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Student Retention Manager Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

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Student Retention Manager information

What does a student retention manager do?

A Student Retention Manager is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to help keep students enrolled in an educational institution until they complete their programs. They analyze student data to identify those at risk of dropping out and coordinate support services such as academic advising, mentoring, and counseling. By working closely with faculty, staff, and students, they aim to improve student satisfaction and overall graduation rates. Their role may also include evaluating the effectiveness of retention programs and making recommendations for continuous improvement.

How does a student retention manager typically collaborate with academic departments to support at-risk students?

A Student Retention Manager works closely with academic departments by analyzing student performance data and identifying at-risk individuals. They often coordinate meetings with faculty, academic advisors, and support staff to create targeted intervention plans, such as tutoring or mentoring programs. Regular communication and collaboration ensure that each student's unique challenges are addressed, fostering a supportive environment that helps improve retention rates. This teamwork is essential for proactively addressing issues before they escalate, benefiting both students and the institution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a student retention manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Student Retention Manager, you need expertise in student success strategies, data analysis, and program development, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education or a related field. Familiarity with student information systems (SIS), CRM platforms, and retention analytics tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, problem-solving abilities, and cultural sensitivity distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are vital for identifying at-risk students, implementing effective interventions, and supporting institutional goals for student persistence and graduation.

What is the difference between Student Retention Manager vs Academic Advisor?

AspectStudent Retention ManagerAcademic Advisor
Primary FocusDeveloping strategies to improve student retention ratesGuiding students academically and personally to ensure progress
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree; experience in student services or retention programsBachelor's degree; advising certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentHigher education institutions, focusing on retention initiativesColleges and universities, working directly with students
Common UsageRetention programs, student success initiativesAcademic planning, course selection, student support

While both roles aim to support students, the Student Retention Manager focuses on developing and implementing strategies to improve retention rates, whereas the Academic Advisor provides direct academic guidance to students. The roles often collaborate but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Student Retention Manager jobs in Kentucky?

For Student Retention Manager jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Student Retention Manager jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Student Retention Manager jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Student Retention Manager jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Student Retention Manager job openings:

Student Retention Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Student Retention Manager job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution.

Director Student Support Services

Frankfort, KY • On-site

Kentucky State University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Kentucky State Universityexternal

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

TITLE: Director, Student Support Services

DEPARTMENT: Student Support Services

REPORTS TO: Dean of Students

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

LOCATION: On-Site Main Campus

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time 

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt


JOB SUMMARY: 

Under the general direction of the Dean of Students, the Director of Student Support Services provides leadership, oversight, and administrative direction for the federally funded TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Program. The position is responsible for ensuring compliance with U.S. Department of Education regulations, grant requirements, and institutional policies while advancing student retention, persistence, and graduation outcomes for program participants.


The Director manages program operations, staff supervision, reporting requirements, participant services, and strategic initiatives designed to support low-income, first-generation college students and students with disabilities. This position exercises independent judgment in program administration, compliance reporting, resource allocation, and student success strategies. This role requires a regular, reliable, and consistent on-campus presence to effectively perform leadership, compliance, and student support responsibilities and is not suitable for remote work except as approved in accordance with University policy.


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Serves as the primary point of contact for the U.S. Department of Education Program Officer and other federal, state, and institutional stakeholders regarding TRIO Student Support Services compliance and reporting.
  • Leads the preparation, submission, and ongoing management of the Annual Performance Report (APR) and all required federal, monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting requirements.
  • Ensures program compliance with all applicable federal regulations, grant requirements, and University policies governing TRIO Student Support Services.
  • Establishes, monitors, and evaluates program goals, objectives, and performance outcomes to ensure successful achievement of grant-funded deliverables.
  • Provides leadership, supervision, training, and evaluation of program staff, graduate assistants, and student employees.
  • Conducts annual performance evaluations for all program personnel and supports professional development activities.
  • Develops and implements student success strategies designed to increase retention, persistence, academic achievement, and graduation rates among program participants.
  • Oversees participant eligibility certification and ensures compliance with federal TRIO eligibility requirements.
  • Leads onboarding processes for program participants and ensures accurate documentation and recordkeeping.
  • Develops and implements academic support, mentoring, coaching, and intervention strategies for program participants.
  • Coordinates partnerships with campus departments and external agencies to support holistic student development and success.
  • Monitors student progress and provides targeted interventions for students requiring additional academic or personal support.
  • Develops outreach, recruitment, and communication strategies to increase program awareness and participation.
  • Identifies and pursues external funding opportunities to support and expand program services when appropriate.
  • Maintains accurate program records, databases, and reporting systems in compliance with federal and institutional requirements.
  • Analyzes program data and prepares reports to evaluate effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
  • Represents the TRIO SSS Program at conferences, trainings, and professional development events to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
  • Maintains a regular, reliable, and consistent on-campus presence to effectively perform the essential functions of the position.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • Knowledge of TRIO Student Support Services regulations, U.S. Department of Education compliance requirements, and federal grant management practices.
  • Knowledge of student development theory, retention strategies, and academic support programming.
  • Knowledge of issues affecting low-income, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities.
  • Strong understanding of data collection, reporting, and program evaluation in federally funded programs.
  • Strong leadership, organizational, and program management skills.
  • Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate professional and support staff.
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and compliance requirements.
  • Ability to analyze program data and use findings to improve student outcomes.
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse student populations, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
  • Proficiency with database systems, Microsoft Office applications, and reporting tools.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.

 

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

  • This position has direct supervisory responsibility for program staff and student employees. 


 

OTHER DUTIES: 

  • Performs related duties as assigned.



QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Education, Counseling, Student Affairs, Higher Education Administration, or a related field is required.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, student support services, academic advising, or federally funded program administration is required.
  • Experience with TRIO programs or similar federally funded student success initiatives is strongly preferred.



Licensing and Certifications: NA


 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Work is performed primarily in a professional office environment with frequent interaction with students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
  • Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support student programming, reporting deadlines, or institutional events.
  • Work requires regular use of computers and office equipment and may involve prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and walking during student programming activities.




Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.


KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.

 




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