Academic and Retention Specialist

Job Title: Academic & Retention Specialist

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: Administration

Reports To: Directorof Education

SUMMARY

Responsible for ensuring high levels of student and faculty engagement and satisfaction, compliance with all academic and attendance policies and procedures, monitoring student attendance and academic progress, with the main focus on student retention for all training programs. This position’s primary focus will be to assist the Directors of Education and Faculty with all things related to student success with an emphasis on retention and academic progress.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following

• Full oversight of student retention to maintain compliance with accrediting standards.
• Complete and process all drop, leave of absence (LOA), and re-entry paperwork.
• Daily monitoring of student attendance reports and academic progress.
• Advise/mentor students with attendance or academic concerns.
• Advise/mentor instructors on how to assist students with overcoming barriers hindering their success.
• Conduct weekly SOS (Save Our Students) meetings and:
• Follow up on action items discussed at SOS meetings.
• Follow up strategies measuring success of outcome or lack thereof.
• Encouraging more creative and “out of the box” thinking when outcomes of the normal approaches are not successful.
• Sharing best practices when outcomes are successful from follow up strategies.
• Develop retention intervention plans, in conjunction with the DOE and Program Directors, and supporting the instructor team in the execution of those plans.
• Helping to foster a culture focused on student retention, with a goal of graduation and placement, within the instructor team through sharing metrics, trends, and best practices.
• Assist with curriculum oversight in the classroom as well as in the lab, where applicable.
• Assist with recruitment and hiring full and part-time instructors and coordinate their training.
• Assist with classroom observations, instructor evaluations, student surveys, implementation of instructional changes due to evaluations/surveys, and address any concerns that may arise because of student critiques.
• Assist coordination of mandatory continuing education in-services for the instructional staff.
• Prepare content and conduct periodical instructor meetings.
• Scheduling:
• Assist with instructor scheduling
• Instructor vacation and sick time usage
• Instructor shift assignments
• Student assignments as well as monitor the classrooms.
• Coordinate with DOE in supporting supervisory responsibilities which may include the following: planning, assigning, and directing work of faculty; assisting in the appraisal their performances; support the rewarding and disciplining of employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Actively coordinate office activities with the Campus President and Director of Education, specifically concerns in licensing or accreditation.
• Coordinate suggestions, improvements or other ideas that may be provided by staff or students.
• Complete weekly and/or monthly reports as directed
• Other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Coordinate with the Director of Education to support the supervision of faculty and students and carry out responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include daily monitor of student retention and academic progress; assisting with interviewing, hiring, and training new faculty; planning, assigning, and directing work; coordinate with and support DOE to appraise performance, reward and disciple employees, and address complaints and resolve problems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education or related field or equivalent experience.
• Experience in education administration and student retention strategies
• Proven higher education teaching experience
• Strong understanding of university systems and processes
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with diverse student populations
• Ability to develop and implement effective student support programs

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Student Retention: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Horn Lake, MS 38637 (Required)

Work Location: In person