Concordia University Chicago (CUC) invites applications for the full-time, exempt position of Student Success & Retention Specialist. This position reports to the Associate Dean of Students for Vocation and Academic Success and is located in River Forest, Illinois.

The Student Success and Retention Specialist is a dynamic individual who exhibits a vibrant personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, displaying Christ-centered servant leadership and a dedication to student success. This individual assists the Associate Dean of Students for Vocation and Academic Success with the design, implementation, coordination, assessment, and improvement of programs, initiatives, and interventions that contribute to student success and form students for vocations in the church, family, and world. The Student Success and Retention Specialist faithfully engages all students in the mission, vision, and core values of CUC while implementing student success initiatives.

The Student Success and Retention Specialist focuses on supporting first-generation and historically underrepresented student populations to maximize their academic and leadership success. The Student Success and Retention Specialist is committed to student outreach and engagement. They guide students through their academy journey from orientation to graduation. This position works cooperatively with students, faculty, and staff to foster an environment that inspires unity and civility within our university community.

Responsibilities/Duties:

Student Success & Retention - Emphasis on First-Generation Students & Students of Color

• Plan, organize, market, and promote the Trailblazers Program. Trailblazer programming covers transitional issues, academic support, social engagement, mentoring, career exploration, and financial literacy.
• Collaborate with campus partners to offer resources and workshops tailored specifically for our first-generation students and students of color. These partnerships include, but are not limited to CU Learn, Klinck Memorial Library, Career Services, Athletics, and Residence Life.
• Implement current best practices related to student success to improve retention, graduation rates, and the overall student experience.
• Help educate University staff and faculty on the first-generation student experience, while offering tips/strategies on how we can best support these students throughout their college years and beyond.
• Serve as a resource for first-generation students, underrepresented populations, and international students, evaluating their needs and responding to concerns.
• Serve as a co-advisor for the Black Student Union and the Latino Student Union.
• Serve on the One Concordia committee.

Financial Assistance

• Partner with the Office of Financial Aid - assisting students with the completion of the FAFSA each year
• Identify and secure more scholarships for first-generation students and students of color
• Assist with procuring grants and leading initiatives that help to support students of color and first-generation students in their academic pursuits.

Parent and Family Programs

• Develop and implement parent and family programs geared toward enhancing communication and community-building with family members of students from Jump Start to graduation.
• Leverage family involvement to further support student success initiatives, including, but not limited to family weekend programming.

Skill Sets:

• Enthusiastic supporter of Lutheran higher education and the mission, vision, and core values of Concordia University Chicago
• Proficiency with working on multiple projects and cases simultaneously, setting priorities and meeting deadlines
• Strong knowledge of best practices in retention, advising, and academic support/ resources
• Experience implementing programs and services geared toward meeting the needs of students from various backgrounds
• A sophisticated understanding of how to gather, analyze, and use data to develop and assess programs
• Demonstrate collaborative management and leadership skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills required
• Excellent organizational skills required
• Ability to resolve complex problems required
• Ability to use independent judgment required
• Knowledge of standard software packages and programs (e.g., Microsoft Office)

Minimum Experience Required:

Minimum 5 years of experience in higher education administration, teaching, or student affairs required

Education Requirements:

• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration or a related field is preferred
• Spanish speaker preferred

Compensation and Benefits:

Starting range is dependent upon individual qualifications and experience. Concordia University Chicago benefit options include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and/or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Disability and Survivor Plan (Basic Life Insurance)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Retirement Pension Plan
• Retirement 403(b) Savings Plan
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Tuition benefits (available for employees and their qualified dependents)

Application Information:

Interested individuals should include a cover letter, resume and references with their online application.

Concordia does not discriminate in the employment of individuals on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex or age. As an institution of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, however, and to the extent allowed by law, Concordia University reserves the right to give preference in employment based upon religious affiliation.

Concordia University Chicago does not generally sponsor for employment visas except for positions that oversee, teach or support our international programs.

About Concordia University Chicago:

Concordia University Chicago is a liberal arts-based Christian university founded in the Lutheran tradition. Through its College of Theology, Arts & Humanities, College of Business, College of Education, and College of Health, Science & Technology, Concordia-Chicago offers more than 160 areas of study in small classes taught by professors who are passionate about teaching and student success. All undergraduate and graduate degrees are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Concordia University Chicago has been recognized as a College of Distinction since 2010, and is consistently ranked among the Best Regional Universities-Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. For more than a decade, combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment has exceeded 5,000 students. Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. Learn more about our commitment to higher education, rooted in the Gospel, at CUChicago.edu.

Steadfast in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, Concordia University Chicago promotes academic rigor in its liberal arts and professional programs; grounds students in objective truth, integrity, and excellence; and practices faithfulness to the Confessional teachings of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, as it forms students for vocations in church, family, and the world.