At a Glance
- Tasks: Help students succeed by developing retention strategies and providing one-on-one support.
- Company: Join Perimeter College, a growing institution dedicated to student success and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work hours, health benefits, tuition assistance, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while working in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree required; experience with student support preferred, especially for underrepresented groups.
- Other info: Full-time role with a salary range of $30,086 - $45,005 and generous retirement benefits.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Perimeter College is seeking a dedicated and experienced Sponsor Funded Student Development Specialist for Retention.
These are exciting times at the Clarkston Campus. We are growing and we are thrilled that you are interested in being a part of our team. We are surrounded by individuals empowered to use their expertise and talents to achieve our mission to pursue excellence.
WHAT MAKES Perimeter College A GREAT PLACE?
- A flexible work environment
- Generous benefits, including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, etc.
- A knowledge-sharing organization that works collaboratively with diverse partners.
- Professional development opportunities and mentorship.
- A rapidly growing center within an academic setting.
HERE IS WHAT YOU WILL DO:
The Retention Specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to improve student retention, academic success, and degree completion rates. This role focuses on providing direct support to students, particularly those who are underrepresented, first-generation, or facing academic challenges, and will work closely with faculty, staff, and campus services to foster a supportive learning environment.
The essential duties and responsibilities of the Sponsor Funded Student Development Specialist for Retention are the following:
- Retention Strategies: Design, implement, and assess retention programs aimed at improving student engagement and persistence to graduation. Collaborate with academic departments, student services, and advising offices to identify at-risk students and provide targeted interventions. Analyze retention data and trends to identify barriers to student success and develop solutions to address them.
- Student Support: Provide one-on-one counseling to students regarding academic progress, time management, goal-setting, and career planning. Help students navigate institutional resources such as tutoring, academic advising, financial aid, and mental health services. Monitor student academic performance and outreach to students on academic probation, providing personalized academic recovery plans.
- Program Development: Develop workshops, seminars, and support programs on topics like study skills, career readiness, and personal development. Collaborate with campus partners to create orientation and transition programs for incoming students to help them integrate into the campus community. Coordinate peer mentoring or tutoring programs to support student learning and engagement.
- Data Analysis and Reporting: Collect and analyze data related to student retention, academic performance, and program effectiveness. Prepare regular reports on retention rates, student success initiatives, and program outcomes. Use data to inform decision-making and continuous improvement of retention efforts.
- Collaboration and Outreach: Build relationships with faculty to identify struggling students early and provide appropriate support. Work with student organizations and student life offices to foster a sense of community and belonging among students. Represent the institution at retention-related conferences and professional development opportunities.
Benefits:
The University System of Georgia (USG) provides comprehensive benefits to Georgia State employees. USG offers healthcare, dental, vision, and other benefits, as well as retirement plan options.
Key Benefits:
- USG Mandatory Retirement: Teacher Retirement System TRS is a Defined Benefit Plan, a traditional public pension plan. Employees contribute 6% and USG contributes 19.81% to the plan. Your retirement benefit is calculated by factoring in years of service, final salary, and a 2% multiplier. Employees are vested after 10 years of service.
- Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): Full-time employees enrolled in a USG degree program may earn their degrees for free.
Qualifications:
Minimum Requirements: Bachelor's degree and two years of related experience; or a combination of education and related experience.
Preferred Hiring Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, student affairs, or a related field (Master's preferred). Experience working with student retention or academic support programs in a higher education setting. Strong understanding of the challenges faced by first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students. Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Location: Clarkston Campus
Shift: 8:30 AM - 5:15 PM
Salary: $30,086 - $45,005
Pay Grade: 11
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Job Type: Full Time (Benefits Eligible)
Special Instructions: To be fully considered for this position all candidates must submit the following at the time of submission: A complete and accurate GSU application, Resume, Cover Letter, Three professional references.
Equal Employment Opportunity: Georgia State prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment, and admissions.
SFOC - Student Development Specialist employer: Georgia State University
Contact Detail:
Georgia State University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SFOC - Student Development Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by first-generation and underrepresented students. Understanding their unique needs will help you demonstrate your commitment to supporting these groups during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Perimeter College, especially those in student support roles. They can provide valuable insights into the culture and expectations of the institution, which can be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific retention strategies you've implemented in the past. Be ready to share data or outcomes that highlight your effectiveness in improving student engagement and success.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaborative skills by thinking of examples where you've worked with faculty or other departments to support students. Highlighting your ability to build relationships will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace SFOC - Student Development Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your cover letter for the Student Development Specialist position. Highlight your experience with student retention and support, and explain how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your resume, emphasise any previous roles or projects that involved working with underrepresented or first-generation students. Use specific examples to demonstrate your impact on student success and retention.
Highlight Data Analysis Skills: Since the role involves analysing retention data, mention any experience you have with data collection and reporting. Include any tools or methodologies you are familiar with that can help improve student outcomes.
Provide Professional References: Select references who can speak to your experience in student development or academic support. Ensure they are aware of the position you are applying for and can provide relevant insights into your qualifications.
How to prepare for a job interview at Georgia State University
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Student Development Specialist for Retention. Familiarise yourself with retention strategies, student support services, and data analysis as these are key components of the role.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in student retention or academic support programs. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully implemented strategies that improved student engagement or success.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Understanding
Since this role focuses on supporting underrepresented and first-generation students, be ready to share your understanding of their challenges. Discuss how you would approach providing support and fostering a sense of community among these students.
✨Prepare Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers about the institution's current retention strategies and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.