What are the responsibilities and job description for the Student Affairs Manager -Student Success and Engagement Manager position at University of Wisconsin- River Falls?
Posting Details
Position Information
UW - System Position Title
Student Affairs Manager -Student Success and Engagement Manager
Business Title
Student Success and Engagement Manager
Major Department Code
Student Success (J890500)
Appointment Type
Academic Staff-Fixed Term Renewable
FLSA Status
Exempt
FTE (Percentage of Appointment)
100
Typical Working Schedule
8 am-4:30 pm. M-F with occasional evenings and weekends schedule.
Hybrid or On Campus
On Campus
Position Summary
Oversees the daily management of programs, services, activities, facilities, policies, and/or processes in order to support student success in various areas of student affairs. Works under broad, administrative direction with significant responsibility for assigned area(s) of responsibility. Responds to inquiries from university departments, educational institutions, the community, and/or external agencies. Strives to create a welcoming, equitable, and inclusive work environment. This role is dedicated to improving retention and graduation rates for students who have historically faced barriers to degree completion. The manager provides targeted academic support, advising, and programming to help students navigate challenges and stay on track toward graduation. By fostering a sense of belonging and connecting students with campus resources, this position ensures that all students—particularly those with lower retention rates—have the support needed to succeed.
Responsibilities
- Plans, organizes, administers, and manages processes and operations related to assigned area(s) of responsibility.
- Monitors, evaluates, and modifies processes, procedures, and/or standards, ensuring alignment with the Institution’s mission, values, goals, and objectives, as well as all local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
- Advises and enforces Institution policies related to services in Student Affairs
- Serves as the program or unit liaison to internal and external stakeholder groups.
- Schedules logistics and secures resources to support the operational plans of the program or unit.
- Monitor the program budget and approve expenditures.
- May exercise supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 FTE or equivalent employees.
- Identify and support students at higher risk of stopping out by providing proactive advising and mentorship.
- Develop and implement programs that enhance academic success, persistence, and graduation outcomes.
- Coordinate workshops on key academic and personal development skills, such as time management, study strategies, and overcoming challenges.
- Serve as a bridge between students and university resources, ensuring access to tutoring, financial aid, career services, counseling services, and academic advising.
- Collaborate with faculty and campus departments to identify and address retention gaps and develop strategies to improve student success.
- Design initiatives to assist first-generation, low-income, and other historically underrepresented students in transitioning successfully to college life.
- Monitor and assess student progress, using data to refine support strategies and outreach efforts.
- Plan events and community-building activities that foster student engagement and a sense of belonging.
- Provide advocacy and guidance to help students navigate institutional processes and policies.
- Collaborate with colleagues across Student Affairs and Academic Affairs to create an integrated support network that fosters student success.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree (by start date)
- 3-5 years of experience supporting student success, retention, or academic advising
- Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal skills and, detailed-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Experience working with diverse student populations and commitment to a student-centered approach.
- Experience implementing student support initiatives that improve retention and graduation outcomes.
- Familiarity with student information systems (e.g., Peoplesoft) and students success platforms (e.g., EAB Navigate360 preferred).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in related field
- Leadership experience in academic advising, student success, retention, or enrollment management.
- Experience using data and predictive analytics to inform student support strategies.
- Proficient with CRM tools for student outreach and intervention (e.g., EAB Navigate360)
- Ability to leverage technology to enhance student support services.
- Awareness of challenges impacting student persistence and strategies to address them.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a student-centered approach.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
AAF01042
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
04/21/2025
Closing Date
05/16/2025
Applicant Review Date
05/17/2025
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants are required to apply online. UWRF will not consider paper, emailed or faxed applications. Applicants are required to provide:
- Resume
- Unofficial Transcripts
- Letter of interest specifying qualifications and experience (cover letter)
Inquiries should be addressed to:
Shamani Shikwambi
Shamani Shikwambi
Search Chair
shamani.shikwambi@uwrf.edu
Deadline to Apply:
Initial review of applications will begin upon receipt. For full consideration, applicants should submit all required materials on or before May 16, 2025.
Employees receive excellent benefits including exceptionally low-cost comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits; employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 6.95%; an attractive amount of paid leave per year in addition to paid sick leave. To learn more about our benefits, go to:
UW-River Falls does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 715-425-4941.
UW-River Falls does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 715-425-4941.
Legal Notices
EEO Statement
UW-River Falls is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies.
Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the final candidates may be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
Title IX Notice
As required by Title IX and federal regulations, UW-River Falls does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs or activities, including in admission and employment. Questions about the application of Title IX may be referred to UWRF’s Title IX Coordinator at titleix@uwrf.edu; the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights; or both. For more information, please see uwrf.edu/titleIX.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies can be viewed at or call University Police at 715-425-3133 for a paper copy.
Criminal Background Check and Reference Check Policy
Employment will require a criminal background check. Final candidates will be required to provide three professional references with at least one being a prior supervisor. Misconduct checks will be completed and a personnel file review for any University of Wisconsin or State employee within the past seven years prior to hire per UW System Administrative Policy 1275.
Other Notices
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Optional Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
- Unofficial Transcripts
