SFOC - Student Development Specialist

Georgia State University - Clarkston, GA

Full-time - Mid Level

Clarkston, GA

Educational Services

About the position

Perimeter College is seeking (1) a dedicated and experienced Sponsor Funded Student Development Specialist for Retention. The Retention Specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to improve student retention, academic success, and degree completion rates. This role focuses on providing direct support to students, particularly those who are underrepresented, first-generation, or facing academic challenges, and will work closely with faculty, staff, and campus services to foster a supportive learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and assess retention programs aimed at improving student engagement and persistence to graduation.
• Collaborate with academic departments, student services, and advising offices to identify at-risk students and provide targeted interventions.
• Analyze retention data and trends to identify barriers to student success and develop solutions to address them.
• Provide one-on-one counseling to students regarding academic progress, time management, goal-setting, and career planning.
• Help students navigate institutional resources such as tutoring, academic advising, financial aid, and mental health services.
• Monitor student academic performance and outreach to students on academic probation, providing personalized academic recovery plans.
• Develop workshops, seminars, and support programs on topics like study skills, career readiness, and personal development.
• Collaborate with campus partners to create orientation and transition programs for incoming students to help them integrate into the campus community.
• Coordinate peer mentoring or tutoring programs to support student learning and engagement.
• Collect and analyze data related to student retention, academic performance, and program effectiveness.
• Prepare regular reports on retention rates, student success initiatives, and program outcomes.
• Use data to inform decision-making and continuous improvement of retention efforts.
• Build relationships with faculty to identify struggling students early and provide appropriate support.
• Work with student organizations and student life offices to foster a sense of community and belonging among students.
• Represent the institution at retention-related conferences and professional development opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and two years of related experience; or a combination of education and related experience.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, student affairs, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• Experience working with student retention or academic support programs in a higher education setting.
• Strong understanding of the challenges faced by first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Healthcare, dental, vision, and other benefits.
• Retirement plan options including Teacher Retirement System.
• Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) for full-time employees enrolled in a USG degree program.