Success Coach

Otterbein University seeks a Success Coach to provide academic and overall support for a select group of students as a primary retention strategy. Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director of Retention, this grant‑funded, full‑time, non‑exempt position works 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year; the grant runs through September 2029.

Responsibilities

• Develop relationships and provide case‑management support to a cohort of students identified as at‑risk, meeting regularly throughout the term to guide them through academic and non‑academic barriers.
• Serve as lead contact on all concern alerts for the cohort (Cardinal Concerns, Early Academic Alerts, faculty/staff outreach).
• Share relevant student‑concern information with the SSCD retention team, Academic Support Center, Student Affairs/athletics, and other Otterbein staff via existing reporting systems.
• Understand and communicate relevant academic policies to students.
• Meet weekly with each student in the cohort; provide follow‑up with the student, faculty, and support offices after each meeting; maintain accurate documentation of all meetings and communications.
• Provide individual academic and personal support to each student.
• Assist students in developing self‑efficacy: identify and overcome obstacles, teach time‑management and organization skills, motivate self‑regulation and ownership of academic success, and help implement learning strategies and study skills specific to course materials.
• Support the Assistant Director of Retention with development and implementation of retention programs (e.g., RISE, Orientation, probation mentoring).
• Serve on a designated retention team with representatives from SSCD, ASC, Student Affairs, and the Counseling Center.
• Manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Assist with development and implementation of assessment strategies for retention and support programs.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience in higher education or social work, preferably with direct student support.
• Proficiency with personal computers, related hardware/software.
• Experience with database management and career‑services‑related software.

Language Skills

Excellent verbal and written English skills, including grammar.

Mathematical Skills

Competence in general math.

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of general office procedures.
• Thoroughness and pride in quality of work.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to use general office equipment (PC, copier, telephone, fax, etc.).

Reasoning Ability

• Excellent attention to detail.
• Team player; interacts collegially with co‑workers and other constituencies.
• Excellent customer‑service skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment in unusual or new situations.
• Ability to work independently and retain confidential information.

The Successful Candidate Will Demonstrate

• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures; establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse students, faculty, and staff.
• Strong student advocacy with proven ability to work with a diverse population.
• Excellent project‑management skills.
• Team‑building skills focused on student interaction and relationships.
• Analytical, reasoning, and problem‑solving skills.
• Polished written and verbal communication skills.
• A positive attitude with a sense of humor.
• Consummate team player and relationship builder who thrives on student interaction.
• Extremely well‑organized with excellent follow‑through ability.

Benefits

• Tuition benefit for employee, spouse or domestic partner, and dependents.
• Accrue 4 weeks of paid vacation.
• 10 days paid sick time.
• 12 paid holidays plus bonus days.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee, dependents, or domestic partner.
• Life insurance.
• Defined‑contribution retirement plan.
• Additional benefits as described in the comprehensive package.

Physical Demands

Frequently required to talk or hear, sit, reach, and use repetitive motions of hands and wrists. Occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, or bend. Occasionally lift and/or carry up to 20 pounds and occasionally push and/or pull up to 20 pounds. Close vision required. Must meet regular and predictable attendance standards. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Work Environment

Duties are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.