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Student Retention Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Empowered Staffing

Program Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

Manage instructor schedules, teaching assignments, workloads, course logistics, and instructional ... Develop and implement strategies to improve student retention, completion, certification success ...

Keypath Education

Student Advisor

Schaumburg, IL · On-site +1

$48K - $60K/yr

The Advisor retains students from the point of enrollment to program completion and drives ... Documents all student communication and maintains relevant data points in CRM and other systems.

Keypath Education

Student Advisor

Schaumburg, IL · On-site +1

The Advisor retains students from the point of enrollment to program completion and drives ... Documents all student communication and maintains relevant data points in CRM and other systems.

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All JobsStudent Retention JobsStudent Retention Manager JobsStudent Retention Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Student Retention Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$23.7K

$63.2K

$105.6K

How much do student retention manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for student retention manager in Chicago, IL is $63,200.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,300.00 and $71,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Student Retention Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Student Retention Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Student Retention Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Student Retention Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,200 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

Student Engagement Specialist

TCS Education System

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$45K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Job Description:
Job Title: Student Engagement Specialist
Department: Enrollment Management
Reports To: Vice Provost, this position will highly engage with Admissions, Student Affairs, Academic Advising, and Academic Affairs
Job Summary:
The Student Engagement Specialist links Student Life, Admissions, and Academic Affairs, ensuring a seamless transition for students from prospective status to engaged members of the university community. This position supports student success by providing guidance on financial aid and prospective/new student programming while also fostering student retention and institutional goals.
Through collaboration with both Enrollment and Student Life, the role facilitates student engagement initiatives, enhances the student experience, and strengthens university retention efforts. This role will own the New Student Onboarding process.
Interview Component: Through hypothetical scenarios,candidates must demonstrate critical thinking skills and the ability to problem solve and communicate effectively with and on a student's behalf.
Key Responsibilities:
Student Support & Admissions Liaison:
  • Serve as a point of contact for prospective students, guiding them through the admissions process and financial aid navigation, and connecting students with their academic advisor for course scheduling.

  • Provide front-line financial aid support, including FAFSA completion, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines.

  • Collaborate with Academic Advisors to ensure new students' course schedules align with degree requirements and career aspirations.

  • Offer individualized support to new students, addressing common concerns and connecting them withrelevant university resources.

  • Lead the Student ID process for new students

Student Engagement & Retention:
  • Develop and implement programs that promote student engagement in university life, including welcome back to school week, preparing for key university learning experiences, and other milestone academic events.

  • Organize workshops and events that support student success and financial literacy.

Collaboration & Institutional Support:
  • Work closely with Admissions, Student Life, and Academic Affairs to align recruitment, retention, and engagement strategies.

  • Serve as a key liaison between prospective students and current student engagement initiatives to create a seamless transition into university life.

  • Support other departments in various programs and events, including but not limited to university learning experiences, commencement, recruitment, informational sessions, mixers, etc.

  • Provide program support for university-sponsored programs and events, including but not limited to Weeks of Welcome, Commencement, and University Learning Experiences.

Compliance & Reporting:
  • Complete internal financial training (Canvas: FA 101) to ensure compliance with financial aid policies.

  • Generate reports on new and prospective student programming, retention, and admissions conversion rates for university leadership.

Strategic Contribution:
  • Support university goals by actively participating in strategic planning and continuous improvement efforts related to student retention.

  • Work with university leadership to implement best practices that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in student retention.

Qualifications:
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, Student Affairs, Higher Education Administration, or a related field (Master's preferred) from a regionally accredited institution.

  • Experience: 3+ years of experience in higher education, student services, admissions, financial aid, or a similar role.

Knowledge & Skills:
  • General understanding of financial aid processes, admissions procedures, and student support services.

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse student populations.

  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

  • Ability to work collaboratively across departments to enhance student success.

  • Technological proficiency, including familiarity with Student Information Systems (SIS), financial aid platforms, and CRM tools such as Salesforce and Campus Nexus.

Skills & Competencies:
  • Student-Centered Approach: Strong commitment to supporting student success and well-being.

  • Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex information.

  • Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot and resolve student issues efficiently.

  • Multitasking: Capable of managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Work Environment & Salary:
  • Work Mode: Remote with minimal required travel.

  • Salary Range: $45,000 - $55,000 annually.

Saybrook University offers a generous compensation and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to work for a leader in the field of education. Some of our key benefits include: generous paid time-off, medical and dental coverage, company-paid life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts (FSA), tuition reimbursement, professional development, and regular employee appreciation events.
Saybrook University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Saybrook University

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