Director Retention Student Academic Success Jobs

Job Summary

The Student Academic Success Specialist supports the enrollment, retention, and engagement of first- and second-year students through comprehensive academic advising and success coaching. This role manages a defined student caseload, providing proactive outreach, individualized support, and guidance on academic planning and university processes. The incumbent builds strong relationships to foster student success, persistence, and timely degree completion. Working under general supervision, the position contributes to institutional retention goals and enhances the overall student experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide holistic academic advising and success coaching to a cohort of first- and second-year students
• Develop and maintain ongoing relationships with students using a case management approach, including regular meetings and progress tracking
• Guide students in academic planning, goal setting, and understanding degree requirements and university policies
• Monitor student progress and implement timely interventions using early alert and student success systems
• Design and deliver programming to support student transition, academic skills development, and engagement
• Assist students in navigating university processes, including petitions, schedule changes, and academic standing concerns
• Implement targeted communication plans aligned with academic deadlines, resources, and student needs
• Collaborate with campus partners to connect students with appropriate services and resources
• Participate in orientation and campus-wide initiatives that support student success and reduce equity gaps

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of academic advising principles, student development theory, and retention strategies
• Ability to build rapport and establish trust with a diverse student population
• Strong advising, counseling, and problem-solving skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly
• Ability to interpret and apply university policies, procedures, and academic requirements
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to analyze student progress and implement appropriate interventions
• Proficiency in student information systems and standard office software applications
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment
• Commitment to inclusive practices and equitable student supportInput Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Required Qualifications

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration, or a job-related field.
• Two years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas or in a related field.
• A master's degree in a job-related field may be substituted for one year of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications

• A master's degree in educational counseling or a related field.
• Experience working with students or youth in an educational, advising, counseling, or support capacity (K-12, post-secondary, or community-based settings).
• Experience implementing strategies or providing services that support student persistence and academic progress

Compensation

Classification: Student Services Professional II (SSP II)
Anticipated Hiring Range: $5,083/month - $5,250/month
CSU Salary Range: $5,083/month - $7,228/month
San Jose State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: April 27, 2026, through May 12, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu.

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.
The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.
SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)
All San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification: 

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San Jose State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu.

Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

Equal Employment Statement

San Jose State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San Jose State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.