Graduate Student Coach

Job Purpose:

The Graduate Student Coach plays a pivotal role in fostering graduate student success by delivering individualized, student-centered advising and guidance. This role supports students in navigating academic requirements, institutional policies, and professional development opportunities, while helping them set educational goals and make informed decisions to enhance their academic performance and overall university experience. In addition to one-on-one advising, the Coach develops and delivers programming that promotes student well-being, collaborates closely with faculty and administrative offices to ensure comprehensive support, and contributes to advising initiatives, retention strategies, and student success programs tailored to the unique needs of graduate students.

Key Responsibilities:

Academic Advising & Student Support

• Serve as the primary advisor for assigned graduate students, providing individualized guidance on program requirements, course selection, research milestones, and degree completion.
• Assist students in developing academic and professional plans aligned with their research interests, strengths, and career goals.
• Monitor academic performance, identify students at risk, and implement timely interventions, including referrals to academic, wellness, financial, or other support services.
• Support onboarding and orientation initiatives for newly admitted graduate students, ensuring a smooth transition into the academic community.
• Help students navigate academic policies and procedures, including probation, withdrawals, leaves of absence, and appeals.

Program Development & Coordination

• Design and deliver workshops, orientations, and resources on topics such as academic planning, research readiness, and professional skill development.
• Contribute to mentoring and peer-support programs that foster inclusion, equity, and success across diverse graduate student populations.
• Coordinate advising initiatives and collaborate on retention strategies that strengthen student persistence and achievement.

Collaboration & Advocacy

• Work closely with faculty advisors, program directors, research supervisors, and administrative offices to ensure alignment of student support services.
• Advocate for graduate student needs within institutional structures, committees, and policy discussions.
• Engage in advising team meetings to review student progress, address challenges, and coordinate holistic support strategies.
• Maintain knowledge of best practices in graduate education, advising, and student development.

Data, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain accurate, confidential records of advising interactions in compliance with university policies.
• Track student progress and advising outcomes, providing regular reports and insights to inform program improvements.
• Analyze advising trends, support accreditation reviews and program evaluations, and contribute to policy development.
• Participate in professional development activities and assist in refining advising tools, materials, and workflows.

Other Duties

• Perform all other duties as reasonably directed by the line manager that are commensurate with these functional objectives.

Academic Qualification:

• A minimum of a Master’s degree in Higher Education, Counseling, Student Affairs, or a related field.
• A Doctorate in a related field.

Professional Experience:

Essential

• At least 3–5 years of experience in academic advising, graduate student services, or higher education administration.
• Strong knowledge of graduate education structures, policies, and academic progression.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Experience working with diverse student populations and a commitment to inclusive advising practices.
• Proficiency with student information systems, advising software, and reporting tools.

Preferred

• Experience working specifically with graduate or professional school populations.
• Familiarity with student information systems, CRM/AMS, or other academic advising technologies.
• Knowledge of international student advising issues and policies.