Specialist - Advisor-Continuing\n\n East Lansing, Michigan, United States \n Social Science Dean 10038766 \n Area of Interest: Advising/Counseling \n Full Time/Part Time: Full Time (90-100%) \n Group: Continuing System Academic Staff \n Remote Work: Remote-Friendly \n Union/Non-Union: Non-Union \n \nShow More Show Less \n\n Faculty/Academic Staff \n Opening on: Mar 16 2026 \n Closing at: Mar 16 2028 - 23:55 EDT \n Salary Commensurate with Experience \n College Of Social Science \n 1117719 \n \nAdd to favorites View favorites\n \nWorking/Functional Title\n \nDirector of Student Retention Initiatives\n \nPosition Summary\n \nMichigan State University actively promotes\u202fa dynamic research\u202fand learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.\u202f \n \nThis is a full time Academic Specialist - Advisor position in the continuing system. The Director of\u202fStudent 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.\u202f \n \nThe critical job responsibilities of the Director of Academic Initiatives include:\u202f \n\n Assisting\u202fand supporting the Assistant Dean with annual planning and processes vital to the operations of the Office of Undergraduate Studies/Office of Undergraduate Affairs\u202f \n \n\n 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\u202f \n \n\n Administering Academic Standing for Undergraduate Students (ASUS) decisions and signing off on the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) process\u202f \n \n\n Providing leadership, strategic vision, organization, and administrative oversight for\u202fthe Student Training for Academic Success (STAR) program\u202f\u202f \n \n\n Providing college level organizational structure for\u202freadmission and reinstatement\u202f \n \n\n Overseeing college-wide initiatives to support intervention measures such as Enhancing Academic Success Early (EASE)\u202f\u202f \n \n\n Serving as the college liaison to for the College Student Success Group (CSSG)\u202f\u202f \n \n\n Developing relationships with key regional and national associations that support\u202fstudent success\u202f\n \n\n Supporting college-wide\u202faccess\u202finitiatives\u202fand policies for the benefit of students\u202fand\u202fenhancing\u202fthe student academic experience\u202f\n \n\n Supporting university and college initiatives, including colloquium and commencement\u202f \n \n\n \nEqual Employment Opportunity Statement\n \nAll 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.\n \nRequired Degree\n \nMasters -Student affairs or related field\n \nMinimum Requirements\n\n A minimum of five (5) years of academic advising and/or academic and student affairs experience\u202f \n \n\n A minimum of three (3) years of experience coordinating and leading student success and retention initiatives\u202f \n \n\n Ability to work as an effective member of a team and\u202fmaintain\u202fpositive collaborations with stakeholders\u202f \n \n\n Sound decision making ability, excellent communication (written and oral), organizational, and interpersonal skills\u202frequired\u202f \n \n\n Knowledge of undergraduate academic policies and procedures\u202f \n \n\n Engagement in relevant external professional activities\u202f \n \n\n \nDesired Qualifications\n\n A minimum of\u202ffive\u202f(5) years of experience coordinating and leading student success and retention initiatives\u202f\u202f \n \n\n Prior experience working with\u202fstudents through academic probation, including mentorship programs\u202fand/or seminar courses aimed at academic recovery\u202f\u202f \n \n\n Prior experience working with university platforms\u202fand data collection software\u202fsuch as\u202fCampus Solutions\u202fand Registrar's Office (RO) systems and forms\u202f \n \n\n Excellent written, oral, and dynamic presentation communication\u202fskills\u202f \n \n\n Strong organizational skills\u202f \n \n\n \nRequired Application Materials\n\n Cover Letter \n \n\n CV \n \n\n 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) \n \n\n Contact information for three professional references \n \n\n \nSpecial Instructions\n \nFor this position, remote friendly means up to two (2) days per week\u202fwhere some\u202fof \u202fthe duties can be performed remotely.\u202f\u202f \n \nFor specific questions about the position, please contact Assistant Dean Dr. Ken W. Horne, Jr. at\u202fhornek@msu.edu.\u202f\u202f\u202f \n \nReview of Applications Begins On\n \n03/27/2026\n \nRemote Work Statement\n \nMSU 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.\n \nMSU Statement\n \nMichigan 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.\n\n