What are the responsibilities and job description for the Student Success Coach & Retention Specialist position at Bethany College?
Bethany College
Lindsborg, Kansas
Bethany College
MUST PROVIDE A RESUME, COVER LETTER, AND THREE PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION.
STUDENT SUCCESS COACH & RETENTION SPECIALIST
FLSA Status:
SALARY, EXEMPT
As an exempt employee, the employee may occasionally work beyond standard business hours (40 hours), including evenings and weekends, to fulfill the responsibilities of the role.
Department: Student Success Center
Reports to: Director of Student Success Center
Positions Managed: None
Why Bethany:
Rooted in our Lutheran heritage and the transformative power of the liberal arts, Bethany prepares students to lead lives of purpose, leadership, creativity, and service in a complex and changing world. Located in Lindsborg, Kansas—affectionately known as "Little Sweden" and celebrated for its vibrant arts community—Bethany offers a close-knit environment where faculty and staff know students by name and mentor them in a highly personalized setting.
Education at Bethany is rooted in intellectual discovery and a deep sense of belonging, equipping students to think critically, lead ethically, and serve with purpose. As a small, private, rural college, Bethany plays an essential role in renewing civic life, expanding opportunity, and fostering community revitalization. We believe in the value of personalized liberal arts education, the power of community, and the promise of rural America.
At Bethany, you'll have the opportunity to inspire the next generation while contributing to the cultural and academic life of our campus and region as we prepare students to make meaningful contributions to the world.
About Bethany College:
Founded in 1881, Bethany College is a dynamic liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas—known as “Little Sweden U.S.A.” Bethany provides a transformative educational experience grounded in faith, learning, and community. The College is dedicated to cultivating leaders who serve and inspire through integrity, creativity, and purpose.
Position Overview:
The Student Success Center at Bethany College invites applications for a Student Success Coach and Retention Specialist. This student-centered, full-time position plays a critical role in advancing student persistence, engagement, and academic achievement through proactive advising, success coaching, retention outreach, and coordinated support efforts.
The Student Success Coach and Retention Specialist serves as a primary point of contact for an assigned caseload of students and provides individualized academic and personal support throughout the student lifecycle. In addition to core advising and coaching responsibilities, this position carries a specialized focus on financial retention outreach and international student support, including compliance with federal immigration requirements. The Coach works collaboratively with faculty and campus partners, including athletics, financial aid, housing, student affairs, career services, and accessibility services, to help students navigate the college experience, identify barriers to success, and connect with appropriate resources.
Essential Functions:
Academic Advising & Success Coaching
- Provide proactive, individualized academic advising and success coaching to an assigned caseload of students, with a focus on retention and academic progress
- Meet and enroll incoming freshmen in their first two semesters using information from transcripts, student interviews, the Bethany College Catalog, and the First-Year Student Enrollment Handbook
- Guide advisees through the high school-to-college transition, including teaching time management, self-advocacy, decision-making, major selection, and problem-solving
- Assist students in developing academic, personal, and career-related goals
- Support students in strengthening study skills, organization, and college transition competencies
- Identify challenges impacting student success and connect students to appropriate campus resources, including tutoring, counseling, accessibility services, financial aid, and career development
- Supervise tutors and test proctors as assigned
- Provide support for students with academic accommodations in coordination with accessibility services
Retention & Financial Outreach
- Serve as a primary retention specialist, proactively contacting students regarding their financial payment plan obligations
- Communicate clearly and compassionately with students and families about financial account status, payment plan options, and next steps
- Collaborate with the Business Office and Financial Aid to resolve student financial concerns and connect students to appropriate resources
- Monitor and track student financial holds that may impact enrollment and academic progress
- Contribute to early alert and intervention efforts by identifying students at financial risk of stopping out
- Maintain accurate records and reports related to financial retention outreach activities
International Student Support & Compliance
- Serve as a primary point of contact and advisor for admitted international students, supporting their transition to campus life and academic success
- Assist international students in understanding and fulfilling all legal requirements necessary to maintain their status in the United States, including SEVIS/F-1 visa compliance (in coordination with the designated school official or DSO)
- Liaise with the appropriate federal and institutional offices to ensure timely and accurate reporting of international student enrollment and status changes
- Provide culturally responsive advising and connect international students to campus and community resources
- Assist with orientation programming tailored to the needs of international students
Collaboration, Case Management & Administrative Support
- Collaborate with faculty, staff, athletics personnel, and campus partners to support students' academic progress and personal development
- Maintain accurate advising notes, reports, and student records in the college's student information and early alert systems
- Contribute to retention initiatives through tracking, reporting, and analysis of student academic performance data
- Participate in professional development opportunities and serve on campus committees as assigned, including the Retention Committee
- Support the Director of the Student Success Center with departmental initiatives and reporting
The statements contained herein describe the scope of responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other areas to cover absences or provide relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Demonstrated experience working with college students in an advising, coaching, or student affairs capacity
- Excellent organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills
- Understanding of higher education degree requirements and academic policies
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with diverse populations
- Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with a wide variety of stakeholders
- Commitment to student success, equity, and inclusive support practices
- Excellent grammar, spelling, and writing abilities
- Microsoft Office, computer knowledge, and knowledge of office equipment
- Ability to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences, including students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, administration, and the community-at-large
- Ability to handle multiple projects/assignments concurrently and be very results-oriented
- Highly motivated and works well both independently and in a team environment
Preferred:
- Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field
- Experience with international student advising and/or F-1 visa compliance (SEVIS)
- Familiarity with financial aid processes and student financial retention strategies
- Experience with early alert systems and retention programming
- Knowledge of accessibility services and ADA accommodations
- Proficiency in Spanish
- Experience in a small, liberal arts college environment
Working Conditions:
- Office environment within the Student Success Center
- May require occasional evening or weekend hours, particularly during enrollment periods and orientation events
- Some travel may be required for professional development
Compensation & Benefits:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and retirement plans
- Generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Tuition remission benefits
- Professional Development Funds
- Possible Relocation Assistance
- Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth
- Supportive, mission-driven community and a beautiful campus environment
How to Apply:
- Apply online at Employment
- Submit resume and cover letter
- Contact information for three professional references
EEO:
Bethany College, an institution of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
This policy reflects Bethany College's mission to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. This commitment to equal employment opportunities strengthens our community and enhances our ability to fulfill our educational mission.