Retention and Learning Specialist

The Retention and Learning Specialist assumes a primary role in facilitating student success and retention in the CARE Pathway to the BSN program of the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing. Through a variety of intervention and support initiatives, the Retention and Learning Specialist collaborates with advising, faculty, student affairs and colleagues from the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing and across the university. The Retention and Learning Specialist reports to the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs.

Primary Responsibilities:

-Facilitates regular support sessions with individual and groups of students to promote student success, retention, and well-being.

-Collaborates with faculty, academic advisors, faculty advisors, and program track director in the identification of students needing academic support intervention.

-Develops and manages programming to foster development of successful collegiate transitions and the development of beneficial academic skills and behaviors.

-Uses intervention frameworks for program planning and implementation.

-Evaluates retention and learning initiatives on a regular basis.

-Engages in quality improvement strategies to promote optimal student retention and learning outcomes.

-Manages the early alert and response system in the school of nursing to identify and intervene for students needing academic supports.

-Provides continuing education to faculty and staff in topics related to student success, retention, and learning.

Minimum Education:
- Bachelor's degree.

Minimum Experience:

- Two to three years higher education experience in student affairs or an academic support role.

Preferred Education :
- Master's degree or higher in Education, Psychology, Educational Psychology, School Counseling, Student Affairs Administration, Higher Education Administration, or another area aligned with position responsibilities.

Preferred Experience:

- Two or more years higher education experience in student affairs or an academic support role.

Preferred Work Experience/Education:
-Master's degree or higher in Education, Psychology, Educational Psychology, School Counseling, Student Affairs Administration, Higher Education Administration, or another area aligned with position responsibilities.
- Two or more years higher education experience in student affairs or an academic support role
-Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills, tailored to constituents.

-Proficiency in data management and reporting applications.

-Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives of the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Loyola University Chicago, and the profession of nursing.

See Minimum Education and/or Work Experience

Proficient with Microsoft Office suite (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, OneDrive, etc.)

Review of applications will begin in October 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants are asked to submit (1) a cover letter describing interest in and qualifications for the position, (2) resume, (3) the names and contact information of three individuals prepared to provide professional references (references will be contacted for finalists only), and (4) an Inclusive Excellence statement addressing past efforts and future plans to advance diversity, equity and inclusion.

The Inclusive Excellence statement should address the following:
* Understanding of barriers: Describe your understanding of the barriers that exist for historically under-represented groups (URGs) in nursing. URGs include under-represented ethnic or racial minorities; men; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer individuals; people with disabilities; and undocumented immigrants.

* Past activities: Discuss past activities contributing to diversity, equity and inclusion. Examples may include teaching/curriculum, mentoring/advising/tutoring; outreach efforts; committees, task forces, and boards; scholarship and/or research, and other initiatives.

* Future plans: Describe how you plan to contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the MNSON including activities you would pursue and how they would fit into the Retention and Learning Specialist role.

As one of the nation's largest Jesuit, Catholic universities, Loyola University Chicago fosters a transformative cultural experience that honors . We are committed to not only recruiting, but also retaining a diverse, mission driven workforce and enabling a culture of inclusiveness in an environment that values service excellence, stewardship, personal well-being, and professional development for all of our employees. Loyola University Chicago supports its staff and faculty with a wide array of affordable, comprehensive and competitive centered on health and wellness, financial security, equity, and work-life balance. We actively seek those who wish to join our faculty, staff, and students in a community of diverse opinions, perspectives, and backgrounds supporting our Jesuit mission and striving toward the same goal of being persons for and with others.