Description:
The Retention Manager leads all initiatives designed to support students in continuing from their first to second year and from their second to third year at CFNI. This role coordinates campus-wide efforts to strengthen student engagement, address barriers to re-enrollment, monitor academic and financial concerns that impact registration/enrollment, and reinforce a culture of academic persistence and graduation. The Retention Manager will utilize data-driven strategy and relational student support to connect students with the right CFN departments and resources that will enable students to stay connected to their calling and complete their program at CFNI.
Qualifications:
Previous experience in higher education, student services, or ministry leadership is preferred.
Experience with Populi or similar student information systems is a plus.
A strong commitment to CFNI’s mission and values.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to follow-up.
Ability to collaborate effectively across multiple departments.
Confidence with data tracking, reporting, and trend analysis.
Full-time, in-office position; remote work is not available.
Duties and Responsibilities:
STRATEGY AND DATA MANAGEMENT
Under oversight of CFN leadership, establish and oversee the implementation of the CFNI’s multi-year retention strategy across departments
Establish and track measurable baselines for eligible first, second, and third year re-enrollment
Set, monitor, and report on semester and annual retention goals for first-to-second year and second-to-third year progression
Present Retention Reports to CFN Leadership per semester, including retention percentages, causes of attrition, success stories, and recommendations for improvement
Maintain and analyze retention data with the Registrar’s Office to identify trends, risks, and opportunities
CROSS-DEPARTMENTAL COLLABORATION AND SUPPORT
Responsible for cross-department collaboration, data tracking, and student engagement.
Partner with multiple departments – Admissions, Finance, Academics, Registrar, Cashier’s Office, Housing, and Student Life – to resolve student enrollment barriers
Facilitate regular retention meetings with department representatives to discuss data and specific student needs
Coordinate follow-up efforts with non-registered students after each early registration window:
Coordinate follow-up efforts with the Academic Department for students with academic issues.
Coordinate follow-up efforts with the Finance Department for students with financial holds.
Assign cases to the Dean’s Department and follow up on students with disciplinary concerns, counseling needs, or other issues that may prevent registration.
Embed the vision of graduation early by ensuring the message “You’re not just here to enroll, you’re here to graduate and fulfill your calling” is infused into every touchpoint
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH
Manage early registration and incentive campaigns to increase re-enrollment
Coordinate key retention-focused events for each academic level (e.g., early registration events, “Come Back to Graduate” initiatives, and the Third Year Party)
Coordinate with Student Life on community and mentoring activities such as assigning second-year mentors to first-year students
Work closely with RAs, mentors, and faculty to support students relationally, academically, and spiritually
Conduct targeted follow-up, including personal phone calls, prayer, and problem-solving, with students who do not pre-register or indicate difficulty continuing
