Lead Advisor/Retention Specialist

Position Information

Position Information

Position Title: Lead Advisor/Retention Specialist Working Title: Lead Advisor/Retention Specialist Position Number: 000396 Full-Time Or Part-Time: Full Time Time Limited Position: No Number of Vacancies: 1 Department: Bronco One Stop Posting Number: 0401852 SHRA/EHRA: Exempt Professional Staff (EPS) Job Category: Professional Hiring Range: Commensurate with Education and Experience Overall Position Competency: Exempt Professional Staff (EPS) Primary Purpose of the Organization:

The Department of Student Success advances retention and graduation by providing structured, intentional experiences for second-, third-, and fourth-year students, with a focus on academic engagement, resource navigation, and graduation planning. The department is committed to creating a seamless, student-centered experience that empowers students to achieve academic, personal, and professional success at every stage of their journey.

This mission is carried out through a collaborative, team-based approach; innovative and engaging programming; personalized coaching; and targeted outreach. These efforts foster academic excellence, holistic support, and equitable access to resources, ensuring that all students are equipped to persist through graduation and beyond.

Primary Purpose of the Position:

The Lead Advisor/Retention Specialist provides academic advising, coaching, and support services to promote student retention, persistence, and academic success, with a primary focus on sophomore students and Second Year Experience (2YE) programming. This position designs, coordinates, and implements initiatives that address the unique academic, social, and professional development needs of sophomores, ensuring their steady progression toward graduation and preparation for career or graduate school opportunities.

Working collaboratively with faculty, student support professionals, and campus partners, the Lead Advisor/Retention Specialist fosters an integrated service delivery model that enhances sophomore engagement, monitors the student experience, and applies evidence-based strategies to address barriers to success. While the primary emphasis is on sophomore retention, the position also contributes to university-wide efforts that support persistence and completion for all students.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements:

• Master's degree from an accredited institution with at least two years of work experience in higher education in either of the following areas: academic advising, counseling, admissions, enrollment management, or student affairs.
• Experience interpreting and administering academic policies.
• Proficiency with the EAB Navigate student success management system or a similar platform, Ellucian Banner Student, the Canvas Learning Management System, the DegreeWorks degree auditing system, or related platforms.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities:

Knowledge

• General understanding of higher education systems and student development theory.
• Knowledge of best practices for enhancing student academic skills and supporting student success.
• Thorough familiarity with the university catalog to accurately guide students.
• Knowledge of current advising and registration technologies (EAB, Degree Works, Starfish, Canvas, Banner).
• Working knowledge of the Transfer Articulation Agreement between the NC Community College System and the UNC System.
• Broad understanding of Admissions, Registration, Financial Aid, and bill payment processes to answer basic inquiries and direct students to appropriate resources.
• Understanding of student development/engagement principles, academic advising practices, early alert interventions, and strategies for supporting high‐risk students from diverse backgrounds.

Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills for explaining, advocating, reporting, and presenting program needs and academic outcomes.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with students, faculty, and staff.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Zoom/TEAMS, student success technologies, and other relevant software.
• Ability to guide students in navigating institutional platforms (Banner, Microsoft Outlook, Canvas).
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and manage responsibilities efficiently.

Abilities

• Ability to respond effectively to unexpected events and adjust plans as needed.
• Ability to listen, assess academic needs, and develop appropriate responses and interventions.
• Capability to generate reports on academic progression and navigate student records systems.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships, promote teamwork, and maintain positive morale.
• Commitment to providing exceptional customer service to students, faculty, and the community.
• Ability to comply with federal and university student confidentiality requirements.
• Ability to adapt to ambiguity and change in a dynamic academic environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and be available for occasional evening and weekend work, especially during peak periods.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three to four years of Academic Advising experience.

Special Instructions To Applicants: Notice to Applicants:

Please make sure that the work history listed on your application is identical to the work history listed on your resume. The application must be filled out completely, Do Not Use the phrase "see resume."

Please list at least three (3) professional references to include a current supervisor. References will only be contact if you are selected for the position and with your permission.

Closing Date: Open Until Filled: Yes Additional Information for Applicants:

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified prior to employment. Transcripts should be provided for all earned degrees and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements. Transcript requests are the responsibility of the candidate.

EEO Statement:

This position is subject to the successful completion of an employment background check. An employment background check includes a criminal background check, employment verification, reference checks, license verification (if applicable) and credit history check (if applicable).

Fayetteville State University is committed to equality of educational opportunity and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disabling condition, political affiliation or sexual orientation. Moreover, Fayetteville State University values diversity and actively seeks to recruit talented students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds.

Veteran's Statement:

Fayetteville State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and seeks priority referrals of protected veterans for our openings.

Quick Link: https://jobs.uncfsu.edu/postings/28782

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Do you have a Master's degree?

• Yes

• No

• • Do you have experience working as an academic advisor/counselor in a university or community college setting?

• Yes

• No

• • How many years of work experience do you possess in advising university or community college students?

• No experience

• 1-2 years

• 2-3 years

• 3 years or more

Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Unofficial Transcripts (Official Transcripts and Official International Course-by-Course Evaluations Due Upon Hire)

Optional Documents

• Other Document
• Other Documents Continued
• Other Documents Continued.