Find The RightJob.
Nursing Program Retention Specialist
Position Details
Classification Information
Unit
Job Status
FLSA
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.
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:
keyboards, telephones, calculators, and controls.
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
- Move between buildings.
- Speak and hear, communicate using telephone and/or walkie talkie.
- Use close vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception
- Communicate effectively in English, using proper grammar and
- Reach with hands and arms and use hands and fingers to handle
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.)
Posting Details
Posting Information
Open Date
02/11/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Close Date
Special Instructions Summary
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Essex County College is an Equal Opportunity Employer – All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, military status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required DocumentsOptional Documents
- Resume
- Online Portfolio Address
- Transcripts
- Letter of Recommendation (minimum of 3)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Reference Letters (2 to 3)
Similar jobs
No similar jobs found
© 2026 Qureos. All rights reserved.