Coordinator of Retention Initiatives & Summer Programs

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: 

Provides operational oversight and coordination of all aspects of summer programs within the area of Retention, Outreach, & Inclusive Student Services (ROI) as well as programs and services aimed at increasing student retention.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES: 

Proactively engages students in programs, services, and activities that have an impact on student academic success based upon educational research and best practices in student success and retention. Collaborates with ROI team members to develop an annual communication plan, identify data needs, and consider factors affecting CI student success and retention. Ensures regular contact with potential at-risk students to support their efforts to progress toward graduation. Coordinates student initiatives that promote persistence and overall student success. In consultation with students, faculty, and staff, identify barriers to student success and develop a collaborative plan to overcome/address those barriers. Develops student-centered opportunities to gain insight from students to identify and address barriers to persistence. Monitors enrollment for students that either fail to enroll in any subsequent semester or those students identified as being at risk of following below academic standing, and leverage the campus-wide resources to encourage the development of support strategies for identified students and groups. Conducts individualized meetings with students to discuss challenges to their academic progress. Serve as a central point of contact for ROI on matters related to student retention and persistence. Maintains awareness of policies governing the calculation of graduation rates, maintains an up-to-date roster of results, and categorizes data/findings as appropriate. Periodically provides reports to the ROI leadership regarding student retention/persistence issues. Serves to create a supportive community environment for all students at CI, specifically those representing marginalized populations. Works to assess CI’s current retention efforts for underrepresented students while providing recommendations for future action. Responsible for developing relationships with faculty and staff organization(s) focused on meeting the needs of ethnic minoritized students as well as serving as an advisor and resource for cultural student groups on campus. Responsible for the development and implementation of marketing materials to attract and promote student participation in campus wide programs and services. Works closely in collaboration with various stakeholders at the institution to develop and execute programs and events that support diversity and inclusion. Innovative new initiatives will be informed by best practices and current national trends with respect to diversity. Responsible for ensuring events and programs have an appropriate web presence, utilizing a variety of mediums. In addition to programming, one-on-one meetings with underrepresented students will occur on an as-needed basis. Serves as lead coordinator of summer programs including Migrant Summer Leadership Institute (MSLI),  African American Enrichment Academy (AAEA), and others. Coordinates all logistics including point of contact, space reservations, meals, lodging, schedule and curriculum building, enrollment, and day-of troubleshooting. Serves as a representative if ROI and the Division of Student Affairs (DSA) in promoting programs and services. Provides excellent customer services and cultivates meaningful relationships to further the success of the programs. Assists with developing meaningful program evaluation and assessment to gather relevant data. Responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, and providing day-to-day oversight of student employees and volunteers for the program. Performs additional related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISOR/OTHER WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports directly to the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs-Retention, Outreach, & Inclusive Student Services. Works closely with all members of ROI, the DSA, members of the campus community, as well as vendors and community members.

REQUIREMENTS OF POSITION: 

Bachelor’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Sociology, Psychology, Communication, Minority Studies, Social Work, Outreach, Development, College Student Personnel, Educational Leadership, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred. At least three years of professional experience in higher education is required. Experience in recruitment, retention, and programming is essential; a working knowledge of the practices, procedures, and activities of student affairs and higher education is preferred. The ability to work successfully in a diverse environment and motivate others is essential. Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as effective presentation skills. Effective interpersonal and communication skills as demonstrated by a pronounced sensitivity to the needs of a diverse student body; demonstrated experience working with diverse student, faculty, staff and community populations and proven ability to create an inclusive and welcoming campus environment. A proven ability to gather, coordinate, and assess data related to effective recruitment, retention, and programming is essential. Must be able to manage multiple projects, each with specific and complex details, at the same time is necessary. Excellent organization and strategic planning abilities are necessary; critical thinking skills and ability to exercise leadership is required. The proven ability to create strong interpersonal relationships, network, and forge community ties is essential.

Must be available to work 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; however, flexibility with respect to work schedule is necessary as this position will require the occasional evening or weekend service with advance notice, as required. Punctuality and regular attendance is mandatory. Occasional travel will also be required, with advance notice, as required. 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083, revised July 21, 2017, as a condition of employment.