Return-To-Learn Program Manager

As a key member of the Return-to-Learn team, execute a local, state and nation-wide initiative to recruit former students to Montana State University who have not yet completed their degree (at MSU or elsewhere), leading a coordinated effort with key strategic partners throughout the state. With a focus on the adult learner, the Office of Return-to-Learn is here to support individuals in their pursuit of a degree.

Duties and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Associate Director of Adult Education, Success, and Access Programs:Student Recruitment

Develop and leverage data to identify and support adult learners to return to school, while also using data to inform preemptive retention practices. Develop, implement and refine a model to predict who might return the best ROI.
Develop and implement outreach to students who withdraw from MSU and ensure their return to MSU.
Develop strategic initiatives to grow the pipeline of potential applicants, while simultaneously building a pipeline of adult learners who may be new to higher education.
Use existing and new strategies to capture and support students who are already planning to return.
Working with the Data Analyst and Program Manager, provide regular qualitative and quantitative reports demonstrating the "state of student retention" with suggestions for student interventions/improvement.

Communications and Marketing
Working in collaboration with the Associate Director and AYCSS Communications team, develop innovative marketing and communications to advertise the Return to Learn, Montana's Own, and 1893 programs to potential and future students. Communication should utilize the IKAB model and be developmentally appropriate using AYCSS student socialization models to benchmark methods and strategies for MSU students.
Working in collaboration with the Associate Director and AYCSS Communications team, develop innovative materials and opportunities to identify and recruit students to participate in Return-to-Learn programs and other programs aimed at the adult learner population.
Take ownership of the Return-to-Learn website and work with Communications staff to keep it fresh and relevant. Use analytics to determine efficacy of the website in recruitment and marketing efforts.
Develop and leverage data to determine efficacy of marketing and communications and adjusting strategy as needed.
In partnership with the Associate Director and Communications Manager, develop and create materials for presentations, grants, and marketing efforts for both internal and external audiences that follow the university's marketing and branding guides as articulated by University Communications.
Student Management & Program Development and Implementation
Provide coaching and advising to support adult learners to navigate their return to MSU and once enrolled, actively and regularly meet with Return-to-Learn Scholars in their educational pursuits.
Partner with key AYCSS entities to assist Scholars in the areas of career ideation and development, mentoring, job and internship opportunities, and financial literacy.
Partner with key campus entities including but not limited to academic advisors, Dean of Students, Registrar's Office, Student Accounts, Disability and Veteran's Services, etc. to support Scholars.
Working in collaboration with the Associate Director, develop and deliver a variety of learning and networking opportunities for Scholars including but not limited to leadership and personal development, NACE Career Development Competencies, finding purpose and meaning in their career, work-life balance, what to expect after graduation, etc.
Develop, manage, and analyze data for measuring efficacy of the programs and adjusting strategy as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
Strong data analysis, problem-solving, and project management skills. Strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to use data and metrics to back up assumptions, recommendations, and drive actions.
Demonstrated experience in student recruitment, program marketing, program development, management, implementation and delivery assessment.
Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy with a strong commitment to quality and delivery with a high degree of professionalism.
Experience in student advising at the post-secondary level or experience with career/professional coaching.
Demonstrated competence using personal computers and various software such as word processing, spreadsheets, database, presentation, email, internet, and customer relational databases. Microsoft Office software preferred.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to exercise good judgement, diplomacy and discretion.
History of collaboration and willingness to roll up one's sleeves to get the job done (no job is too large; no job is too small).
Able to prioritize complex deliverables, have highly technical and informed discussions leading to good decisions and thoughtful outcomes.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with cross-functional teams, where continuous innovation and improvement is desired.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

Master's degree.
Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple initiatives while working with various constituents bringing project to a successful completion.
Demonstrated experience planning events or programs with multiple constraints and considerations that must be thought-through or planned.
Knowledge of trends in higher education.

The Successful Candidate Will

Possess the ability to be a team member and work cooperatively, and with respect, alongside fellow teammates in pursuit of a common goal.
Be a self-starter.
Have superb organizational skills and attention to detail.
Have experience working successfully in a team-oriented environment with a wide range of key constituents both internal and external to the organization.
Possess sound decision-making skills.
Possess an enthusiastic approach and a high level of integrity.
Have proficient knowledge of and experience using personal computers.
Possess the ability to influence others, facilitating agreement among stakeholders with different interests.
Have proficient knowledge of experience and abilities consistent with programmatic activities at a university or university-like environment.
Possess the ability to be a team member and work cooperatively, and with respect, alongside fellow teammates in pursuit of a common goal.
Be a self-starter.
Have superb organizational skills and attention to detail.
Have experience working successfully in a team-oriented environment with a wide range of key constituents both internal and external to the organization.
Possess sound decision-making skills.
Possess an enthusiastic approach and a high level of integrity.
Have proficient knowledge of and experience using personal computers.
Possess the ability to influence others, facilitating agreement among stakeholders with different interests.
Have proficient knowledge of experience and abilities consistent with programmatic activities at a university or university-like environment.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.This position will require scheduled evening and potential weekend hours to host events and interact with students.

Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties?
No