Success Coach, Charger Pathway Impact Program - (Grant Funded)

This position is grant-funded through the Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development Grant (RPED) and reports to the RPED Grant Program Director. The role is funded through 2027, with functions supported by the college for an additional year. Continuation beyond the initial program is contingent upon funding.

About the Role

The Success Coach will support the career and postsecondary success of assigned rural students—both high school and postsecondary—by ensuring their enrollment, persistence, and completion in high-demand, high-skilled career pathways within the Columbia State service area. A key goal is to help students successfully transition into the workforce or postsecondary education. The role involves integrating into assigned high schools to build relationships with students, teachers, staff, and administrators.

Responsibilities

• Assist students in articulating post-high school goals and developing plans to achieve them.
• Organize and lead small group and individual postsecondary counseling sessions.
• Identify and help remove barriers to postsecondary education, such as education costs, transportation, food insecurity, internet accessibility, and childcare; refer students and families to resources as needed.
• Provide advising to high school students about early postsecondary opportunities.
• Counsel high school and college students on financial aid and academic requirements for career pathways.
• Collaborate with Columbia State College Success Advising staff to ensure continuity of tailored success advising.
• Work with community partners, school counselors, college Career Services, and faculty to offer assessments and activities focused on in-demand, high-skilled occupations in the service area.
• Aid students in building successful relationships with faculty, staff, and administrators.
• Connect students to postsecondary supports such as tutoring, disability services, counseling, library, and access services.
• Help students improve time management, organization, self-awareness, and self-advocacy skills.
• Collaborate with school districts and community partners to promote a college-going culture and facilitate the recruitment and transition of high school graduates to postsecondary education.
• Input documentation and data, and run reports to make data-driven decisions.
• Develop strategies to attract prospective students to the college in alignment with enrollment and student success goals.
• Resolve issues related to the enrollment process and review students’ enrollment requirements and degree audits.
• Work with the Director to develop an annual departmental plan using office and college-generated data to implement student success strategies.
• Support the college’s new student orientation program by facilitating sessions or handling logistics.
• Support the values and institutional goals outlined in the College's Strategic Plan.
• Participate in Division of Student Affairs initiatives and serve on college committees.
• Perform other duties as assigned and supervise student workers or temporary employees.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (required).
• Master’s in School Counseling, College Counseling, Counseling, Student Affairs, or Higher Education (preferred).
• College counseling experience (preferred).
• Experience working with high school students (preferred).

Skills

• Knowledge of ADA, policy, and law changes applicable to the college setting.
• Adherence to state and federal legal, ethical, and TBR/Columbia State policy standards.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize projects and tasks.
• Proficiency in daily workflow tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Zoom, etc.).
• Adherence to FERPA guidelines for disseminating student records and information.
• Ability to work collaboratively to achieve department, division, and organizational goals.

Working Conditions

• Flexible schedule, including potential evenings and weekends.
• Regular travel to extended campuses and assigned school districts.
• Extensive use of a laptop computer.

Pay

Hiring salary range: $39,290 - $47,150 annually.

Benefits

• Vacation and sick leave.
• 14 paid holidays.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Retirement plans.
• Optional 401K and 403B Deferred Compensation Plans.
• Educational benefits for the employee and their spouse and dependents.

About Columbia State Community College

As Tennessee’s first community college (established in 1966), Columbia State is committed to student success both in and out of the classroom, as well as economic and community development in its nine-county service area. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents.