Retention Specialist & Academic Advisor

Posting Details

Posting Details

Job Title Retention Specialist & Academic Advisor Posting Number S01427P Type of Appointment FTF; Full-Time Fixed Posting Category Office/Paraprofessional

Funding Information

MSU Salary Grade 575 Salary Range for Job Posting

Recruitment Recommendations

Anticipated Employment Start Date for Position 07/16/2026 Open Date 06/26/2026 Close Date 07/10/2026 Open Until Filled Yes

Position details

Advertisement Wording

The Retention Program at Morehead State University is accepting applications for a full-time position as a Retention Specialist & Academic Advisor. The anticipated start date is July 16, 2026.

Morehead State University is located in Morehead, KY, a designated Kentucky Trail Town, nestled in the Daniel Boone National Forest, in close proximity to Cave Run Lake. This location provides opportunities for a wide range of outdoor recreation activities. Morehead State University is recognized as one of the top public universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, Morehead State University is relatively close to a number of larger cities including Lexington, KY, Louisville, KY, and Cincinnati, OH. Morehead State University delivers a strong and affordable education for friendly, ambitious students who thrive in a student-focused learning environment defined by small class sizes and faculty committed to teaching and student success.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Retention Specialist & Academic Advisor is a key member of the Office of Academic Advising & Retention responsible for implementing institutional campaigns to enhance student retention, and degree progression and completion. As part of regular duties, the Retention Specialist & Academic Advisor orients and encourages advisees toward student success behaviors, and utilizes a case management approach to carry out holistic academic counseling activities for incoming and assigned students, including career and educational planning, the monitoring/tracking of student academic progress, and the coordination of guidance to enhance students' academic success, mental and physical health, financial literacy, and social engagement at Morehead State University.

REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's degree and one year of relatable experience. High level of interpersonal, communication and creative problem-solving skills. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations. Proficiency with computer literacy and willingness to learn new applications. Ability to master a wide body of factual knowledge (e.g., interpreting academic program evaluations, discussing career options, etc.) with a high degree of accuracy and detail. Professional mindset with the ability to multitask, sound judgement, and the ability to work without immediate supervision. Ability to work in a team-oriented environment and to work collaboratively across unit/departmental lines.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Master's degree preferred. Experience or degree in academic advising, counseling, student/career development, higher education, or related area, or in a discipline related to the job.

SPONSORSHIP: This position is not budgeted for Visa Sponsorship.

Morehead State University is a comprehensive, regionally focused university providing high quality instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The University has an enrollment of over 9,000 students. To apply, visit: https://moreheadstate.peopleadmin.com and complete the MSU Application for Employment along with a cover letter, resume, transcripts (unofficial) and the name and contact information for two references. Review of applications will begin after the close date and continue until the position is filled. For preferred consideration, apply by July 10, 2026. Contact the Office of Human Resources at (606) 783-2097 should you have questions about our online application. Please contact Sara Larson, the search committee chair, at s.larson@moreheadstate.edu for questions regarding this position. MSU is an Equal Opportunity employer.

Organizational Relationships

The Academic Advisor reports to the Director of Academic Advising & Retention. This position also interacts with other staff in the Office of Academic Advising & Retention, the Associate Vice President for Undergraduate Education and Student Success, college Deans, Associate Deans/Chairs, faculty and staff, and other units on campus that impact student success.

Physical Requirements Working Conditions

Long hours during peak periods, numerous interruptions from telephone calls, student drop-ins and appointments and faculty/staff consultations. Job deadlines and processing an large amounts of forms and paperwork.

Special Information/Instructions to Applicants

Reference Requests

Reference Request Details

Accept References Yes Minimum Requests 2 Maximum Requests 3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Do you possess a bachelor's degree?

• Yes

• No

• • How many years of experience do you possess that are directly related to the duties and responsibilities of this position?

(Open Ended Question)

• • With regard to employment eligibility, will you now or in the future require employer immigration sponsorship in order to work at Morehead State University?

• Yes

• No

• • Do you have the legal right to work in the United States? Federal law requires that employers hire only individuals who are authorized to be lawfully employed in the United States. In compliance with such laws, MSU will verify the status of every individual offered employment and all offers of employment are subject to verification of the applicant's identity and employment authorization. It will be necessary for you to submit such documents as required by law to verify your identification and employment authorization.

• Yes

• No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume
• Letter of Application (Cover Letter)
• Transcripts (Unofficial)
• Name and Contact Information for Reference #1
• Name and Contact Information for Reference #2

Optional Documents

• Additional Support Document #1
• Additional Support Document #2
• Additional Support Document #3