Recruitment & Retention Specialist Pre-College Programs

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

244 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14627

Opening

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Department

200218 Kearns Center

Work Shift

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range

UR URG 109 H

Compensation Range

$26.90 - $37.66

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities

GENERAL PURPOSE:

The David T. Kearns Center works to increase the educational outcomes of low-income, first-generation college, and underrepresented minority students across the educational pipeline.

The Recruitment & Retention Specialist, Pre-College Programs works to recruit low-income and first-generation middle and high school Rochester City School District (RCSD) students to the Kearns Center’s pre-college programs: Upward Bound (Classic), Upward Bound Math/Science, and Educational Talent Search. Collectively, the pre-college programs are designed to provide middle and high school students with the resources, training, and support to both graduate from high school on time, enroll in a post-secondary institution, and graduate from said post-secondary institution within 6 years. The Recruitment & Retention Specialist will provide opportunities for prospective participants to develop social skills, cultural competence, study skills, and academic skills appropriate for their educational goals. The Recruitment & Retention Specialist will assist in planning, organizing, and presenting group workshops and planning and supervising participants’ attendance at cultural events. They will assist with the recruitment, selection, and retention process for all participants. The Recruitment & Retention Specialist will follow internal university and U.S. Department of Education policies and regulations, as well as school site policies.

Please note: The Recruitment & Retention Specialist, Pre-College Programs salary is funded by the U.S. Department of Education ETS, UB, and UBMS Grants. It's important to note that grant-funded positions are subject to the terms and duration of the grants. However, we are committed to providing stability and support for the duration of the grant period, and we anticipate continued funding to sustain this role.

Essential Functions

Outreach and Recruitment

• Works with pre-college staff to conduct a comprehensive outreach and recruitment plan and intake and assessment plan to ensure that we are working with 626 students each year, across all programs. Helps to assure applicants from each program meet federal eligibility guidelines.
• Represents the University of Rochester/ pre-college TRIO Programs to targeted constituencies; visits middle schools, high schools, and colleges; speaks to groups and individual students; meets with school counselors, families, administrators and/or other constituent groups to promote outreach activities.
• Collaborate with school administrators, teachers, and counselors to identify potential candidates.
• Meet with parents, guardians, school-based advisors, teachers, and others as necessary and appropriate to serve as an advocate for the student’s educational needs.
• Assist students and families with the application process, ensuring all required documentation is completed accurately and submitted on time.
  
  

Student Retention and Support

• Conduct individual and group advising sessions to provide information about program benefits, requirements, and opportunities.
• Track and maintain detailed records of student recruitment, application status, and enrollment progress.
• Work with currently enrolled participants and program graduates during the academic year and summer semester to mitigate drop-out and stop-out.
  
  

Collaboration and Partnership Building

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders the university, local school systems, alumni networks, faculty, community partners, and other identified groups throughout the assigned territories/population.
• Coordinate with program staff to ensure a seamless transition for students from recruitment to enrollment and participation.
• Act as a liaison between the TRIO programs and the Rochester City School District to address any issues or concerns related to student recruitment and program participation.
• Serve as liaison between pre-college programs and admissions representatives from post-secondary institutions to facilitate easier pathways for student acceptance, academic support, and financial support
  
  

Supervision and Project Management

• Assists with managing recruitment initiatives and goals across all pre-college programs.
• Supervise/Manage Kearns Pre-College program assistants by providing them with daily directives aligned with the goals/need of the TRIO Grants
• Assist in the hiring and supervision/management of pre-college AmeriCorps members tasked with tasks related to recruitment and retention
• Develop, organize, and facilitate the Upward Bound Summer Bridge program for program graduates
  
  

Data Management and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all recruitment activities and student information.
• Prepare and submit regular reports on recruitment efforts, enrollment statistics, and outreach activities to the Manager, Academic Opportunity Programs (Pre-College) and Program Director.
• Utilize data to assess the effectiveness of recruitment strategies and make recommendations for improvement.
• Collects and submits detailed data for year-end reports required by the Department of Education, as well as aids Program Director and Data Analyst in the submission of the APR report.
• Program Promotion and Visibility
• Develop and implement marketing strategies to enhance the visibility of TRIO programs within the community.
• Utilize various communication platforms, including social media, newsletters, and local media, to promote program events and successes.
  
  

Other Duties As Assigned.

• 1-2x per year Air or automotive, travels with students and other staff (sometimes only with students) to research conferences and graduate school fairs/visits.
• Attend professional development training workshops as appropriate.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, social work, psychology, or related field required
• Master's degree preferred.
• Experience working with diverse student populations, particularly first-generation and/or low-income students required.
• Knowledge of student development theories, advising principles, and academic success strategies preferred.
• Familiarity with student information systems and data management tools preferred.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in higher education preferred.
• Prefer some teaching experience preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with students from diverse backgrounds preferred.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal preferred.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Office required, advanced Microsoft Access use preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality required required.
• Valid NYS driver’s license is required.
• Experience with Microsoft Office required, advanced Microsoft Access use preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality required.
  
  

EOE Minorities / Females / Protected Veterans / Disabled

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University’s mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations.