Program Coordinator II (Student Success & Retention)

Agency

Department

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Under the general supervision of the Associate Dean, the Program Coordinator for Student Success and Retention plays a pivotal role in advancing student achievement, engagement, and degree completion within the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR). This position is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive, data-informed student success initiatives that support retention, academic progression, and career readiness.

The Program Coordinator for Student Success and Retention serves as a key connector among students, faculty, advisors, alumni, and support services, ensuring a coordinated and holistic approach to student development. Aligned with CAFNR’s strategic priorities, this role enhances student persistence, expands access to high-impact learning experiences, and strengthens pathways to academic achievement, workforce readiness and professional success.

This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding.

The salary is determined in accordance with the University’s compensation structure and will be commensurate with the candidates’ education and experience, within the assigned salary range for this position. 

Responsibilities:

Student Success & Retention Programming

• Design, coordinate, and implement comprehensive student success initiatives that promote retention, persistence, and timely graduation.
• Support CAFNR strategic goals related to student success, including initiatives focused on first-year experience, transfer student integration, and degree completion.
• Coordinate and enhance programs such as summer bridge, first-year experience initiatives, peer mentoring programs, and learning communities to improve student transition and engagement.
• Develop targeted programming to support underrepresented and first-generation student populations.

Academic Support & Early Intervention

• Monitor student academic progress and partner with faculty and advisors to identify and support at-risk students.
• Implement early alert and intervention strategies to improve student outcomes.
• Compile and analyze feedback from faculty and staff regarding student performance, particularly for freshmen, sophomores, and transfer students.
• Connect students with academic support services including tutoring, advising, and skill development resources.

Experiential Learning, Alumni Engagement & Career Readiness

• Promote and coordinate student participation in internships, research, extension, and other high-impact learning experiences aligned with the land-grant mission.
• Foster and sustain meaningful connections between students and CAFNR alumni to enhance mentoring, networking, and career exploration opportunities.
• Plan and coordinate engagement initiatives with alumni and external partners, including guest speakers, panel discussions, mentoring programs, workshops and career-focused events.
• Promote awareness of high-impact practices that enhance student learning outcomes and post-graduation success.

Data Management, Assessment & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain and analyze student success and retention data to inform program development and decision-making.
• Prepare reports and dashboards tracking key metrics such as retention, progression, completion, and placement outcomes.
• Track and maintain records of student engagement, retention, and post-graduation outcomes, including employment and graduate/professional school placement.
• Facilitate ongoing engagement with alumni to connect current students to mentoring, advanced opportunities, professional development resources, and broader alumni networks.
• Utilize data to recommend and implement continuous improvements aligned with CAFNR’s strategic plan and institutional goals.
• Participate in college-wide events, activities, committees, and outreach initiatives as needed to support the mission and strategic goals of the College.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Four years of experience in recruitment, student advising, outreach, student support services, or academic programming.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Agriculture, Education, Communications, Student Affairs or related field.
• Knowledge of student success strategies, retention frameworks, and high-impact educational practices.
• Familiarity with experiential learning models and workforce development initiatives.
• Experience with alumni engagement and career development programming.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret and use data to drive student success initiatives.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and build meaningful student and alumni relationships.
• Demonstrated commitment to student success, engagement, and excellence.

Other Requirements:

• Skills in event planning, coordination, and follow-up reporting.
• May need to work some evenings/weekends and travel.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.