Retention/Advising Specialist

Retention/Advising Specialist

Salary

$41,349.00 - $59,541.00 Annually

Location

TSCC - 1225 Air Base Blvd, Montgomery, AL

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

03633

College/Division

TSCC-501120-Student Success Center

Opening Date

08/27/2026

Closing Date

9/10/2026 11:59 PM Central

Campus Location

Trenholm State Community College

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Summary

The Retention and Advising Specialist provides proactive academic support services to students in achieving their academic goals. This position works collaboratively to provide resources and initiatives in the areas of advising, academic support, and at-risk student outreach to support retention and degree completion. The position will develop, coordinate, and facilitate activities and programs in conjunction with instructional and student services units that will help ensure the retention and success of students. The Retention and Advising Specialist reports to the Director of the Student Success Center. (Continuation of position is contingent upon grant funding)

Salary Schedule- E3-04

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions, Duties, & Responsibilities:

• Facilitate students academic progress by completing comprehensive individual needs assessments and developing individual academic plans; review grades and transcripts; monitor satisfactory academic progress, make referrals to appropriate campus resources as necessary.
• Monitor academic progress of students who are identified as at-risk, who are on Student Success Plans for probation and Financial Aid SAP. Work with the student, faculty, and other academic support offices to offer resources and interventions that enhance success.
• Coordinate outreach efforts and other Student Success Center initiatives for new and at-risk students.
• Establish an early alert communication system for faculty to identify students whose behaviors indicate a lack of academic success strategies.
• Evaluate services to determine impact of retention efforts and assists with the development of new and refined strategies for maximizing student retention.
• Review retention data to identify common trends and barriers impacting student progression and work collectively to strategize pathways for success.
• Coach students through barriers that prevent them from progressing towards completion of their degree; refer them to appropriate offices for assistance as needed.
• Assess and anticipate students problems and needs; refer students to appropriate student support units and conduct follow-up on all referrals.
• Conduct workshops to assist students in developing essential skills for academic success.
• Assist the Director in implementing academic support services to enhance student retention and success.
• Initiate and maintain effective working relationships with college counselors, faculty and staff to provide current information to students, facilitate students' understanding of College policies and procedures, and to advocate for students.
• Adhere to the regulations and guidelines of the Title III program grant and maintain accurate records for institutional and federal reporting purposes.
• Attends staff meetings; serves on committees; submits monthly and quarterly reports; develops communication and strategies for retention of students.14.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Director of the Student Success Center and Dean of Student Affairs & Information Services

Qualifications

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• One year of experience in education, student personnel, counseling,human services, or related field.
• Requires self-motivated individual with demonstrated leadership and management skills who enjoys working with students, faculty, staff and the general public.
• Ability to communicate with a diverse audience and articulate programs in the college to both internal and external audiences.
• Ability to work as an effective team member
• Strong time management, organizational, and critical thinking skills

Required, Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Knowledge and experience working with a culturally diverse student population.
• Ability to prioritize and simultaneously manage multiple projects and work in a fast-paced environment with regular interruptions and multiple competing demands.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Advanced experience with technology including proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to function in an automated work environment.
• Ability to comprehend and interpret rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines.
• Excellent customer service skills; including the ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with students, colleagues, and staff.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Prolonged sitting and standing at times.
• Some overnight travel involved.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel independently.
• Ability to work with large groups.
• Ability to travel to different campuses.
• Must be willing and available to work flexible hours. May require some evening hours and activities at all campus locations.
• Ability to effectively communicate by using PC, telephone, and written media.

Application Procedures/Additional Information

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated on this vacancy notice and must submit a completed online application packet to be considered for this position. Applicants who fail to submit all required information will not be considered. Only applications received during the period of this announcement will be considered. A complete application packet consists of:

• Trenholm State Community College online employment application.
• A current resume, including three (3) references.
• Copy of transcripts that demonstrate the required educational qualifications must be included and must identify the applicant, institution, degree, and date conferred.

WORK EXPERIENCE VERIFICATION

Neither a resume nor an application is appropriate verification of work experience. It is not our policy to contact current and/or previous employers to obtain employment verification. "Work experience verification is required in writing from your current and/or previous employer(s) confirming the required level of experience as stated in the "Minimum Qualifications" section and other related experience. Verification should include dates of employment and position title(s). Proof of work experience verification may be delayed until an official offer of employment using the Work Experience Verification form, which is found on the Human Resources home page. All work experience verification must be completed within 15 days following the employment offer.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Complete application files will be accepted by the Office of Human Resources on a continuous basis and remain active for one year for available positions. Incomplete application packets will eliminate the possibility of a position opportunity.

EEOC, E-VERIFY, BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENTS: Trenholm State Community College is an equal opportunity employer. It is the official policy of the Alabama Community College System that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, disability, gender, religion, creed, national origin, or age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or employment. Trenholm State Community College will make reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled applicants or employees.

Trenholm State Community College reserves the right to withdraw this job announcement at any time prior to the awarding. More than one position in the same job classification may be filled by the applicants for this position should another vacancy occur during the search process. Any offer of employment is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background investigation. The applicant will be responsible for the cost of the criminal background investigation.

This employer participates in E-Verify.

Sick Leave

All regular full-time non-instructional staff earns one day of sick leave which is the equivalent of 8 hours of sick leave per month. Unused sick leave is rolled over to the following year. Upon retirement, employees are allowed to convert unused sick time into service time for the purpose of retirement. Further retirement benefits may be found on this page under Alabama Teachers Retirement.

8 hours per month

(may accumulate an unlimited number)

Annual Leave

All regular full-time non-instructional staff earn annual leave per month. A complete description of leave benefits can be found with the Human Resources office.

0-4 years 8 hours per month

5-9 years 10 hours per month

10-14 years 12 hours per month

15-19 years 14 hours per month

20+ 16 hours per month

(may accumulate up to 480 hours)

Personal Leave

All regular full-time non-instructional staff earns up to two (2) regularly scheduled workdays of personal leave per leave year.

Unused Personal Leave converts to sick leave if not used.

(converts to sick leave at the end of August each year if not used)

Professional Leave

Up to 10 days a year of professional development leave with pay may be granted by the President.

Holidays

New Years Day

Martin Luther King/Robert E. Lee Birthday

National Memorial Day

Juneteenth

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veterans Day

Thanksgiving Day

Day after Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

16 (5 locally assigned)

Contracted Work Days

260

Retirement

The TRS was established in 1939 to provide benefits to qualified persons employed by state-supported educational institutions. Responsibility for the management and administration of the TRS is vested in its Board of Control. The Boards of Control elect the Secretary-Treasurer who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the RSA and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the RSA. The TRS is a defined benefit plan qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. For more information visit The Retirement Systems of Alabama. All regular full-time and part-time employees (non-temporary and non- student) who work at least 20 hours per week are required to participate in The Teachers Retirement System of Alabama.

Tier I - Pays 7.50% monthly. State matches 14.57% (effective 10/01/25)

Tier II - Pays 6.20% monthly. State matches 13.61% (effective 10/01/25)

Law Enforcement Officers:

Tier I-Pays 8.50% monthly. State matches 14.57% (effective 10/01/25)

Tier II- Pays 7.20% monthly. State matches 13.61% (effective 10/01/25)

Health Insurance

PEEHIP, established in 1983, provides health insurance benefits for active and retired education employees and is governed by the PEEHIP Board of Control. The Boards of Control elect the Secretary-Treasurer who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the RSA and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the RSA. For more information visit http://www.rsa-al.gov/index.php/members/peehip

Premium amounts:

• Single $ 30
• Family (without Spouse but with dependents) $ 207
• Employee + Spouse (no dependents) $ 282
• Family (with Spouse and dependents*) $ 307
• Includes $100 per month spousal surcharge Note: The spousal surcharge does not apply to spouses who are independently eligible for PEEHIP.

Tobacco Usage Premium

• Member $ 50
• Spouse $ 50

The tobacco premium applies only to the PEEHIP Hospital Medical and VIVA Health plans. Refer to the Wellness Program section to learn how you and/or your spouse can receive the non-tobacco user discount.

Wellness Premium

• Member $ 50
• Spouse $ 50

The wellness premium applies only to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Hospital Medical Group #14000 plan for non-Medicare eligible active and retired members, non-Medicare-eligible members on LOA or COBRA, and non-Medicare-eligible spouses on active or retired contracts. Refer to the Wellness Program section to learn how you and/or your spouse can receive a wellness premium waiver.

If desired, the employee may elect four options rather than health insurance options to include hospital indemnity, cancer, dental, and vision.

Optional Coverage Plan Premiums

• Cancer, Indemnity, and Vision Single or Family (cost per plan) $ 38
• Dental Single $ 38 Dental Family $ 50

Institution matches $800 monthly (effective 10/01/17).

Duty Hours

(hours vary by campus and needs of the student)

Tuition Assistance

This tuition waiver program is designed for all full-time instructional and non-instructional employees of The Alabama College System and the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education and their dependents as defined under by policy. The program will be coordinated by each institution for employees within The Alabama College System and the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education. An application form for the tuition assistance program is available in the Human Resources office and should be completed prior to registration for classes.

Employees/Dependents at two-year colleges:

• 1/3 waived after 1st year
• 2/3 waived after 2nd year
• 3/3 waived after 3rd year

Note: Employee is vested after 10 years in Retirement System. Additional information regarding retirement may be obtained from the Retirement System Web site at www.rsa.al.gov.

01

Do you have a bachelors degree from a regionally accredited institution?

• yes
• no

02

Do you have one year of experience in education, student personnel, counseling, human services, or related field?

• yes
• no

03

Do you have the ability to communicate with a diverse audience and articulate programs in the college to both internal and external audiences?

• yes
• no

04

Are you proficient in word-processing, spreadsheets, database applications, and internet capabilities?

• yes
• no

05

Do you have the ability to handle multiple tasks and various situations in a calm and professional manner?

• yes
• no

06

Do you have excellent collaboration skills; and the ability to work as a member of a team?

• yes
• no

07

Are you a self-motivated individual with demonstrated leadership and management skills who enjoys working with students, faculty, staff, and the general public?

• yes
• no

08

Do you have the ability to travel to different campuses?

• yes
• no

09

Do you have excellent customer service skills, including the ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with students, colleagues, and staff?

• yes
• no

10

Do you have the ability to work flexible hours, evenings, and weekends?

• yes
• no

11

Do you have the ability to comprehend and interpret rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines?

• yes
• no

12

Do you have the ability to function in an automated work environment?

• yes
• no

13

Do you have strong time management, organizational, and critical thinking skills?

• yes
• no

14

Will you be able to perform the job functions as stated in the job posting with or without reasonable accommodations?

• yes
• no

Required Question

Employer ACCS

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