Grant-Funded Academic Coach – TRIO EOC

Position Summary

The Academic Coach for the TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) is a key support and advocacy resource dedicated to assisting low‑income, first‑generation, and under‑served students in achieving academic, career, and personal success. The role provides proactive outreach, individualized guidance, and recruitment support, enabling prospective and enrolled participants to navigate secondary education options, post‑secondary admissions, financial aid processes, and academic requirements.

The Academic Coach serves as a connection point between students and essential Del Mar College and community resources. The Coach facilitates workshops and outreach activities and collaborates with faculty, staff, and community partners to promote student persistence and success. The position requires adaptability, strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, student‑centered environment while ensuring accurate data collection and compliance with TRIO EOC reporting and documentation requirements.

• Bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, administration, counseling, or a related field.
• One (1) year of related experience providing student services in higher education.

Knowledge of:

• Career development theories, challenges, and best practices affecting low‑income, first‑generation, and under‑represented students, including adult learners.
• Secondary and postsecondary education systems, including high school completion options, GED preparation and testing processes, college admission requirements, academic programs, degree pathways, and student success strategies.
• Financial aid systems and processes, including FAFSA completion, scholarships, grants, and other funding opportunities supporting access to higher education.
• Federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and best practices related to student rights, confidentiality, privacy (FERPA), and required data collection, documentation, and reporting requirements for federally funded programs.
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and other relevant technologies used for data tracking, case management, reporting, and student communication.

Skills and Abilities:

• Manage multiple tasks, prioritize projects, and maintain attention to detail in a fast‑paced environment.
• Adapt to constant changes and develop new initiatives as needed.
• Exercise sound judgment, resiliency under pressure, and maintain strong ethical and professional standards.
• Work effectively with underserved populations.
• Communicate effectively both in writing and interpersonal interactions.
• Engage in conflict resolution and problem‑solving with tact and professionalism.

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Master’s degree in education, psychology, administration, counseling, or a related field.
• Experience with grant and federal TRIO programs.
• Skilled in use of database related software such as Blumen/Student Access, Etrieve, Datatel, Colleague, and Civitas.
• Knowledge of FERPA laws.

• Provide proactive daily outreach and individualized academic, career, and personal support based on each student’s educational goals and needs.
• Assist students in navigating secondary education options, including high school completion and GED pathways, as well as postsecondary admissions, academic programs, and degree requirements.
• Support students in understanding and completing financial aid processes, including FAFSA and other funding opportunities.

• Coordinate recruitment and intake efforts by guiding prospective participants through the application process and ensuring all required forms and supporting documentation are accurately completed and submitted.
• Serve as a Del Mar College and community resource expert, connecting students to tutoring, counseling, academic advising, mentoring opportunities, career development events, disability services, the professional closet, food pantry, and other campus and community support services.
• Advocate for students by facilitating referrals and promoting…