This multi-faceted role directly impacts the goals for retention and graduation outcomes at MSU by managing and providing strategic downstream leadership for the Second Wind Program (suspension reinstatement support), MSU 101 (academic warning students) and other retention focused programming. This role proactively manages students who are at risk and under-performing in their academic pursuits, from time of notification for academic warning and/or suspension, education/recruitment into the Second Wind Program, identifies and formulates appropriate intervention support that is aligned with meeting both expressed and latent needs, and ensures current operational procedures are maintained to provide timely referrals and programmatic efforts. Join a dynamic team in the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success where guiding students is a passion and privilege. In keeping with the mission, vision and principles of Montana State University, the state’s only public land grant institution, we are innovative and thoughtful leaders committed, in service, to advancing the future of others. We leverage the spirit of teamwork, hard work, and dedication to make our strategic plans become an operational reality.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Work collaboratively with AYCSS staff and administration to develop and employ new methods to advance programs, with the ultimate goal of improving MSU’s retention and graduation rates through the use of data, research methods and innovative programming.
- Represent Academic Affairs/Provost’s office on procedural, policy, and communication supports related to suspension and suspension reinstatement to include coordinating partnering with the academic colleges.
- Balance program management (60%) and student facing interventions (40%).
- As directed, supervise part-time and student employees in support of the position.
- Manage logistics for retention specific programming efforts, including Second Wind (suspension reinstatement), MSU 101 (probation) and Summit (academic warning) and other key strategic initiatives.
- Maintain and extend partnerships with key stakeholders including faculty, assistant and associate deans, colleges, and advisors to manage program information, outreach and outcomes; in effect creating a unified community of practice in support of student retention.
- Case-manage the Second Wind and Summit cohort using data-driven intervention and outreach in support of meeting all students needs for success advising, incentives, campus resource education and referral, workshops and study tables.
- Work closely with Course Director of US103 and teaching faculty to facilitate a continuous communication loop for the benefit of the cohorts.
- Provides student-facing assistance and education on learning management via one-on-one appointments with students, workshops, strategy clinics, hosting classroom lectures, assisting with the US 103 Learning Strategies course, as well as group appointments.
- Assist students decode important information, ideas and tactics to help students develop the skills necessary to receive the full benefit of their education.
- Serve the strategic mission of MSU ensuring equity and inclusion for all students regardless of academic preparation, progress or persistence.
- Design and implement long-term intervention and support plans that will assist students all the way through degree completion.
- Develop mechanisms to track outcomes of all students – and alerting appropriate campus partners for students who are in need of immediate support services.
- Leverage AYCSS strategic models and practice to advance student learning, development, and engagement.
- Complete regular reporting of progress and outcomes for Second Wind and Summit programming.
- Serve as point person to campus partners for Second Wind and Summit programming.
- Assess program efficacy and refine methods based on those learnings.
- Ensure service excellence, soundness of practice and program metrics are achieved, client notes recorded, promote professional learning communities, and staff training and development, in an effort to improve student outcomes.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Education, Sociology, Economics, Public Policy, Communication, etc.), or combination of education and/or applicable experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree from which comparable skills are acquired.
- Demonstrated professional experience with progressive managerial responsibility (project management preferred).
- Demonstrated experience in program development, management, implementation and delivery assessment.
- Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy with a strong commitment to quality and delivery with a high degree of professionalism.
- Demonstrated technical competence using personal computers and various software such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software & relational databases with a willingness to learn additional department and MSU specific software and programs.
- Possess an understanding of, and experience with, managing databases, analytics, and using quantitative metrics to baseline projects.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Master’s Degree in related field (Education, Sociology, Economics, Public Policy, Communication, etc.).
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple initiatives while working with various constituents bringing project to a successful completion.
- Demonstrated experience planning events or programs with multiple constrains and considerations that must be thought-through or planned.
- Possess knowledge of the higher education system, trends and related services.
The Successful Candidate Will
- Have a strong desire to help students create their MSU experience with intentionality.
- Be committed to utilizing engaging pedagogy that involves students in the learning process.
- Possess a willingness and desire to engage in learning themselves.
- Possess the ability to troubleshoot problems and have candid conversations.
- Have the ability to relate to, mentor, inspire and develop rapport with a diverse student body.
- Have excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Have a proven ability to take initiative, work independently and in a team environment.
- Have effective interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate successfully with mentors and staff.
- Possess sound decision-making skills.
- Possess an enthusiastic approach and a high level of integrity.
- Be experienced managing and maintaining confidential information.
- Have the ability to represent the office in a professional manner.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Maintain a flexible schedule to host events and interact with students during evening and occasional weekend hours, with advanced notice.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties?
Yes
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Upon completion of a successful search.
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on or before July 22, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.
Special Instructions
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.