What are the responsibilities and job description for the Retention and Advising Specialist (temporary/part-time) position at UMass Lowell?
General Summary of Position :
The Part-Time Retention and Advising Specialist is a member of the Academic Services team, focusing specifically on supporting retention and re-enrollment efforts as part of the university's broader student success strategy. This role involves managing a caseload of students with a focus on students experiencing financial challenges and who may be eligible for a retention grant and engaging in proactive outreach and support efforts. Through regular one-to-one meetings, group sessions, and targeted interventions, this position works to improve retention and facilitating student success. This position collaborates closely with campus partners, such as the Solution Center and Financial Aid, and is essential to ensure a comprehensive support network for students, addressing their academic, financial, and personal needs.
This is a private foundation funded, temporary non-benefited position. Position funding timeframe is 2025-2027. Continued employment is contingent upon renewed funding.
Examples of duties include :
Proactive Outreach & Support- UMass Lowell utilizes Salesforce (CRM) to support all outreach efforts. This increasingly is part of our larger campus student success strategy.
- Manage a caseload of students as part of the re-enrollment campaign. This is a proactive effort to provide additional support to students who have not enrolled for further semesters.
- Actively engage, monitor and support students who are recipients of retention grants.
- Meet with students individually or in groups to develop success plans. This includes developing and delivering workshops or activities related to time management, study skills, and goal setting.
- Based on individual student needs, implement interventions to assist students in identifying, evaluating, and developing targeted action plans for dealing with academic challenges.
Academic Advising & Success Coaching
3. Collaboration with Campus Partners
Work closely with the Solution Center, Financial Aid, and other departments to provide holistic student support. Facilitate referrals and ensure open communication with campus partners to meet students' academic, financial, and personal needs.
Required Qualifications :
Additional Considerations :
Proficiency in Salesforce (CRM) or similar platforms for student engagement and tracking
Special Instructions to Applicants :
Initial review of applications will begin January 6, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. However, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applicants is received.
This is a part-time, temporary, non-unit, grant funded and non-benefited position.
Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process.
The University of Massachusetts is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action, Title IX employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age over 40, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression, marital status, or other protected class.
