To advance the college’s mission, vision, principles, values and strategic initiatives through continuous improvement of student recruitment and retention in the Manufacturing programs.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY: 

Under minimal supervision, the Manufacturing Recruitment and Retention Specialist develops, maintains, and executes strategies to engage and convert prospective students into enrolled students. This position provides general course, program, and administrative information and guidance to entering students to ensure they have the necessary resources for a successful transition to manufacturing programs. The employee will work closely with Admissions, Advising, Financial Aid, the academic department, and other student support services. The individual must possess strong skills in communication, networking, public speaking, data management, and teamwork. The typical work schedule will be Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5pm. Some nights and weekends may be required. 

This position is grant funded through June 1, 2028.

UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES: 

• Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence.
• Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions. 
• Champion Service- anticipating needs and create a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment. 
• Perseverance- commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success. 
• Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence. 

• Develop and implement strategies to engage prospective students through events, school visits, and community outreach.
• Build relationships with prospective students using in-person and virtual communication.
• Assist students in identifying and choosing career opportunities within manufacturing programs.
• Assist students in navigating the admissions and enrollment process.
• Build an inclusive and supportive learning community across all manufacturing programs.
• Connect students with academic, career, and experiential learning opportunities.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to foster student engagement, mentoring, and industry connections that support student retention.
• Provide academic coaching to help students build skills in time management, study strategies, and personal accountability to support their academic success and retention.
• Assess student needs and provide referrals to campus and community resources.
• Perform other related work duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

• Represent Kirkwood Community College in a positive manner.
• Possess strong oral and written communication skills. 
• Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences.
• Must be an enthusiastic, self-motivated, energetic and creative individual with proven leadership, planning, organizational and administrative skills.
• Apply collaborative, organizational and interpersonal communication and human relations skills.
• Ability to plan, organize and implement assigned responsibilities with self-directedness and initiative.
• Assume responsibility; deal effectively with problems and exercise independent judgment when making decisions. 
• Possess knowledge of technology as it applies to learning and data management.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

Position involves working in an office setting. Occasional (10-33%) standing, pushing, pulling and grasping. Frequent (34-66%) reaching and viewing a computer and other types of close visual work. Constant (67-100%) sitting, walking, repetitive motion, talking and hearing. 

• Bachelor’s Degree

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, communication, sociology, or related field.
• Experience working with community college learners in an advising or support role. 
• Experience with community outreach.
• Experience in the manufacturing industry.

It is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness (employees) or the Vice President of Student Services (students), 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404,319-398-5572,equity@kirkwood.edu, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone:(303) 844-5695FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email:OCR.Denver@ed.gov.