Student Success Coach

About the role

The Student Success Coach will be responsible for implementing dynamic initiatives as part of the Graduation Team model designed to improve the overall matriculation, retention, and persistence of traditional and nontraditional students at Columbia College. The role reports within the Center for Advising, Retention, and Student Success (CARSS) is a one-stop shop that provides support to students throughout their college experience, including assistance in admissions, registration, financial aid, and academics.

Responsibilities

• Provide personalized coaching to students, helping them develop strategies for academic success, financial planning and time management.
• Aid students in navigating the financial aid process, identifying eligible aid opportunities, and developing budgeting strategies.
• Deliver appreciative model interventions for students regarding academic and financial aid concerns that may impact student matriculation and retention.
• Stay current on academic, financial, and support services and policies to provide students with the most accurate information.
• Deliver proactive interventions for students facing academic or financial challenges that may impact their matriculation and retention.
• Organize and implement retention initiatives/programming to maintain student enrollment and engagement.
• Maintain accurate student records, advising notes, and documentation in compliance with institutional policies.
• Support first semester registration efforts, providing support for incoming students to encourage a smooth transition to college.
• Foster a growth mindset and resilience among students.
• Ensure students are aware of available Columbia College student services including military & veteran support, student accessibility resources, tutoring and writing assistance, career development, and support for accommodations.
• Advise students on available veteran benefits, including eligibility, application processes, and financial aid options.
• Monitor student progress, identify at-risk students, and implement targeted support strategies to foster academic success.
• Collaborate with Leadership to recommend schedule adjustments to support student success and retention.
• Respond to in-person, phone, and email inquiries in an effective, timely, and customer-focused manner, providing accurate information and appropriate referrals to other offices/staff as needed.
• Assist with events including recruitment, career and education fairs, commencement and student orientation.
• Ensure responsible use of financial resources.
• Collaborate in call campaigns and general outreach across the Enrollment Management & Marketing Division that affect the student experience during the admissions process through graduation.
• Teach students about available resources through Columbia College such as technology, student services, and extracurricular opportunities.
• Understand and adhere to college policies, ensuring compliance with institutional guidelines and professional standards.
• Actively seek to understand not only our role in the college, but of other departments on campus so we can better serve students.
• Demonstrate professionalism and confidentiality at all times.
• Successfully complete all Human Resources, Technology Services, and other annual training as needed.
• Fulfill additional responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Ability to fluently read, write, and understand the English language.
• Proficiency with the following, but not limited to: active listening; speaking; writing; critical thinking; judgment and decision making; monitoring; reading comprehension; time management; coordination; and management of personnel resources.
• Proficiency for using a variety of computer and technology-related software and equipment, including Microsoft Office products and database systems.
• Proficiency in using web-based technologies, including database systems.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment, with or without direct supervision.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, customer service, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to student success, retention and degree completion through proactive advising and support strategies.
• Navigates complex student concerns, policy interpretations, and operational challenges with a solution-focused approach.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for events, student support and outreach initiatives.
• Ability to foster relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and prioritize responsibilities effectively.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree.
• Must meet and maintain requirements as an approved driver for Columbia College.
• Valid US State Driver License.
• Some evening and weekend work required.

Skills

• Fluency in English.
• Proficiency in computer and technology-related software and equipment.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, customer service, and organizational skills.
• Proactive advising and support strategies.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to navigate complex student concerns and policy interpretations.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Ability to foster relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and prioritize responsibilities effectively.

Benefits

Not specified.

Pay

$20.20 per hour.

Schedule

Full-time, Staff.