CTE Recruitment and Retention Specialist

Title: CTE Recruitment and Retention Specialist

Agency: Mountain Empire Community Coll

Location: Wise - 195

FLSA: Exempt

Hiring Range: $44,192

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Additional Detail

Job Description:

Mountain Empire Community College is a comprehensive two-year college serving residents of Lee, Scott, Wise, and Dickenson counties, and the City of Norton. MECC is one of twenty-three colleges in the Virginia Community College System and operates under policies established by the State Board for Community Colleges and the Local Advisory Board. The College is financed primarily with state funds, supplemented by contributions from the local jurisdictions.

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Recruitment and Retention Specialist is a grant-funded position responsible for supporting the recruitment, engagement, and retention of students in CTE programs. This role collaborates across departments to implement proactive student success strategies, monitor academic progress, and provide targeted support services for at-risk students. Key responsibilities include organizing orientation and integration activities, coordinating early alerts, analyzing student data, promoting student services, maintaining web content, and participating in outreach and recruitment events. The Specialist will also contribute to program development by researching best practices and implementing effective student support models. This position plays a vital role in strengthening CTE enrollment and persistence and directly supports the objectives of the Perkins V grant.

This is a one-year, grant-funded position that includes the full benefits of classified employment with the Commonwealth of Virginia, with the exception of eligibility for state-funded cost-of-living salary increases or bonuses. Continuation of the position beyond the one-year term is not guaranteed and is contingent upon future grant funding.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively engage students and coordinate with faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications, student databases, learning management systems (e.g., Canvas or Blackboard), and web content management tools.
• Skill in analyzing data and applying results to design effective outreach, retention, and intervention strategies.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with students, colleagues, and community partners.
• Skill in developing and distributing professional communication materials such as newsletters, reports, and digital content.
• Time management and project coordination skills to manage multiple priorities, events, and grant deliverables simultaneously.
• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate student engagement and retention programs tailored to the needs of CTE students.
• Ability to work collaboratively with academic and student services personnel to identify and support at-risk students.
• Ability to assess program effectiveness and contribute to continuous improvement efforts through research and the application of best practices.
• Ability to represent the institution professionally at recruitment events and maintain a student-centered approach in all activities.
• Ability to adapt to shifting program priorities, meet grant requirements, and contribute meaningfully to institutional goals.

• Associate's degree or higher in education, education administration, or applicable field, especially as it may relate to career and technical education.
• Working knowledge of student development theories and best practices related to student engagement, retention, and academic success preferably in a community college setting.
• Minimum of two years of experience in recruiting and/or retention efforts at a community college level.
• Working knowledge of career and technical education program structures, industry demands, and post-secondary pathways.
• Experience in data analysis principles, including the ability to interpret retention and attrition metrics and report on student outcomes.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state privacy laws, including FERPA, and demonstrated ethical practices in handling student data.