CARE Senior Specialist for Academic & Career Engagement

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The CARE Senior Specialist for Student Success and Retention (SSR) plays a pivotal role within the Community, Access, Retention and Empowerment (CARE) team, reporting directly to the Director for Student Academic Success. Collaborating closely with fellow members of the CARE team, as well as various stakeholders across Undergraduate Education and Student Support and other University Offices, the Senior Specialist will focus on the development and implementation of retention programs and services to promote the holistic development and academic success of first- and second-year students.

This position plays a leadership role in the design, coordination, and execution of high-impact student support initiatives, including summer bridge program to support incoming students in their transition to college, a residential Living-Learning Community for Engineers, Architects, and Planners (LEAP), course instruction, and co-curricular programming throughout the academic year. The CARE Sr. Specialist for Student Success and Retention provides ongoing retention support and academic success resources for both first- and second-year students through mentoring, programming, and individualized outreach. This role collaborates closely with campus partners, including Housing and Residence Education, academic departments, and student support offices, to create a welcoming learning environment that enhances student persistence and achievement.

Direct and manage the LEAP Living-Learning Community, including its early arrival program, monthly co-curricular programming, and web content; serve as the primary liaison to Housing and Residence Education for residential engagement strategies aligned with engineering and Knowlton students. Design and deliver curriculum for seminar courses and facilitate workshops; collect, analyze, and evaluate program data to assess student outcomes and guide continuous improvement. Develop and manage program budgets, funding proposals, and detailed program reports. Coordinate current student scholarship award decisions within the College of Engineering. Provide direct supervision to the CARE Program Manager and oversee the hiring, training, and supervision of student employees involved in retention and support initiatives. Collaborate with the CARE team on recruitment events, retention programs, and CARE-sponsored initiatives. Represent the CARE team on college-level academic committees and at regional or national conferences. Contribute to the publication of journal articles and conference proceedings related to student recruitment and retention. May serve as advisor to a student organization or liaison to other campus support offices as needed.

Flexibility is essential, as the position may require occasional evening or weekend commitments, as well as travel. Significant interaction with various stakeholders is inherent to the role, opportunities for remote or hybrid work schedules are limited.

May be required to occasional evenings, weekends, and travel

Minimum Education Required: Bachelor's Level Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering and/or STEM related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Six years or more of experience in managing retention and student success programs in higher education.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and organizational skills; experience in developing and implementing program evaluations and reports; ability to work effectively with a variety of constituents and collaborators; success in roles requiring execution of multiple tasks while responding to multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Experience in staff supervision and advising student organizations
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a diverse high performing team; ability to work effectively with a variety of constituents and collaborators; must pass a criminal background check

Desired: Master's degree in engineering or STEM field; demonstrates experience leading and/or serving in a supportive role successfully in student support services, academic success programs, or higher education administration; experience working with undergraduate students, preferably in STEM disciplines; and knowledge of best practices in student retention, first- and second-year experience programs, and academic engagement; experience working with student organizations in an advisory role; experience in higher-level administration in an educational institution; experience with formal group instruction, preferably to college students.

Required: Resume & Cover Letter

Hiring Range: $64,300 - $84,550

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

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The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.