Student Recruitment and Retention Manager

MERS Goodwill mersgoodwill.org Open · verified Sep 16, 2026

Saint Louis Manager Retention Marketing

Mid-level Retention Marketing role at MERS Goodwill. Saint Louis · $50,000–$65,000 base.

SalaryStated by MERS Goodwill

$50,000 – $65,000

Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.

Role brief

Growth Roles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

Build community partnerships and explain Goodwill’s mission to stakeholders and prospective students
Run outreach, events, enrollment processes, and orientations that bring students into the Excel Center
Create student events focused on barriers, career readiness, and an engaging campus experience
Maintain follow-up with returning students and alumni, then use feedback to improve support
Supervise and assess College & Career Readiness Specialists

What you bring

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; a master’s degree and relevant field are preferred
At least five years in adult education, workforce development, or human services
Experience with student, participant, or employee recruitment is preferred
A driver’s license, current auto insurance, and dependable personal transportation
The ability to build partner relationships, collaborate with a team, and work a modified schedule

Who this fits

You’ll suit this role if you can connect with community partners, recruit students, remove barriers to success, and lead staff in a mission-focused setting. The position is based in St. Louis and includes twenty-five percent travel, occasional weekend activities, and a modified schedule at least one day each week. MERS Goodwill also requires background and records checks after hiring.

From the employer

Required Travel: 25%
Position Type: Salaried
Salary Range: $50,000 - $65,000

MERS/Missouri Goodwill Industries is looking for an energetic, self-motivated, and professional Student Recruitment and Retention Manager to join our St Louis Excel Center team! The ideal candidate will support our mission, "Changing Lives Through the Power of Work!" and embody our core values of diversity, integrity, passion, professionalism, respect, and responsibility.

If you're seeking an opportunity that empowers you to achieve new goals while pursuing a mission-driven career, then this is the perfect fit for you.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required; Master's degree preferred. Degrees in Social Work, Education, Human Services, or a related field are preferred. Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
Minimum of five years of experience in adult education, workforce development, or human services required. Experience in student, participant, or employee recruitment is preferred.
Ability to work a modified schedule at least one day per week (10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. or 12:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.) and participate in occasional weekend events and activities.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with community partners and stakeholders while working collaboratively as part of a team.
Valid driver's license, current automobile insurance, and reliable personal transportation required.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities

Community Engagement & Student Recruitment

Build and maintain community relationships to increase awareness of the Excel Center.
Deliver a compelling elevator pitch on Goodwill’s mission and impact to a variety of stakeholders.
Strengthen existing partnerships and identify new collaborative relationships aligned with student success.
Develop and manage effective recruitment and enrollment systems, including outreach, event coordination, and clear orientation processes.

Student Retention & Success

Foster a strong, engaging student community and overall experience.
Plan and deliver student-focused events (e.g., Lunch & Learns) addressing barriers and career readiness.
Maintain follow-up systems for returning students and alumni.
Partner with Life Coaches and campus leadership to address barriers and celebrate student progress.
Collect and use student feedback to continuously improve the experience.
Supervise and evaluate College & Career Readiness Specialists.

Benefits

Individual and family medical benefits for full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week.
Individual and family dental and vision benefits on the first of the month following the hire date for employees working 20 or more hours week.
Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance on the first of the month following the hire date for employees working 20 or more hours per week.
403(B) Retirement on date of hire for employees working 20 or more hours per week.
403(B) Retirement + Employer Match after one year of employment for employees working 20 or more hours per week.
401(A) Retirement on date of hire for employees working 20 or more hours per week.
PTO Accrual up to 15 days based on hours worked.
Employee store discount
Paid holidays
Flexible Schedules
Career Growth Opportunities

MERS Missouri Goodwill is an equal-opportunity employer. MERS Goodwill does not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or any other non-merit factor.

MERS Missouri Goodwill requires various background and records checks upon employment.