"SSS Academic Success Coach - Bellarmine University"

Job Description

Located in the Student Success Center in the Division of Academic Affairs and reporting to the TRIO SSS Director, the SSS Academic Success Coach manages an assigned caseload of TRIO-eligible students and provides holistic academic coaching, advising, and referrals that promote college readiness, persistence, and degree attainment. The coach fosters student belonging, coordinates skills-based workshops, maintains accurate student records, and contributes to assessment and federal reporting efforts. The SSS Academic Success Coach will be a member of the Bellarmine TRIO SSS team that will serve 140 first generation and low-income undergraduate students.

This position is grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education for 5 years. Continued employment is contingent upon the renewal and availability of federal funding.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Academic Coaching:

• Provide individualized academic coaching for an assigned caseload, including needs assessment, goal setting, and ongoing progress monitoring.
• Develop and maintain Individual Academic Plans; track grades, faculty feedback, and early-alert indicators to guide timely interventions.
• Offer guidance on academic success strategies (e.g., time management, study skills, metacognition, test-taking, self-efficacy, growth mindset).
• Provide financial literacy coaching and refer students for financial aid advising; support FAFSA completion as appropriate.

Student Engagement and Belonging:

• Create an inclusive, welcoming environment for first-generation and low-income students
• Proactively engage students through outreach, re-engagement strategies, and strengths-based, culturally responsive practices.
• Promote participation in SSS services (coaching, tutoring, workshops, mentoring, career advising) and campus resources to build community and a sense of belonging.

Workshops, Programs, and Referrals:

• Plan and facilitate workshops in collaboration with TRIO SSS staff, faculty, and TRIO SSS Director (topics may include study strategies, time management, financial literacy, goal setting, and career readiness).
• Refer students to appropriate academic, wellness, disability/access, and career services; follow up to ensure successful connections.
• Support peer mentoring/tutoring initiatives and other SSS engagement activities.

Compliance, Records, and Data:

• Maintain accurate, confidential student records in alignment with TRIO SSS requirements, institutional policy, and FERPA.
• Document eligibility, services, and outcomes consistently to support Annual Performance Report (APR) preparation and internal audits.
• Contribute to the program assessment plan: track key performance indicators (e.g., persistence, GPA, service utilization, belonging measures) and use data to inform continuous improvement.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Partner with faculty and key offices (Academic Advising, Institutional Research, Registrar, Financial Aid, Accessibility Resource Center, Counseling, Career Development) to coordinate student support and share appropriate information.
• Communicate clearly with students and stakeholders; contribute to SSC and TRIO SSS team meetings and initiatives.

Professional Practice and Other Duties:

• Engage in relevant professional development related to TRIO and student success
• Support program planning, implementation, and related operational tasks as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Master's degree in education, higher education, counseling, social work, or a related field.
• Two years of professional experience in higher education or closely related student support settings.
• Experience working with first-generation and/or low-income college students.
• Demonstrated experience in academic coaching/advising, needs assessment, coordinated care/referrals, and workshop facilitation.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills; excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication.
• Ability to work effectively with a culturally diverse population and students with varying academic preparation and abilities.
• Proficiency with common office and communication tools (e.g., Microsoft 365) and ability to learn student success platforms.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, student-centered environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience with TRIO programs and familiarity with TRIO SSS regulations and reporting expectations.
• Experience with peer mentoring/tutoring coordination.
• Familiarity with student information systems, advising/case management platforms, and early-alert systems.
• Experience using data for caseload management, outcomes tracking, and program improvement.

Additional Information:

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not provided for this position.