Student Success Coach

Student Success Coach

Fairmont State University is seeking a dedicated and student‑centered professional to join the Student Success Center as a Student Success Coach. This position plays a critical role in supporting student retention, engagement, and academic success by providing personalized guidance and resources to undergraduate students, helping them navigate academic challenges, develop effective study habits, and connect with relevant support services, all while promoting a positive and inclusive learning environment.

• Student Support (70%)
  • Serve as a coach and advocate for students, facilitating conversations to identify goals, improve self‑efficacy, and navigate available resources for academic success, well‑being, and belonging.
  • Manage a dedicated caseload of students identified through analytics and referrals, focusing on those with the greatest academic and retention needs.
  • Guide students in adapting to academic life, building connections across campus, and addressing knowledge gaps to support success.
  • Coordinate and manage cases from the early alert system for a rapid‑response team that proactively addresses students’ concerns and variables to retention.
  • Manage personal calendar and provide availability through coaching sessions with prospective, current, and future students and families.
  • Provide reach‑back support to student services specialists and contribute to a team environment.
  • Record and track student interactions, referrals, and progress using Fairmont State’s designated CRM (Navigate) system, ensuring confidentiality and accurate record‑keeping.
  • Empower students to build academic skills, such as decision‑making and learning strategies, while fostering commitment to their educational goals.
  • Act as a liaison with campus resources, including the Lead Center, Student Health and Wellness, Student Organizations, Financial Aid, and other university administrative offices to connect students with targeted support and mentorship.
• Institutional Success Initiatives (30%)
  • Collaborate with faculty, advisors, and administrators to develop data‑driven programs that address student success challenges.
  • Facilitate workshops and group support sessions to enhance student engagement and academic performance.
  • Contribute to institutional retention and success initiatives through participation in campus committees, orientation programs, and recruitment events.
  • Actively support the student success analytics team by sharing information, participating in relevant workshops, conferences, and professional development opportunities and recommending strategies to remove institutional barriers to student success.
  • Assist in creating and updating student success resources online and in print, reflecting Fairmont State’s holistic approach to student support.
  • Establish and maintain an appropriate network of professional contacts within the institution and external stakeholders.

Bachelor’s degree with 3‑5 years of experience. No additional licenses or certifications required.

• Demonstrated experience in student success, advising, coaching, or academic support.
• Ability to work with diverse student populations, recognizing and supporting the value of inclusivity and equitable access in student success.
• Experience in using data and technology for case management, reporting, and student outreach.
• Ability to analyze situations and make effective decisions within a team‑based environment.
• Knowledge of retention strategies and academic coaching practices, especially in understanding the barriers and opportunities different student populations experience.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

• Master’s degree.
• Experience in higher education setting with a focus on retention, academic advising, or assessment.
• Proficiency in using CRM or LMS systems for student support and data management.
• Background in facilitating training, workshops, or teaching.
• Experience with assessment and program implementation to meet stakeholder needs.