Student Affairs Retention Specialist

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Position Title

Student Affairs Retention Specialist

Job Category

Academic Staff

Employment Type

Regular

Job Profile

Retention Specialist

Job Duties

The College of Community Engagement and Professions is seeking a Student Affairs Retention Specialist. The Student Affairs Retention Specialist will improve retention, persistence, and completion rates among students in the College of Community Engagement and Professions through strategic guidance, early alert systems, connection with needed university and community resources, community building activities, and coordinated academic support.

Additional Information

This is a 100% on-campus/in-office position

The candidate selected must be available to work 12 pm –8 pm or 1 pm-9 pm at least twice a week

Key Job Responsibilities

• Improves various completion rates through tailored initiatives to support students, including coordination of academic support and identification of barriers to success
• Connects students with UWM resources and helps students navigate steps to accessing resources
• Proactively reaches out to students to encourage registration, persistence, academic planning, and action related to academic concerns
• Advocates for student needs and promotes streamlined learning experience
• Leverages early alert, academic performance, and retention monitoring systems to promote student success through active outreach to students
• Builds relationships with students to understand their unique needs and challenges
• Liaises as needed with external partners while being FERPA compliant
• Coordinates student on-boarding experience and development of cohort-based professional support communities
• Develops case management system for on-going support and guidance of students

Department

The College of Community Engagement and Professions (CCEP) at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is comprised of the School of Education, Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, and School of Information Studies. Together, they develop informed, engaged and empathetic professionals who graduate fully prepared for an array of in-demand careers. Our teaching and research – rooted in innovation, creative problem-solving, and community – sets our graduates up to inspire, innovate, and excel in their professions. For more information, please visit our website at College of Community Engagement & Professions – The College of Community Engagement & Professions Prepares Students to Make a Meaningful Impact in our Diverse and Ever-changing World (uwm.edu)

Compensation

Minimum of $55,000 annually. Final salary offer will be contingent upon knowledge, skills, and abilities demonstrated throughout the selection process.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Social Work, Higher Education or related field
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working in a college/university setting in an advising, coaching, or related support role
• Experience using student information systems or case management tools
• Strong communication skills (as evidenced by application materials)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building relationships with various populations
• 3+ years’ experience working in a college/university setting in an advising or coaching capacity
• Experience with teacher, social work, and/or information science and technology education programs

How To Apply

Applicants are required to apply online and will be expected to provide:

• A cover letter that addresses the candidate’s professional level work experience as it relates to all required and preferred qualifications.
• A resume

Note: Applicants must complete all required fields and attach all required documents prior to submitting the online application to ensure full consideration. Additional documents submitted aside from a cover letter and resume will not be considered. 

In instances where the Search and Screen Committee is unable to ascertain from the candidates' application materials whether they meet any of the qualifications, they may be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications.

Finalist candidate(s) being considered for hire will be required to provide three professional/supervisor references through an external reference checking tool. References will not be contacted prior to candidates being notified.

Apply by the application deadline, July 27, 2026. Questions about the position should be directed to Jackson Prowse ([email protected]).

Reasonable Accommodations

Pursuant to university policy, UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact [email protected] or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials

UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWM will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC and Reference Check Policy

Employment will require a criminal background check. UWM takes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

For the UWM Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM’s Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy.

Employment Authorization

In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.