• Job Description

  Req#: 1117719
  Specialist - Advisor-Continuing
  
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  Job no: 1117719
  Work type: Faculty/Academic Staff
  Major Administrative Unit / College: College Of Social Science
  Department: Social Science Dean 10038766
  Sub Area: FAS- Fac./Acad Staff
  Salary: Salary Commensurate with Experience
  Location: East Lansing
  Categories: Advising/Counseling, Continuing System Academic Staff, Full Time (90-100%), Non-Union, Remote-Friendly
  
  Working/Functional Title
  
  Director of Student Retention Initiatives
  
  Position Summary
  
  Michigan State University actively promotes a dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.
  
  This is a full time Academic Specialist - Advisor position in the continuing system. The Director of Student Retention Initiatives will support student journeys from recruitment to graduation by taking on the primary administrative load for the college, supporting the work of academic advisors within the college, and aligning college efforts with larger university initiatives.
  
  The critical job responsibilities of the Director of Academic Initiatives include:
  
  
  • Assisting and supporting the Assistant Dean with annual planning and processes vital to the operations of the Office of Undergraduate Studies/Office of Undergraduate Affairs
  
  
  
  • Approving administrative forms, processing credit/no credit forms, completing RNR forms, and processing student requests to exceed repeat credit limit and/or to exceed 20 credits in a term
  
  
  
  • Administering Academic Standing for Undergraduate Students (ASUS) decisions and signing off on the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) process
  
  
  
  • Providing leadership, strategic vision, organization, and administrative oversight for the Student Training for Academic Success (STAR) program
  
  
  
  • Providing college level organizational structure for readmission and reinstatement
  
  
  
  • Overseeing college-wide initiatives to support intervention measures such as Enhancing Academic Success Early (EASE)
  
  
  
  • Serving as the college liaison to for the College Student Success Group (CSSG)
  
  
  
  • Developing relationships with key regional and national associations that support student success
  • Supporting college-wide access initiatives and policies for the benefit of students and enhancing the student academic experience
  • Supporting university and college initiatives, including colloquium and commencement
  
  
  Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
  
  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
  
  Required Degree
  
  Masters -Student affairs or related field
  
  Minimum Requirements
  
  
  • A minimum of five (5) years of academic advising and/or academic and student affairs experience
  
  
  
  • A minimum of three (3) years of experience coordinating and leading student success and retention initiatives
  
  
  
  • Ability to work as an effective member of a team and maintain positive collaborations with stakeholders
  
  
  
  • Sound decision making ability, excellent communication (written and oral), organizational, and interpersonal skills required
  
  
  
  • Knowledge of undergraduate academic policies and procedures
  
  
  
  • Engagement in relevant external professional activities
  
  
  Desired Qualifications
  
  
  • A minimum of five (5) years of experience coordinating and leading student success and retention initiatives
  
  
  
  • Prior experience working with students through academic probation, including mentorship programs and/or seminar courses aimed at academic recovery
  
  
  
  • Prior experience working with university platforms and data collection software such as Campus Solutions and Registrar's Office (RO) systems and forms
  
  
  
  • Excellent written, oral, and dynamic presentation communication skills
  
  
  
  • Strong organizational skills
  
  
  Required Application Materials
  
  
  1. Cover Letter
  
  
  
  1. CV
  
  
  
  1. Student Success and Retention Statement (a statement addressing how your past and/or present contributions to student success and retention will advance our efforts and commitment to student retention initiatives)
  
  
  
  1. Contact information for three professional references
  
  
  Special Instructions
  
  For this position, remote friendly means up to two (2) days per week where some of the duties can be performed remotely.
  
  For specific questions about the position, please contact Assistant Dean Dr. Ken W. Horne, Jr. at hornek@msu.edu.
  
  Review of Applications Begins On
  
  03/27/2026
  
  Remote Work Statement
  
  MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
  
  MSU Statement
  
  Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
  
  Advertised: Mar 16, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
  Applications close: Mar 16, 2028 Eastern Daylight Time

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