Transition and Retention Specialist

Job Posting:

JR102267 Transition and Retention Specialist (Contingent II - Grant Funded)) (Open)

Department:

Student Onboarding, JM

Position Type:

Non-Regular Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Open Date:

11-10-2026

Close Date:

$48,138 - $59,985

Job Description:

Under general supervision, performs a variety of routine professional and analytical assignments involving the practical application of management principles and techniques to routine operational activities.

REPORTS TO: Director for New Student Experiences and Student Engagement

PURPOSE:  This person will be responsible for coordinating, managing, and assisting with enrollment activity directly related to new students and retention throughout the admissions process, as it relates to campus experiences. The candidate will be able to engage students through email, phone, face-to-face and virtual interaction, in an effort to serve as a guide and ensure successful transition through the admissions process to matriculation.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Coordinate and manage all New Student Orientations (NSO) programs and events for freshman, transfer, and their families.
• Focus orientation efforts that specifically target each population: first-year, transfer, first generation, adult learners, veterans, and international students.
• Identify NSO Leaders and Bulldog Ambassadors each academic year.
• Develop and implement a leadership focused training program for NSO leaders and Bulldog Ambassadors.
• Develop and implement program assessment and evaluation plans for orientation programs, campus visitation and the orientation leader programs. Maintain records and statistics.

• Oversee Campus Tours, and the coordination of individualized welcome sessions for visiting groups and families.
• Plan, develop, schedule, and implement the day-to-day operations of the NSO, campus tours/visitation and other transitional programs.
• Work collaboratively with faculty, staff and students across divisions to ensure successful execution of new student programming.
• Manage event registration.
• Manage budgets, vendors, and payments related to marketing, advertising, and other

event expenses.

• Work and coordinate with University Relations and Marketing to develop and create material Bulldog.
• Serve as a direct supervisor to Orientation Leaders, Bulldog Ambassadors, student workers, and office volunteers and create contracts.
• Manage the transition of newly accepted students through matriculation.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge and understanding of computer systems and software packages. Proficient in MS Word, MS Publisher, MS PowerPoint, and MS Excel
• Must possess excellent organizational, project management, communication and interpersonal skills
• Must be attentive to details and deadlines, flexible, and able to handle multiple tasks in a fast paced environment
• Ability to work independently and project a professional and positive image
• Demonstrated ability to successfully plan and implement large scale events.
• A self-starter with demonstrated abilities to plan, organize, prioritize, and execute complicated and continuing assignments without instruction and respond quickly to changing priorities.
• Effective oral and written communications and project management skills, including the ability to present complex information and organize data to audiences with varied backgrounds (students, faculty/staff, parents, etc.).
• Ability to project a professional, polished image and provide outstanding customer service.
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to build good relationships with peers and to interact with senior administrators and other campus constituencies.

MINIMUM TRAINING & EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrated knowledge of orientation program development and major campus program planning, working knowledge of other student services programs.
• Demonstrated ability to create programs that are responsive to a diverse and multicultural environment.
• Experience with the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education.
• Ability to perform specialized clerical tasks and to understand and apply departmental policies and procedures.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree required.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Office environment, some physical lifting, bending, pulling, standing on step stools, and walking throughout the campus will be required.

• Evening and weekend hours are required for special events and extended hours
• Twelve-month position, which may require minimal travel.

Additional Job Information:

Benefits include medical, dental, prescription, long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment insurance and life insurance; paid time for paid sick leave and annual leave; 10 paid holidays per year, tuition remission and supplemental retirement.

Bowie State University shall not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, marital status or veteran status. All policies, programs, and activities of Bowie State University are and shall be in conformity with all pertinent Federal and state laws of nondiscrimination including, but not limited to: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Age Discrimination Act, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,  the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Federal Executive Order No. 11375, and Article 49B of the Annotated Code of Maryland. This commitment applies in all areas and embraces faculty, staff, and students.