SUCCESS COACH

This is a full-time, salaried (exempt) academic staff position in the Office of Online & Professional Learning Resources (OPLR).

About the role

A Success Coach is assigned to a student upon admission and remains the student’s primary point of contact throughout enrollment in their program. The coach provides information and assistance across a wide range of domains, including traditional academic advising, mentoring, general student services, and educational coaching. The Success Coach works closely with the OPLR student services team (financial aid, registrar, admissions, enrollment, etc.), program management, and faculty to ensure a smooth transition from admission to advising, enrolling, and advancing in studies. Proactive, wrap-around support is delivered in an individualized manner to help students navigate and succeed in their academic journey.

The Office of Online & Professional Learning Resources (OPLR) is committed to providing service and support to the Universities of Wisconsin Administration and all 13 UW universities in online and continuing education, teaching, learning, and workforce skills training. OPLR partners with all 13 UW universities to develop and deliver online semester- and competency-based degrees, as well as a broad array of credit and non-credit certificates, courses, and other credentials to help adult and professional learners achieve their academic and professional development goals and to develop Wisconsin’s workforce.

Responsibilities

• Connect with all assigned students within specified timeframes to introduce the academic success coaching process and establish a proactive, supportive relationship maintained throughout the student life cycle.
• Ensure students receive an individualized learning plan identifying resources for managing challenges, concerns, and timely next steps to reach agreed-upon academic goals.
• Monitor student academic progress and communicate with each student at frequent, regularly scheduled intervals, intervening as appropriate to assist those having difficulty.
• Serve as a liaison with faculty and other program representatives to help students understand their specific progress and mastery.
• Respond to life coaching needs, identifying and addressing work/life barriers to success.
• Provide career guidance, describe career opportunities, and refer students to campus partner career services units to align educational goals with their program of interest.
• Work closely with stakeholders to meet established enrollment and retention goals.
• Be available and responsive to students during scheduled hours.
• Collaborate with campus partners and program representatives as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of 1 year of professional experience in advising, counseling, student services, human services, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience in a higher education setting.
• Master’s degree in higher education, counseling, student affairs, or a related field.
• Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (Salesforce preferred) and student information systems.

Skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to audience needs via multiple delivery methods.
• Demonstrated ability to provide quality customer service.
• Experience utilizing active listening and critical thinking skills to effectively solve problems.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment of rapid change, be comfortable with ambiguity, and think on your feet.
• Proficiency with technology tools, including databases, Microsoft Office Suite, and social networking.

Pay

Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within the range of $50,000–$60,000, commensurate with education and related experience.

Schedule

• Office hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, with one day per week providing extended coverage until 6:00 PM.
• Hybrid work options may be available, with a minimum in-office expectation of two days per month. Depending on business needs, additional in-office presence may be requested.
• Residency in or relocation to the state of Wisconsin is required.

Benefits

Universities of Wisconsin employees receive an excellent benefits package. For more details, review the Faculty, Academic Staff & Limited Appointees or University Staff benefits information. Total compensation details can be explored using the Universities of Wisconsin Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator.