Employment Opportunities at USD

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Retention Specialist

Apply now Posting #: 5040
Position Status: Full-time regular
Location: San Diego
Position Type: Administrator, Office of the Vice President and Provost

Position Title & Department:

 Retention Specialist; Institute of College Initiatives
Posting #

5040

Department Description:

The University of San Diego Institute of College Initiatives introduces local, national, and international communities — especially students and their families — to the university, and provides academic and support services to assist student achievement.

University Description:

The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity’s urgent challenges.

Detailed Description:

Assist in the general administration of the USD Student Support Services Program.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Direct Implementation of Project Philosophy, Goals, and Objectives:

  • Assist with the identification, recruitment, selection, and support of the Student Support Services program participants.
  • Assist with project evaluation.
  • Compile and maintain data on project services and activities for participants as relevant to academic activities. Enter data to the database for recall as needed in completing evaluation reports.
  • Perform administrative duties as required or assigned.

Development of and Assist in Providing Direct Service to Participants:

  • Assist in the identification of and develop programs for academic remediation, including assessment, academic advising, academic, personal, career, and organizational counseling, referrals, and enrichment activities.
  • ​Collaborate with STEM leaders on campus to establish and implement a support system for STEM project participants.
  • ​With other staff, assist in the development and implementation of Project goals and objectives, including the Summer Bridge Program.
  • ​Monitor student performance for Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

Liaison to USD and Local, Federal, and State communities and agencies.

Examples of work:

  • As described above, maintain time and effort records for the program (tutors, students, and summer instructional staff).
  • Maintain up-to-date testing, tutoring, and instructional records and collect and compile data on project services.
  • Maintain records for workshops conducted in the Fall and Spring semesters and for the Summer Bridge Program. After receiving the schedule of topics and speakers each semester, arrange for suitable rooms and A/V equipment for the chosen dates and times, purchase/order refreshments, as necessary. Take student attendance. Keep copies of all handouts and follow-up information. File attendance sheets and brochures for future reference.

Special Conditions of Employment:

Background check:  Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes. 

Job Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • Two-years work experience in a high school or university setting or equivalent.
  • Two-years administrative experience, or, in lieu of work experience, must have previous participation in another TRIO program (as a participant or staff member).

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master’s Degree in counseling, education, or STEM-related field preferred.
  • Valid driver’s license preferred.

Performance Expectations - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Personal experience overcoming barriers similar to those confronting our students in the Project's target population (STEM major, low-income, first-generation to college, underrepresented, or documented disability).
  • Knowledge of financial aid and financial literacy procedures.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills.
  • The Retention Specialist will also need to travel to meetings in other USD locations and conferences and training throughout the U.S.
  • Familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs.
  • Willingness to learn Salesforce, Blumen, and Workday programs.

Tools and Equipment Used:

  • University computer, printer, photocopier. Shredder, scanner, and fax machine.
  • May drive university vehicles (van and golf cart).
Posting Salary:

$5,546.67 - $5,547.00 per month; Excellent Benefits

The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers.  Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer.  USD: Human Resources: Benefits

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position.  Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

Special Application Instructions:

Resume and Cover Letter Required

Click the 'Apply Now' button to complete our online application. In addition, please upload a cover letter and resume to your application profile for the hiring managers’ review.  If you have any questions or difficulties please contact the Employment Services Team at jobs@sandiego.edu.

Additional Details:

37.5 Hours per week

Closing date: Open until filled

Note: External job postings will be up for at least three days. After that time, applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager/committee throughout the posting period. A candidate may be selected at any time which could then close this posting on a date earlier than listed.

The University of San Diego is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion and is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the campus community.

The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.

Advertised: Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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Notice of Availability: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at www.sandiego.edu/safety/documents/annualreport.pdf. This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response stands and protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. To request a paper copy, please contact the Clery Act Compliance Manager via email at clery@sandiego.edu, by calling (619) 260-4768, or in-person in the Hughes Administration Center, room 150.