Nursing Program Retention Specialist

Position Details Classification Information UnitJob StatusFLSA Position Information Position Title Nursing Program Retention Specialist Reports To Chairperson - Nursing Faculty Discipline NRS - Nursing Faculty is eligible for Tenure Track? Funding Source Functions and Responsibilities Job Summary Under the supervision of the Chairperson of the Division of Nursing & Health Sciences (DNHS), the Nursing Program Retention Specialist is responsible for advancing student persistence, academic progression, and completion across all nursing programs. The incumbent coordinates retention initiatives, provides structured academic support, monitors student performance data, and collaborates with faculty to enhance NCLEX readiness and overall program outcomes. This role supports student success initiatives aligned with accreditation standards, regulatory requirements, and evidence-based best practices in nursing education. Please Note: Essex County College does not provide visa sponsorship of any kind. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment. This position offers a competitive starting salary of $65,000 - $75,000, along with a comprehensive college benefits package. Benefits include: Health, dental, and vision coverage Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays Pension and retirement plans Tuition waiver programs Opportunities for professional growth Be part of a collaborative and mission-driven college community. Supervisory Role Receives verbal, written, and electronic direction from the Chairperson of DNHS or designee. May provide functional guidance to peer mentors, tutors, and student workers supporting retention initiatives. Duties & Responsibilities 1. Coordinate, organize, track, and support prospective, admitted, current, at-risk, and returning students across all nursing programs. 2. Develop, implement, and monitor comprehensive retention and persistence strategies aligned with institutional and accreditation goals. 3. Provide individualized academic coaching, study skills development, and NCLEX preparation support. 4. Identify at-risk students using data analytics, early alert systems, and faculty referrals; implement structured intervention plans. 5. Collaborate with faculty to integrate the NCLEX test plan, clinical judgment model, and evidence-based teaching strategies into the curriculum. 6. Support students and faculty in the effective use of departmental resources, simulation tools, testing platforms, and the Learning Management System (LMS). 7. Coordinate tutoring services, supplemental instruction, peer mentoring, and remediation programs. 8. Monitor student progression benchmarks including course performance, ATI/standardized testing outcomes, clinical evaluations, and licensure preparation metrics. 9. Collect, analyze, and prepare monthly and semester-based retention and performance reports for DNHS and college administration. 10. Ensure compliance with Board of Nursing regulations, accreditation standards (e.g., ACEN), and institutional policies related to student progression. 11. Maintain accurate, secure, and confidential student records in accordance with FERPA and institutional data governance policies. 12. Collaborate with Counseling, Advising, Financial Aid, Accessibility Services, and other college departments to address holistic student needs. 13. Assist with admissions support, information sessions, onboarding activities, and orientation programming for nursing students. 14. Provide proctoring, testing coordination, and support services outside regular classroom hours as needed. 15. Participate in faculty meetings, curriculum discussions, strategic planning initiatives, and program review processes. 16. Support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within nursing education and promote culturally responsive student engagement. 17. Participate in professional development activities and professional nursing education organizations; disseminate relevant updates to faculty. 18. Respond to, route, and manage inquiries directed to DNHS in a timely and professional manner. 19. Maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions. 20. Perform additional duties as assigned. Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job. Unless reasonable accommodations can be made, while performing this job the staff member shall: • Use strength to lift items needed to perform the functions of the job. • Sit, stand and walk/move from place to place for required periods of time. • Move between buildings. • Speak and hear, communicate using telephone and/or walkie talkie. • Use close vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception along with the ability to focus vision. • Communicate effectively in English, using proper grammar and vocabulary. • Reach with hands and arms and use hands and fingers to handle objects and operate tools, including but not limited to, computers, keyboards, telephones, calculators, and controls. • Bend, twist, climb, push, pull, and lift. Additional Requirements Minimum Qualifications Experience (number of years), Knowledge and/or Abilities • Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree in nursing, Education, or related field preferred. • Current New Jersey Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing. • Experience in nursing education, academic support, student advising, or clinical instruction. • Demonstrated knowledge of NCLEX standards, clinical judgment models, and nursing program accreditation requirements. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Learning Management Systems (e.g., Blackboard, Canvas). • Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret student performance data. • Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. • Ability to work effectively in a diverse, multicultural academic environment. Education Requirements Bachelor's Degree Licenses and Certifications (including e.g., CPR, first aid, driver's license, etc.) Preferred Qualifications Experience (number of years), Knowledge and/or Abilities • Master's degree in nursing, Education, or related field preferred. • Experience with early alert systems, predictive analytics, or student success technologies. • Certification in nursing education (CNE) or related credential preferred. • Experience with simulation-based education and standardized testing platforms (e.g., ATI, HESI). • Ability to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends, based on program needs. Education Requirements Master's Degree Licenses and Certifications (including e.g., CPR, first aid, driver's license, etc.)

Created: 2026-03-04