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Retention Specialist

Apply now Posting #: 5195
Position Status: Full-time regular
Location: San Diego
Position Type: Administrator, Office of the Vice President and Provost

Position Title & Department:

 Retention Specialist; Provost
Posting #

5195

Department Description:

The University of San Diego, with its college and six schools, distinctive academic centers and institutes, proximity to Asia and Latin America, and commitment to Catholic traditions, offers students a unique educational experience. A USD education is characterized by academic rigor in its undergraduate and graduate programs offering transformative opportunities through student/faculty research, global experiences, community service learning and internships that develops the knowledge, values and skills needed to serve the global, civic and faith communities.

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, and selection of Project participants.
  • Provide individual admissions and financial aid guidance. 
  • Assist with project evaluation. Edits and helps assemble the final document. 
  • Compiles and maintains data on project services and activities for participants, as relevant to academic activities. Enters data to database for recall as needed in completing evaluation reports. 
  • Performs administrative duties as required or assigned.

Development of and assist in providing direct service to participants 

  • Assists in identification of and develops programs for academic remediation, including assessment, academic advising, academic, personal, career and organizational counseling, and enrichment activities.
  • Monitor student performance for Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.
  • Conduct needs assessments and develop individualized services for each student.
  • Maintain up-to-date student records of participation in all program activities.
  • Counsel and advise participants on an individual and group basis.
  • With other staff, assist in the development and implementation of Project goals and objectives, including the Summer Bridge Program.

With other staff, recruit, recommend and supervise the appointment of instructional staff 

Liaison to USD and local, federal, and state communities and agencies 

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 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)
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Personal experience overcoming barriers similar to those confronting our students in the Project’s target population (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 be available to travel to meetings in other USD locations as well as conferences and training in locations throughout the U.S.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master’s Degree in counseling, education, or related field preferred

Performance Expectations - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs
  • Willingness to learn Salesforce.
Posting Salary:

$5,720-$5,750 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:

Hours: 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 Standard 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.