The Placement Exchange Job Board

The assistant director for retention programs will oversee retention and peer programs for historically marginalized identities for the office of Multicultural Student Affairs. These programs assist in the recruitment, retention, and matriculation needs of historically marginalized students at the University of South Carolina. The assistant director will be responsible for the strategic direction in improving academic success and retention for students including, but not limited peer mentor program development, student support services, program assessment, and student evaluation that will not only aid in the retention of historically marginalized student identities but their progression to on-time graduation.

Primary duties include:

• Coordinate student recruitment and retention activities with campus partners. Develop effective advising, evaluation, and intervention systems for historically marginalized students to provide a sense of belonging, and cultural and academic support to assist in the matriculation of students.
• Provide individual support to students in their academic pursuits and personal development.
• Provide vision and direction for retention initiatives with a particular focus on various historically marginalized identities including but not limited to men of color, racial minorities, and first-generation and at-risk student populations. This includes programs such as peer mentoring and male initiatives.
• Develop programs and services to foster success and address institutional barriers to student retention and graduation including bi-monthly academic, social, and professional activities for historically marginalized students.
• Coordinate and oversee collaborations with key university departments to implement academic/student engagement intervention programming for students.
• Responsible for student management including maintaining appropriate records and data regarding student matriculation and retention, preparing reports on national trends, and making presentations as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Typically requires a bachelor’s degree and 3 or more years of experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of certification, training, education, and/or experience. May graduates will be considered if they will be able to obtain their degree by the date of employment. This position will be asked to flex time to work some nights and weekends for functions and events.

About University of South Carolina

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate, and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster, and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online, or blended learning. All of our system institutions place a strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

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