Student Retention Officer – Leeds

Do you believe education can change lives? Are you a caring person? A problem solver? Good at establishing professional relationships? If any of these apply to you why not consider joining GBS as a Student Retention Officer. Student Retention Officer are crucial for GBS to deliver on our commitment to care for our students, helping them to succeed in every way we can. As a Student Retention Officer you will get to know the students in your care and play a key role in supporting them through their educational journey. You will be the first person they will turn to for help and you will either help them resolve their challenges or signpost them to the relevant services when the issue is more complicated. Either way you will paly a crucial role in their success

The purpose of this role is to ensure as many students as possible towards retention and progress from level to level, a key element of student success at GBS. Your key task will be to work under the direction of the Head of Student Retention, and in collaboration with the Student Success Tutors and relevant academic staff to help re-engage students in their studies. 

Main Responsibilities

  • To work with individual students who have been reported as being dis-engaged to help them return to productive study.
  • To ensure all assigned students are contacted and to gain an understanding of the barriers to study they are encountering. 
  • To ensure appropriate records are kept in an accurate and timely fashion.
  • To work under the direction of the Head of Student Retention and in collaboration with the relevant academics to develop bespoke plans to ensure each student returns to study.
  • To work with relevant internal and external stakeholders to ensure students remain engaged with their studies.
  • To work within the appropriate professional framework and guidelines when dealing with nonattending students in the efforts to re-engage them.
  • To assist with the administration of surveys and the collection of results for analysis by the Planning, Information and Delivery department.
  • To assist Registry with induction/enrolment processes as required.
  • To be flexible in approach to ensure there is an adequate Retention Officer presence for all partnerships at all campuses.
  • Requirements

  • Educated to degree level or equivalent with knowledge of safeguarding legislation and best practice, you will have previous experience of working with students in higher education, specifically with mature students.
  • You will have strong communication skills and an ability to adapt messages for a diverse audience in an inclusive and accessible way. 
  • You’ll be able to plan and prioritise effectively to achieve objectives, work collaboratively in a team and build and maintain positive relationships with students. 
  • High level of computer literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
  • Attention to detail is a must as well as strong organizational skills.
  • This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned.