First-Year Outreach and Retention Specialist

About the University

MSU Denver enrolls over 16,000 students, where nearly 60% are first generation and over 55% are students of color. Located in downtown Denver, we are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado. As the third largest institution of higher education in Colorado and the only institution with an open access mission, MSU Denver is a model university for today's students. The University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.

Position Summary

The College of Business at MSU Denver is hiring a First-Year Outreach & Academic Retention Specialist to enhance student learning and retention through purposeful engagement with first-year students. The Specialist will plan and execute programs that enhance student retention and success, including early intervention initiatives. This role will work closely with faculty and staff to identify challenges impacting student success, develop solutions, and connect students with necessary resources.

By proactively addressing barriers to student progress and sharing relevant data with institutional stakeholders, the Specialist will play a crucial role in fostering student success. This position reports to the College of Business Academic Advising Coordinator.

Responsibilities

Proactive Student Retention - 50%

• Analyzes early alert data to identify high-risk students and coordinates early interventions with advisors, faculty, and support services
• Identifies students who are out of academic standing compliance and coordinates with the student's academic advisor to design a customized resolution plan that adheres to programmatic course sequencing rules as well as Departmental and University policies and procedures
• Reaches out to students facing academic challenges and assemble support teams for intervention
• Connects students to resources within department to aid in success, including faculty advisors, scholarships and tutoring services
• Participates in orientation programs and help students navigate social and academic transitions
• Builds strong working relationships with campus resources such as Financial Aid, Student Intervention Services, Tutoring Centers, and the Counseling Center
• Utilizes advising systems (SSC Campus, Banner, Degree Works) to enhance communication between students, faculty, and advisors

Academic Advising - 20%

• Completes advisor training and attends advisor professional development training, workshops, and events to maintain currency on advising technology, approaches, etc.
• Utilizes advising systems and technology to accomplish primary advising functions, including inputting advising notes, closing Early Alerts, conducting outreach efforts, etc.
• Teaches students how to use advising technology such as DPR, Navigate360, Canvas
• Supports the CBUS Advising Center by holding drop-in advising hours

Program Development - 20%

• Plans and executes effective strategies and programs, including early intervention strategies, to enhance retention and student success
• Assists in developing new student support initiatives and improving academic success strategies such as effective study habits, time management skills, and supportive educational environment development
• Develops effective programming and coordinate events and services to support student development, out-of-classroom learning, and academic progress
• Researches, identifies, and develops retention programming that supports students to develop a sense of belonging, and an academic identity, and to explore strengths, interests, passions, etc.
• Coordinates and implements program activities which enhance student engagement, academic success, retention, and graduation of eligible students

Professionalism and Professional Development - 10%

• Keeps pace with financial aid topics and changes or bursar processes and procedures
• Maintains familiarity with the University's policies and procedures related to academic standards and expectations and student advancement
• Maintains student confidentiality in accordance with university policies and state and federal laws
• Duties as assigned

Job Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to relate effectively to a diverse university community (students, faculty, staff, alumni and parents)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to relate to, network, and communicate effectively with diverse constituents
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills
• Computer and technological proficiency including standard MS Office software applications, with the ability to learn new systems, software, and tools
• Ability to work with little supervision and collaboratively within and across teams

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university program
• Experience as a full-time academic advisor or peer mentor
• Experience using computer-based student information system(s) (e.g. Workday, Ellucian Banner, PeopleSoft, Canvas, CampusVue, etc.)
• Demonstrated experience with advising techniques or approaches at an accredited institution

Please ensure you clearly articulate how each required qualification is met within your resume or cover letter.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university program
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) proficiency desirable
• General knowledge of financial aid processes, guidelines, and procedures
• Understanding of how to use data to tell a compelling story
• Passionate about working with college students and supporting developmental experiences
• Commitment to MSU Denver's vision to build a better, more equitable Colorado through innovative and transformative education
• Experience working with both traditional and online programs
  

We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification. We are most interested in finding the candidate who will best contribute to our College, our mission, and the University.

Special Conditions Requirements

Reliable transportation is required, including to locations that may not be well-served by transit. Must possess or obtain a valid CO Driver's License in accordance with the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles, if driving a personal vehicle for university related business.

Schedule Information

• Full-time
• Non-Exempt
• Days of Week: Monday - Friday; core hours are 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Evenings and Weekend Work: Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed
• Schedule: Hybrid work schedules are supported; it is anticipated that the incumbent may have a combination of days on campus, and potentially some remote opportunities
• Travel: Up to 25%

Salary for Announcement

Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The full salary range for this position is $41,200 - $61,800. The anticipated hiring range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $50,000 - $55,000.

This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits.

Instructions to Apply

Electronic submissions are required. Please apply by visiting https://www.msudenver.edu/careersand searching for JR103661.

Candidates must submit the following required documents:

• Resume
• Cover letter addressing both: (1) How your skills and experience meet the required qualifications and/or any preferred qualifications, and (2) Why you are interested in this position
• The names and contact information for three professional references, at least one of whom is a supervisor (either current or former)

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Deadline

Applications accepted until position filled; priority given to applications received through April 6, 2025 at 11:59 PM MST.

Open Until Filled

The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as accessto a long-term disability (LTD) plan.Visit MSU Denver'sbenefits websiteto learn more.

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.