*Enrollment and Retention Specialist

• Enrollment and Retention Specialist

Salary

$5,726.00 - $7,244.00 Monthly

Location

Merced College, CA

Job Type

Classified Full Time

Job Number

20260630

Division

Student Services Div

Opening Date

07/22/2026

Closing Date

8/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Merced College is seeking a dynamic, student-centered Enrollment and Retention Specialist to join our Outreach team! This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting students from their first point of contact through successful completion of their educational goals. The specialist will guide students through the full matriculation process-including application, orientation, advisement, and enrollment-while also providing ongoing support to promote persistence, retention, and student success.

In this role, you will work closely with students, faculty, staff, and community partners to deliver individualized support, facilitate workshops, and connect students with essential campus resources and wrap-around services. You will serve as a trusted mentor, helping students navigate college policies, understand academic requirements, and make informed decisions about their educational pathways.

The Enrollment and Retention Specialist plays a vital role in advancing Merced College's commitment to access, equity, and student achievement by fostering meaningful engagement, addressing barriers to success, and ensuring students remain on track to reach their goals. Through proactive outreach, data-informed support, and high-impact student interactions, this position directly contributes to improving enrollment, retention, and completion outcomes across Merced College.

As you consider this opportunity, know that Merced College is more than a community college - we are a catalyst for transformation, redefining higher education and setting new standards for excellence. Serving nearly 20,000 students each year, we are proud to be a leading center of learning and opportunity in California's Central Valley.

Founded in 1962, Merced College blends a strong tradition of academic excellence with forward-thinking innovation to create an inclusive and engaging environment for students and employees alike. Committed to the well-being, growth, and professional success of our team, we foster collaboration and a supportive culture where every employee is empowered to make a difference. Located in the heart of California's Central Valley, the City of Merced offers a welcoming community of more than 90,000 residents, with easy access to the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Yosemite National Park.

If you are passionate about innovation, equity, and student success, we invite you to join the Merced College team.

Merced College Mission

At Merced College, students are our focus, and we are known by their success. We transform lives through education and workforce development.

Merced College Vision

Enriching our community through educational experiences and support services:

• Degree/Certificate Programs
• Transfer
• Career Technical Education
• Workforce Training
• Lifelong Learning
• Basic Skills
• Community Engagement

Merced College promotes student success through equitable access, continuous quality improvement, and institutional effectiveness, all with a focus on student achievement.

Salary Schedule

Range 26

40 hours/week

12 months/year

This is a categorically funded assignment contingent upon year-to-year funding

General Description:

Under general supervision of the Dean of Student Services, perform specialized student interactions related to all aspects of the enrollment and retention processes. Duties include but are not limited to, performance of office work and correspondence; record keeping; informing students how to use the online educational planning software; problem solving; advising students about campus policies and procedures; conducting workshops. Utilizes expertise in the use of online computer programs and applications. Coordinate enrollment and retention activities with various campus community partners with a high degree of independence.

Examples of Duties

Essential Functions:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Work with new students through the matriculation process, including: application, placement questionnaire, orientation new student advisement, and enrollment; This may be conducted in one on one appointments, workshop settings, on or off campus
• Work with prospective K-12 students to discuss various enrollment options including Dual and Concurrent Enrollment through established relationships with High, Middle and Adult School personnel
• Initiate and maintain regular and effective communication with various partners within the District's service area
• Coordinate enrollment and retention events/tours including; reservations of facilities, creation and monitoring with invitations and confirmations; setting up and breaking down; preparation of agendas and presentation documents, securing parking permits and ordering food
• Advise students on College related policies and procedures, must be well versed on campus resources that provide that information to our students
• Understand, interpret, and apply college and state regulations, mandates, rules, and operational procedures
• In the course of advisement, provide students with orientation and information on College services; Provide information relevant to applications and deadlines; Assist students in making program changes and corrections
• Assist students in understanding the information provided in enrollment guides and/or Program Mapper including course scheduling and registration
• Advise students on District procedures for course prerequisite challenges, general petitions including excessive units and various other standard academic petitions
• Advise students regarding academic probation/dismissal, matriculation and associate degree/graduation status
• Provide all manner of in-reach and follow-up services necessary to facilitate successful implementation of Guided Pathways pillars
• Create and present workshops topics that will help students reach their educational goals
• Work with various departments to match students with the resources they may qualify for or need across the District; Refer students to additional wrap-around services that support the students' needs
• Improve retention by assisting students throughout their program of study and provide advisement on personal and/or academic issues; Refer students to other resources as needed
• Contribute to the technical creation and implementation of new online software solutions such as student orientation, virtual and in-person workshops and other guided learning activities
• Provide outreach and recruitment for the College
• Provide advice and services to students that directly supports transfer, including IGETC and CSU GE requirements and certification, timely completion and submittal of necessary applications
• Coordinate, train, and provide guidance to staff related to the matriculation process
• Maintain current knowledge of the college academic programs and requirements as well as CSU GE and IGETC requirements
• Apply knowledge of modern office practices and equipment including expert use of computers for record management via District's Management Information System (Colleague), and specialized software such as Program Mapper, Navigate, Assist.org, CalState.edu and UC Pathways and any other related software applications implemented by the District
• Perform data input for all program phases, including information that may be of a privileged or sensitive nature; Perform other computer input tasks relative to the operation of the department including trouble shooting common application errors, unprocessed and duplicate student accounts
• Cross-trains and performs the essential duties of equal or lower level classifications/positions within the department, as necessary
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Knowledge of:

• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to student advising
• Oral and written communication skills; Application of proper grammar, spelling and punctuation
• Record-keeping techniques
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy
• Microsoft Office Suite software (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint) and other business-related software

Ability to:

• Learn, interpret, and apply legal mandates, policies, regulations, and guidelines and operational procedure
• Perform repetitive work, or continuously perform the same work with accuracy and efficiency
• Establish and maintain a variety of comprehensive and accurate files and records, prepare concise and complete reports as required
• Work independently, assume responsibility, and use professional judgment based on established guidelines and procedures
• Work effectively and demonstrate currency of knowledge with computers and other forms of advanced technology utilized in providing high quality services
• Type with speed and accuracy; make arithmetical calculations in like manner
• Communicate effectively and accurately orally and in writing
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, faculty, staff, trainees, and others connected in the performance of duties
• Ability to adapt to changing student and procedural requirements
• Demonstrate excellent customer service skills and ability to multi-task in a high stress, team-oriented environment
• Promote and incorporate culturally affirming DEIA and anti-racist principles to nurture and create a respectful, inclusive, and equitable learning and work environment. In conducting their duties, staff members shall respect and acknowledge the diversity of students and colleagues.

Typical Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education/Training/Experience

• Bachelors degree AND one (1) year of applicable experience OR
• Associates degree AND four (4) years of applicable experience OR
• The equivalent education and experience

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Training/Experience

• Bachelors degree
• Experience advising students regarding their academic goals in a community college or other post-secondary educational institution
• Experience working with advanced technology and advance use of computer applications, such as MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Access)
• Experience with specialized Online Educational Planning tools, scheduling database, Assist.org, CSU Mentor and UC Pathways
• Previous experience working with an administrative computer information management system, preferably Colleague

PHYSICAL DEMAND AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individual with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment:

• Work is performed at times in an office environment, but often includes working offsite or outdoors in all types of weather
• Incumbents may be required to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends, and in situations that require standing for long periods of time

Physical Ability to:

• Work at a desk, conference table or in meetings of various configurations
• Stand and walk for extended periods of time
• Hear and understand speech at normal levels
• Communicate so others will be able to clearly understand normal conversation
• Read printed matter and computer screens
• Stand or sit for prolonged periods of time
• Bend and twist, stoop, kneel, crawl, push, pull
• Lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate to heavy amounts of weight
• Operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard

Vision:

See in the normal visual range with or without correction

Hearing:

Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction

Supplemental Information

How to Apply:

• Submit a complete application by the closing date/time on the Merced College career pages at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mccd/transferjobs

Required Documentation:

• Letter of interest addressing your qualifications for the position (cover letter)
• Resume
• List of three professional references (no reference letters permitted)
• Diversity Statement: The Merced College District has a diverse staff and student population. As such, applicants must demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of a diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and the community at large. Please describe how your professional experience would contribute to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Please do not include any personally identifying information. Limit your response to one (1) page.
• Legible, unofficial college transcripts (undergraduate and graduate); transcripts must include the degree major and date the institution granted the degree; official copies are not required unless applicant is hired
• If applicable, foreign transcripts must include a U.S. evaluation and translation completed by an approved organization

Only the required documentation as listed above will be accepted for this recruitment. Any additional documentation will be removed from your application profile.

Interview Information:

Applicants deemed highly qualified for the position will be invited to participate in onsite oral interviews conducted by a screening committee. A limited number of candidates will be selected to move forward to the interview stage.

Interviews are tentatively scheduled for August 17 & August 18, 2026 with in-person final interviews scheduled for August 24, 2026.

Employee Benefits:

Health benefits for the employee and all their eligible dependents cost employee's only $12 per month and provide access to PPO medical coverage, PPO dental coverage, VSP Vision coverage, and more! Please visit our Merced College Benefits Website for more details about our incredible employee benefits. In addition, sick leave and retirement benefits are also provided.

Condition of Employment:

The selected candidate must be fingerprinted and tested for tuberculosis at his/her own expense prior to the start of employment. In compliance with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, all new employees are required to verify their identity and the right to work in the United States. All offers of employment are subject to approval by the Board of Trustees. The applicant must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Individuals with disabilities may request any needed accommodation to participate in the application process. Please submit your request with your application to the Human Resources Office.

Merced Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Merced College offers a wide range of employee benefits at minimal cost to the employee.

CLASSIFIED

Health Benefits

The cost is $12.00 per month for 10 months each year, with no deductions in June and July. This amount covers the following services, provided that members use Plan providers:

• Medical (Anthem Blue Cross)

$100 deductible for each family member or $300 deductible per family paid by employee each calendar year. 100% coverage after deductible is paid (except for emergency room visits which cost $100 unless the person is admitted to the hospital).

• Prescription (Navitus)

Pharmacy costs are $3.00 for up to a 30-day supply of generic medications and a $15.00 co-payment for brand-name medications; at Costco, a 30-day supply of generic medications and a 90-day supply by mail are $0.00, while brand-name medications cost $15.00 for a 30-day supply and $35.00 for a 90-day supply.

• Dental (Delta Dental - Incentive Plan)

• Plan pays 70% the first calendar year that the plan is used

• 80% paid second year

• 90% paid third year

• 100% paid fourth year

• 100% will be paid each year thereafter unless member does not visit the dentist each year for cleanings/check-ups.

• $1,500 lifetime maximum for each enrollee.

• Vision (VSP)

$5.00 co-pay for exam every calendar year. The plan pays $150 for frames, anything over $150 is paid by the member. Single vision, lined bifocal and lined trifocal lenses are covered in full.

• $50,000 life insurance policy on employee
• Short-term and long-term disability.

Retirement (Public Employees Retirement System - CalPERS)

Classic members - 7% and the college pays 26.68%.

New members (PEPRA) - 8% and the college pays 26.68%.

Holidays, Sick Leave, Vacation

• Holidays: 11 paid plus 5 days during Christmas.
• Sick: 12 days per year each fiscal year.
• Vacation: 12 days per year (8 hours per month). Can accrue more based on years of service (see table below).

Years of Service

Days Per Year

Hours Per Months Worked

Hours Per Year

Max Cap in Hours

0-5

12

8

96

192

6-10

15

10

120

240

11-15

18

12

144

288

16-20

22.5

15

180

360

01

Have you attached your transcripts for all completed college units or degrees?

• Yes
• No
• Not applicable

Required Question

Employer Merced Community College

Address 3600 M Street

Merced, California, 95348

Phone (209) 381-6550

Website http://www.mccd.edu/index.html