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Student Retention Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Student Achievement Navigator- Lenawee

Jackson, MI · On-site

$21.50 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Navigator is held accountable for the achievement of student retention and completion goals. The Student Success Navigator will provide direct services to students in support of the College ...

Medical Assistant w/Degree

Jackson, MI · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Monitors student retention and placement rates for all programs to ensure campus meets established goals and assists staff with improvement plans if necessary * Actively participates in new student ...

Medical Assistant w/Degree

Jackson, MI

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Monitors student retention and placement rates for all programs to ensure campus meets established goals and assists staff with improvement plans if necessary * Actively participates in new student ...

Support enrollment, marketing, and student retention initiatives. Qualifications * Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church, committed to Catholic education. * Master's degree in ...

Support enrollment, marketing, and student retention initiatives. Qualifications * Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church, committed to Catholic education. * Master's degree in ...

$54K/yr

... Retention Specialist is a program expert who provides proactive support to credit and non-credit ... Student Service * Case Management and Follow-Up * Resource Navigation and Referral * Communication ...

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Showing results 1-20

Student Retention information

See Michigan salary details

$19.2K

$53.5K

$74.5K

How much do student retention jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for student retention in Michigan is $53,488.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,600.00 and $64,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in student retention roles?

Professionals in Student Retention often face challenges such as identifying the diverse factors that contribute to student attrition, managing a high volume of cases, and developing outreach strategies that effectively engage at-risk students. Balancing proactive support with reactive interventions requires strong organizational skills and resilience. Additionally, aligning retention initiatives with departmental goals and collaborating with faculty, advisors, and support services can be complex but rewarding. Successfully overcoming these challenges directly impacts student success and overall institutional outcomes.

What is a student retention job?

A Student Retention job focuses on supporting students to stay enrolled and succeed in their academic journey. Professionals in this role analyze student data, identify at-risk students, and implement programs to improve engagement, satisfaction, and academic performance. They collaborate with faculty, advisors, and student services to provide resources and interventions that help students overcome challenges. The goal is to increase student persistence, graduation rates, and overall institutional success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the student retention position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Student Retention role, you typically need a background in education, counseling, or student affairs, combined with data analysis capabilities and experience in higher education settings. Familiarity with student information systems (SIS), retention analytics software, and CRM platforms is often required. Exceptional interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills help build strong rapport with students and collaborate across departments. These skills are crucial for identifying at-risk students, supporting their academic journey, and achieving institutional retention goals.

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

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

Infographic showing various Student Retention job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,488 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Navigation Specialist - Multicultural Affairs for Students

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Western Michigan University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

486th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Details
Posting Summary
College
VP Diversity & Inclusion-DIV
Executive Area
VP Diversity & Inclusion
Department
Multicultural Aff for Students
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
S1690P
Job Type
Full Time, Regular
Pay Type
Exempt/Salaried
Pay Grade
E
Campus Location
WMU-Kalamazoo - Main Campus
Salary Range
Pay is commensurate with qualifications and experience, combined with an excellent benefits package.
Number of Vacancies
1
General Summary
Advances student retention and graduation by providing student support as a part of the Empowering Futures navigator network . Engages expertise with targeted student populations to encourage a sense of belonging, thriving, and success.
Major Duties
  • Develops and implements programs and initiatives relevant to the new beginner student population with assistance from the other academic and student affairs departments as a part of the Empowering Futures navigator network.
  • Collaborates with other University units and community partners to develop and implement resolutions for students.
  • Supports, coaches, and liaises for students with all aspects of entry, transition, and retention.
  • Develops, prepares, and maintains student data. Monitors student progress. Maintains continuous improvement through data collection, and assessment of program elements.
  • Advances student retention and graduation by providing student support as part of the navigator network.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in related field from an accredited institution.
  • Three years' relevant experience.
  • Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Proficiency with word-processing and spreadsheet software.
  • Experience using and querying databases.
  • Experience providing guidance to students and other constituents.
  • Experience in human development, community development or social work.
  • Demonstrated interest, skills, and experience working with diverse groups.
  • Ability to work irregular shifts and extended hours, including weekends.

Desired Qualifications
Special Instructions to Applicants
  • Internal applicants should use the WMU - Internal Application.
  • External applicants should use the WMU - Application.

Additional Position Information
  • Western Michigan University offers generous benefits to its employees including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement, and tuition discount for the employee and tuition remission for eligible dependents. To access information about the specific benefits available for this position, go to: https://www.wmich.edu/hr/enrollment-staff
  • Staff Compensation System pay grades and rates are available at: https://wmich.edu/hr/staffcompensation

Physical requirements and working conditions
  • Office or other indoor work with minimal physical demands such as occasionally lifting or moving materials less than 25 pounds.
  • Work is generally performed in a well-lit, temperature-controlled indoor environment with occasional exposure to the outdoors or any number of elements.

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