Job Details

Retention Specialist

Position Number: 7300551
Location: Bozeman, MT
Position Type: Student Affairs and Services

Retention Specialist

Montana State University

Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 27004
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Julian Collins
406-994-7480
julian.collins@montana.edu
Classification Title Program Coord II
Working Title Retention Specialist
Brief Position Overview
The purpose of the position is to support and meet the proposed outcomes for the US Department of Education TRIO SSS grant. Specifically, the Retention Coordinator will serve as a case manager interacting and advising 140 MSU TRIO SSS student scholars to ensure they retain and graduate at levels higher than their peer population group as specified in the grant.
Position Number 4M0074
Department TRiO/Student Support Services
Division Division of Student Success
Appointment Type Classified
Contract Term Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA Non-Exempt
Union Affiliation FOCUS-MFPE
FTE 1.0
Benefits Eligible Eligible
Salary $22.99 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type Classified Salary
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
The Division of Student Success is comprised of several offices, people, and programs working together to foster a holistic collegiate experience at Montana State University. We encompass every facet of the student experience. Each unit in the division supports students in their academic goals and personal journeys while they work to become graduates of Montana State University. In support of the Montana State University mission, the mission of Student Success is to enhance the learning environment of the University; support students in the attainment of their educational objectives; foster in students a sense of responsibility, self-directedness, community, and a positive identity with Montana State University.

Access and Success is dedicated to supporting students in their journey of personal and academic growth by providing opportunities for learning, leadership development, dialogue, and self-reflection. We aim to equip students with the tools they need to navigate challenges, engage with diverse perspectives, and lead with purpose in their communities. We work closely with students, faculty, staff, parents, student-focused programs, and other university partners to foster a sense of purpose and belonging.

The over-arching goal of TRIOS SSS is to advance student retention and graduation outcomes for 140 low income, first generation an/or disabled college students by providing access, resources, solutions, and expertise to promote student success through career maturity, learning support, engagement and financial acumen.
Duties and Responsibilities
Develop an intervention strategy for at-risk students or those with a low career maturity profile based on the evidence from the student intake, BCCSE, Strong Interest Inventory, Student Engagement, class attendance, course outcomes, etc. Then using this information to successfully implement the terms and requirements of the US Department of Education TRIO SSS grant submitted by MSU.
Using a case management model, develop, implement, and maintain the MSU Academic Success & Career Plan for each of the eligible TRIO SSS student scholars.
Work with various constituents (academic advisors, faculty, career coaches, financial coaches, success advisors, health promotions, learning strategist, activities, and engagement, etc.) to promote student success and individual professional development.
Maintain accurate records and appropriate data management practices to ensure evidence of effort and outcomes are properly recorded to demonstrate grant outcomes.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Bachelor's degree in education, communication, sociology, psychology, or related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education;
Demonstrated professional experience in higher education, working with underserved students in need of academic support, socialization to a campus environment, and/or career/professional coaching.
Excellent organizational and communication skills;
Demonstrated excellence in program development, implementation, and delivery assessment.
Demonstrated competence in information systems (e.g. word processing, excel, access, PowerPoint);
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Knowledge of MSU policies and procedures.
Experience with SCT Banner system and web-based reports (including the student module).
Knowledge of US Department of Education TRiO SSS grant guidelines.
The Successful Candidate Will
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to regularly exercise independent authority, judgment, and discretion to improve student retention on campus, and is required to understand and work within a strategic retention framework, but will have the autonomy to make decisions with the intention of improving student success to ensure US Department of Education TRIO SSS grant outcomes are met.
Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Possess strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Understand and practice confidentiality of records and information.
Demonstrate self-motivation and ability to follow through on tasks and projects to completion.
Have ability to learn MSU policies, procedures, and systems for student data tracking.
Have the ability to establish and maintain productive and positive working relations with coworkers, faculty, students, supervisors, and the public.
Represent TRiO SSS and its programs in a professional and courteous manner.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
This position is contingent upon continued grant funding.

Must be able to work a flexible schedule which may include days, nights, and occasional weekends.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties? No
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search.
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on July 15 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for new sponsorship
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.