Northwestern University

Undergraduate Retention Coordinator

Northwestern University$77K — $84K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution; equivalent education and experience considered.
  • Experience in higher education in enrollment management, admissions, financial aid, advising, or retention.
  • Knowledge of statistical concepts and software.
  • Master's degree or higher preferred.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

  • Identify and track at-risk students in collaboration with Enrollment's Data Analytics team.
  • Monitor and analyze retention rates quarterly and address trends with campus partners.
  • Assist students with financial holds, providing guidance on registration resources.
  • Facilitate transitions for students returning from leaves of absence.
  • Develop and execute strategies to enhance student persistence and success.
  • Collaborate with Institutional Research to create predictive retention models.
  • Analyze enrollment data to guide policies and best practices.

Benefits

  • Health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
  • Paid vacation, holidays, medical/sick leave, and parental leave.
  • Tuition benefits for both employee and dependents.
  • Pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care.
  • Generous retirement savings options and wellness programs.
  • Support for flexible work arrangements and childcare services.
Full Job Description
Department: Univ Enrollment
Salary/Grade: EXS/8

The expected salary for this position is between $77,000 - $84,000 per year, in alignment with departmental equity and market data.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Vice President of Enrollment, the Retention Coordinator will play a lead role in identifying barriers to retention and on-time graduation and will collaborate across campus to identify solutions to improve the student experience. The position will work with enrollment, academic and student affairs partners to determine students at risk at the time and will track retention after each quarter. They will serve as a point person and University partner for students who have financial holds prior to registration, students who have been enrolled longer than four years or 12 quarters, and students who did not progress. They will provide resources for students and ensure a smooth transition back to campus. The position will also work on enrollment projects and initiatives that aim to improve student success.

The scope of this position may expand or shift during the initial years of the appointment, with responsibilities and priorities adjusting in response to institutional needs, strategic initiatives, and the incumbent's demonstrated strengths and expertise.

Retention and on-time graduation success is a priority for Northwestern, and our rates are among the best in the country. Understanding barriers and exploring patterns is critical to ensure our students' continued success.

Specific Responsibilities:

Retention & Student Support
  • Work closely with campus partners and Enrollment's Data Analytics team to identify and tracks students at risk of attrition.
  • Monitors student retention rates after each quarter and collaborates with campus partners to address trends.
  • Serves as a point of contact for students with financial holds, assisting them in navigating available resources and resolving registration barriers.
  • Facilitates a smooth transition back to campus for students returning from leaves of absence or other interruptions in their studies.
  • Assists in the creation and execution of enrollment strategies that enhance student persistence and academic achievement.
Projects & Collaboration
  • Partners with the Enrollment Data Analytics and Institutional Research teams to develop and refine predictive models for student retention.
  • Work closely with the Registrar's office to coordinate surveys to students who did not re-enroll and assist in facilitating the re-enrollment process.
  • Analyzes enrollment and retention data to inform policies and best practices.
  • Works with academic advisors, Financial Aid, Student Affairs, and other campus partners to implement student success initiatives.
Miscellaneous

Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
  • Experience in higher education, particularly enrollment management, admissions, financial aid, advising, or retention.
  • Working knowledge of statistical concepts and/or software.
  • Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a master's degree or higher.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Exceptional analytical skills, with the ability to collect, organize, and analyze details with attention to detail and nuance.
  • Ability to handle confidential information with a high degree of discretion and tact.
  • Familiarity with FERPA and other federal compliance policies.
  • Willingness to adjust to evolving priorities and an expanding or shifting scope of work.
  • Forward-thinking, collaborative, has a sense of urgency and engagement, honesty and candor, and a personal presence that is approachable.
  • Ability to communicate inclusively and build relationships with all members of Northwestern community (students, faculty, staff).
  • Experience using PeopleSoft or Slate CRM software.
  • Familiarity with Northwestern.
Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more .

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About Northwestern University

Northwestern University is a private research university in Evanston, Illinois. It was founded in 1851 by nine men whose goal was to establish a university that would serve the Northwest Territory. Northwestern is a member of the Big Ten Conference and the Association of American Universities. Northwestern has 12 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools offering 124 undergraduate degrees and 145 graduate and professional degrees. Northwestern has a diverse student body with over 21,000 students from all 50 states and 100 countries. The university has a strong focus on research and has produced 19 Nobel laureates, as well as numerous Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur Fellowship winners.
Learn more about Northwestern University
Size
1,483 employees
Market Cap
$3.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$155.2 million
5 Year Trend
+1.8%
Revenue
$1.1 billion
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