Student Retention and Engagement Manager

Are you passionate about improving student outcomes and building systems that support equity in education? Do you thrive in environments where you can mentor, guide, and advocate for adult learners navigating academic and workforce development pathways?

Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School (AoH) in Washington, D.C. is seeking a mission-driven Student Retention and Engagement Manager to lead and coordinate engagement strategies that ensure adult learners are fully supported from pre-enrollment through their first 90 days of enrollment—and beyond. Reporting to the Office of Enrollment Management, this critical position bridges admissions, student support, and academic advising to ensure learners persist and succeed.

The Student Retention and Engagement Manager will serve as the first line of engagement for new students, providing direct support during onboarding and leading early-intervention strategies to reduce attrition. This position is ideal for someone who is organized, resourceful, and committed to the success of underserved adult learners.

This is a full-time, year-round, hybrid role with occasional evening and weekend responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a dedicated advisor and case manager for new learners, with a focus on their first 90 days of enrollment.

• Design and lead student engagement activities including orientation, technology bootcamps, and early-term interventions.

• Collaborate with the Admissions and Academic teams to ensure seamless transition from inquiry to enrollment.

• Track and analyze student data using Salesforce to identify risk factors, monitor progress, and support persistence.

• Provide proactive advising and connect students to academic and wraparound supports.

• Ensure enrollment records are accurate and compliant with DCPCSB and OSSE regulations.

• Lead retention-related initiatives targeting students from Wards 5 and 8 and workforce learners.

• Serve as a liaison between students and other school departments to coordinate services and resolve issues quickly.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in academic advising, admissions, counseling, or student services.

• 2–3 years of professional experience in a student-facing support role in an education or workforce development setting.

• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and evaluate student retention strategies.

• Knowledge of the needs and barriers faced by adult learners and non-traditional students.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and CRM systems (Salesforce preferred).

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with proven ability to build relationships and engage stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

• Familiarity with DCPS or DCPCS enrollment, residency, and compliance policies preferred.

• Ability to work some evenings and weekends as needed.

Additional Skills and Competencies

• Cultural competence and the ability to work effectively in a diverse school community.

• Strong organizational and project management skills.

• Experience handling sensitive student information with discretion and professionalism.

• A deep commitment to AoH’s mission to empower adult learners through education, career training, and community partnership.