voice and inform institutional decision-making.
• Partner with Program Directors to provide proactive outreach and programming to support students before   academic challenges arise

Assessment

• Collect and analyze data for patterns of persistence with students.
  • Collaborate with the Director of the Office of Student Engagement and Success on assessment findings for pertinent program directors, college deans, and administration.
• Create reports and presentations for various university stakeholders, as assigned by the Director of the Office of Student Engagement and Success.
• Manages Student Success Unit Planning and Self Study reporting.

Supervision & Staff Development

• Oversee and manage Student Success & Retention staff when in place

All other duties as assigned 

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
• Two or more years of higher education experience 
• Two or more years of experience working directly with student support services, students, faculty, and administrators in a higher education setting.
• Demonstrated success implementing strategies or initiatives focused on student retention, program attrition, and student success.
• Experience assessing student satisfaction or needs and demonstrating outcomes of student support programs or initiatives.
• Strong understanding of higher education functions, including admissions, academic affairs, shared governance, financial aid, registrar and records, student accounts, and student support services.
• Knowledge of evidence-based retention and student success practices and holistic approaches to graduate student health and wellness.
• Ability to analyze and synthesize quantitative and qualitative data and translate findings into practical strategies.
• Proficiency with Google Suite and Microsoft 365, with the ability to learn and use new technology effectively.
• Excellent organization, time management, written communication, verbal communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with administrators, faculty, staff, students, families, and external partners while maintaining confidentiality.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree from an accredited university
• A minimum of 5 years of experience working with students, faculty, and administrators in higher education, with experience managing programs focused on student retention and student success.
• Experience in a private, graduate-only, or health professions institution.
• Experience supervising or developing student success staff.

ABOUT ROCKY MOUNTAIN UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU) is a graduate‑level institution dedicated to advancing healthcare education, research, and service. The university prepares healthcare professionals through evidence‑based curricula, collaborative learning, and a commitment to ethical and inclusive practice.

RMU values innovation, service, and continuous improvement, supporting faculty and staff who contribute to a learning environment focused on student success and community impact.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY & ACCOMMODATION

RMU is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Employment with the university is at‑will, unless otherwise provided by applicable state law.