Student Success Coach

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Western Governors University (WGU) is a leader in competency‑based online education, committed to expanding access to higher education and creating a supportive, diverse workplace for student‑focused professionals. As a Student Success Coach, you will help students succeed in WGU Academy and beyond.

INTERNAL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY BY 1/15/26

Job Profile

Summary:

The Student Success Coach’s primary mission is to support the success of WGU Academy students assigned to you. You will help students complete required college‑level courses before enrolling full‑time into WGU (or other colleges) and develop the confidence, study habits, emotional wellbeing, and communication skills needed to thrive at the Academy and throughout their studies. You will guide students one‑on‑one and in group settings as they complete a limited number of college‑eligible courses, coach them through the “readiness” curriculum, and earn their trust as an accountable mentor.

• Provides coaching and support for an average student load set by department standards and guides progress in completing 2 or more college‑eligible courses over a period of 2–4 months.
• Leverages motivational interviewing techniques to influence positive behavior change in students.
• Facilitates Academy’s “college success” readiness curriculum delivered during the students’ first month.
• Leads virtual small group sessions that create community and inspire students.
• Encourages, reinforces positive behaviors, and celebrates milestones of assigned students.
• Collaborates within the team of Success Coaches, supporting teammates and providing input on opportunities for improvement.
• Embraces WGU Leadership Principles with a high emphasis on learning, courage, and student obsession.
• Analyzes and interrupts data to effectively improve student success and team productivity.
• Assists students with Academy systems and solves any administrative problems that occur.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Establish empathy, active listening, optimism, and caring about others’ success.
• Demonstrate high energy and enthusiasm to support virtual group sessions.
• Create strong rapport and communication abilities, specifically via web conference.
• Promote a strong work ethic coupled with attention to detail.
• Work independently without close supervision, understanding that regular reviews and feedback are part of a continuous improvement cycle.
• Exemplify a courageous focus on what’s best for students and the team.
• Champion change and demonstrate flexibility in an ambiguous environment.
• Intermediate experience working with a sophisticated portfolio of technology systems.
• Foundational knowledge of principles of coaching and positive psychology.

• Operationally impact by meeting departmental, functional, or office targets.
• Work independently on moderately complex projects and assignments with some guidance.
• Employ systems‑thinking to solve problems or improve job area effectiveness.
• Collaborate with contacts within the job area to obtain or provide information requiring explanation or interpretation.
• Guide and assist entry‑level professionals and/or support employees, demonstrating WGU leadership principles.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Accredited coaching certification.
• Demonstrated experience facilitating, presenting, or teaching in a remote online environment.
• 3+ years coaching experience.

• ICF Accredited Coach Training or NBHWC.
• Experience supporting adult learners in distance learning environments.
• Demonstrated experience working with at‑risk learners.
• Familiarity with Salesforce or other customer relationship management tools.
• One year of professional experience in a high‑volume coaching center serving clients remotely OR minimum one year employed at WGU Academy AND satisfactory/advanced proficiency with motivational interviewing demonstrated for at least six months.
• Two years professional experience teaching or facilitating groups OR demonstrated satisfactory/advanced…