What are the responsibilities and job description for the ACES Student Retention Specialist position at New Mexico State University?
Position Title: ACES Student Retention Specialist
Employee Classification: Recruitment/Retention Spec
College/Division: Agricultural,Consumer & Env Sci Col
Department: 300001-AGRICULTURAL,CONSUMER & ENV SCI COL
Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants
Location: Las Cruces
Offsite Location (if applicable):
Target Hourly/Salary Rate: 59,965.78
Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0
Exempt or Non-Exempt: Exempt
Summary: Seeking a dynamic individual to develop and implement strategies to enhance student success, engagement, and retention.
Classification Summary:
Develops targeted recruitment strategies, aligning with the university’s mission and values, and focusing on attracting diverse student populations. Builds relationships with local high schools, community colleges, and organizations to establish pipelines for prospective students. Collaborates with the university’s admissions and marketing teams to design effective recruitment campaigns and materials tailored to each college’s unique programs and offerings. Engages prospective students through personalized communication, campus tours, webinars, and information sessions specific to each college’s programs. Guides prospective students through the admissions process, offering tailored assistance with applications, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities. Implements and oversees retention initiatives within the college, including mentorship programs, academic support resources, and social integration activities. Coordinates with academic advisors and student services to proactively identify at-risk students and connect them with resources such as tutoring, counseling, and career advising. Tracks student progress and retention data to analyze trends, identify challenges, and adjust retention strategies to improve persistence and graduation rates. Collects and reports data on recruitment and retention efforts, allowing for evidence-based adjustments and continuous improvement of strategies. Regularly shares insights and results with leadership to ensure alignment with university-wide goals and to measure the impact of the initiative. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Classification Standard Duties:
The Student Retention Specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to enhance student success, engagement, and retention. This role involves identifying at-risk students, providing academic and personal support, and collaborating with faculty, advisors, and campus resources to create individualized success plans. The specialist conducts retention initiatives, tracks student progress, and organizes mentorship programs to foster a supportive learning environment. Additionally, they analyze retention data, advocate for student needs, and coordinate access to resources such as tutoring, counseling, and financial aid. Through proactive outreach and program development, they help students navigate academic challenges and persist toward graduation.`
Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Bachelor's degree in a related;
Experience- Five (5) years of related professional experience;
Equivalency- Any equivalent combination of education and experience as approved by Human Resource Services.
Certifications/Licenses-
Departmental Requirements
Special Requirements-
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of current industry best practices, customer service standards and procedures, system-wide admissions policies, standards, and procedures. Knowledge of the full spectrum of university academic units, curricula, and programs. Knowledge of College-level maintenance requirements for student records principles, policies and procedures. Knowledge of national, regional and local student recruitment and retention issues. SKILLS: Strong leadership skills and understanding of effective leadership theory, practice and techniques. Strong interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills, especially in public speaking. Short- and long-range planning; problem analysis and resolution; report preparation and presentation; public contact and relations. Demonstrated proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office suite of computer software applications. Demonstrated time and materials management skills. Effective utilization of student information systems and customer relations management systems.
ABILITIES: Solutions-oriented, with a high level of creativity and the ability to analyze complex problems. : Direct, evaluate, train, and supervise the work of assigned personnel; develop and maintain effective working relationships; maintain accurate and orderly records; use independent judgment and initiative; organize and direct activities; analyze and evaluate information.
- If using a degree to qualify for this position, please attach it to the document section.
The ACES Student Retention Specialist will:
- Develop and implement strategies to support student success, increase engagement, career preparation retention, and placement rates.
- Oversee and Implement structured programs to improve student persistence and graduation rates.
- Monitor and analyze recruitment and retention data to assess effectiveness and refine strategies.
- Work with university departments and external partners to enhance retention efforts.
- Provide coordination for the departmental efforts In retention to avoid duplication and Increase effectiveness in retention.
- Provide coordination and training for the CES offices' efforts In retention, as well as coordinate with the NMSU efforts so the activities In the CES offices are streamlined and effective.
- Establish a dotted-line reporting relationship with the Associate Dean and the Director of Academic Programs.
- Assist departments with strategies to improve retention metrics (e.g. Key Performance Indicators (KPls).
- The college is also recruiting for an ACES Student Recruitment Specialist, posting 502005. If interested, please apply to this position as well.
Preferred Qualifications
Special Requirements of the Position
Department Contact: Donald Conner, 575-646-1109, deconner@nmsu.edu
Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable
Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)
If Not a Standard Work Schedule:
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.
Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.
Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
