Academic Retention Specialist

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Position Title: Academic Retention Specialist Job Category: Academic Staff Employment Type: Terminal (Fixed Term) Job Profile: Retention Specialist Job Duties: The Academic Retention Specialist for the School of STEM plays a key role in advancing student success by coordinating student-centered initiatives that support retention, engagement, and recruitment across STEM programs. Rather than serving as a primary academic advisor, this position focuses on developing and supporting activities, events, and outreach efforts that foster connection, belonging, and awareness of academic and career pathways within STEM. The Specialist collaborates with faculty, staff, and campus partners to help deliver a unified message around STEM opportunities, career options, and pathways, while contributing to a welcoming environment for students. Working in partnership with faculty advisors, academic units, and administrative colleagues, the Academic Retention Specialist supports data-informed retention and recruitment efforts by monitoring student engagement trends, helping identify risk indicators, and coordinating targeted initiatives that encourage persistence and program completion. The role includes planning and supporting recruitment activities, creating opportunities for interdisciplinary student engagement, assisting with pathway and transition initiatives, and connecting students with appropriate campus resources as needed. This position is ideal for a collaborative, student-focused professional who enjoys building community, coordinating programs, and contributing to retention and recruitment strategies that support long-term student success in STEM. Hybrid remote work may be available after the successful completion of the initial training period. Please note that the remote work policy is subject to change at the discretion of the school or university. Universities of Wisconsin also offers an extremely competitive benefits package for 2026 that includes: Health plans, currently starting at $45 per month. 176 hours of vacation per year (prorated for start date). 36 hours of personal holiday, and 9 legal holidays (prorated for start date). 176 Hours of sick leave for first 18 months. After this period, employees can earn up to 96 hours per fiscal year. Accumulates without limit and does not expire. Paid parental leave after six months of continuous employment. Wisconsin Retirement System (pension) with 7.2% employer contribution for 2026. All employment benefits are subject to change. A full list of current benefits and eligibility requirements can be found on our website. This position is offered as a one-year fixed-term appointment and is being established as part of a strategic investment in student success and retention within the School of STEM. As a newly created role, the Academic Retention Specialist will play a key part in shaping retention practices, evaluating impact, and contributing to data-informed strategies that support long-term program goals. Continuation beyond the initial appointment may be considered based on demonstrated outcomes, institutional needs, and available funding. Key Job Responsibilities: Makes recommendations to improve retention efforts Communicates, assists, and monitors progress of students Monitors, plans, and facilitates student academic progress, student programming, and success plans Adheres to the established plan of operation, curriculum, process policy, program procedures, and all other related federal regulations Partners with academic advisors, faculty, staff, students, and administrative personnel to track analytics, and help identify risk indicators to support data-informed retention and transfer strategies Maintains accurate student records including contact logs, case notes, and files May assist with Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion and/or provide financial aid/scholarship information Provides referrals to appropriate campus resources Advocates for campus-wide retention initiatives Department: School of STEM Compensation: Starting at $46,000 and commensurate with experience Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree Professional experience providing academic advising, student support, coaching, case management, or retention-related services. Experience maintaining accurate records, case notes, or advising documentation using electronic systems or databases Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally, as evidenced by application materials and prior professional roles Experience working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders to support individual success Experience maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information Preferred Qualifications: At least 2-3 years of professional experience providing academic advising, student support, coaching, case management, or retention-related services. Experience using student information systems, advising platforms, or data tools to track student progress and outcomes Familiarity with degree requirements, academic policies, or transfer pathways within a post-secondary environment Experience supporting or participating in retention, persistence, or student success initiatives or programs Experience providing referrals to campus resources such as financial aid, tutoring, counseling, or academic support services How to Apply: Applicants must submit the following documents using the online application: Resume Cover Letter *Please use your application materials to speak to each of the qualifications for this position as listed above. Be sure to describe your relevant experience and areas of expertise, using specific examples from your work and education history. Applicants must complete all required fields and attach all required documents prior to submitting the online application. All final candidates will be asked to provide names, email contact information, and/or phone numbers for three (3) references, with at least one being from a manager or supervisor, during the interview process. Note: Once you have attached your materials and submitted your application, you will not be able to go into the system and change them. To Ensure Consideration: Applications received by the end of the day on March 19th, 2026 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. Contact Information: For questions regarding your application and additional options to apply, contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 920-424-1166 Work Authorization Unless otherwise indicated in the job posting, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. UW Oshkosh is not an e-verify employer; therefore, STEM extensions are not options for work authorization. Legal Notices: Reasonable Accommodations UWO 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 920-424-1166. 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 UWO is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin's Open Records Law. UWO 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 & Reference Check Policy All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act) For the UWO Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see https://uwosh.edu/police/ , or call UWO Police Department, at (920) 424-1212 for a paper copy. 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.