Student Success Coach

About the Job

Student Success Coach

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Position Overview

The Student Success Coach is primarily responsible for advancing student retention, persistence, and holistic student success initiatives within the Presidents Emerging Scholars (PES) Program. As a member of a three-person Student Success Coaching team, the Success Coach collaborates closely with the Program Director, Student Engagement Coordinator, academic advisors, and campus partners to provide individualized coaching and implement proactive strategies that support students from enrollment through graduation.

This position provides responsive coaching and support to PES students who could benefit from additional assistance throughout the academic year. This includes, but is not limited to, students who experienced final-year grade decline in high school (FGDC) and are not enrolled in the Student Success Coaching Program, students who receive low grades during their first semester, and students who independently seek coaching after beginning their college experience. Through individualized coaching, resource navigation, and coordinated interventions, the Success Coach empowers students to address academic, personal, financial, and transitional challenges while strengthening their sense of belonging and connection to the University.

In addition to direct student support, the Success Coach provides leadership for one strategic priority area identified in the PES Strategic Plan. Depending on program priorities and organizational needs, this may include leading efforts to integrate academic support initiatives into PES programming, expanding student participation in high-impact educational practices, or serving as the program lead for student wellbeing by coordinating PES initiatives related to mental health, basic needs, and holistic student support. As part of this latter role, the Success Coach serves as the programs primary liaison to Boynton Mental Health & Counseling, the Care Program, the Nutritious U Food Pantry, and other campus partners addressing student mental health, financial insecurity, housing insecurity, and other barriers to student success. The Success Coach collaborates with campus partners and PES colleagues to develop, implement, and assess initiatives that strengthen student success, improve retention outcomes, and advance continuous program improvement through data-informed decision-making.

The Student Success Coach also plays a significant role in supporting the Presidents Emerging Scholars Program throughout the summer. Responsibilities include conducting outreach to continuing students regarding summer coaching availability; contacting continuing students who have not yet registered for the upcoming fall semester and providing individualized support to address barriers to enrollment; supporting the onboarding, training, and coaching of student staff for the Emerge Summer Leadership Institute; facilitating and executing the Emerge Summer Leadership Institute; developing coaching resources and student success materials; planning and delivering coaching training for peer mentors; planning Coaching Community of Practice meetings for the academic year; and contributing to annual reporting, program planning, and strategic initiatives. The Success Coach also cultivates collaborative relationships with academic advising and student support partners across the University to strengthen coordinated support for PES students.

Through strategic partnerships, individualized coaching, assessment, and collaborative leadership, the Student Success Coach advances the mission of the Presidents Emerging Scholars Program to increase student retention, academic achievement, graduation, and postgraduate success.

Responsibilities

Student Success Coaching (55%)

• Provide individualized, holistic coaching to PES students, with a particular focus on students not enrolled in the recruited Student Success Coaching Program, which may include students experiencing high school final-year grade decline (FGDC), students who receive low grades during their first semester, and students seeking additional support throughout the academic year.
• Meet regularly with students to support their academic, personal, financial, career, leadership, and wellbeing goals through strengths-based, equity-minded coaching practices.
• Coach students through complex decision-making processes by developing individualized, action-oriented success plans grounded in student development theory.
• Empower students to identify and overcome barriers to persistence, academic success, and timely degree completion.
• Provide ongoing support through multiple coaching appointments, monitoring student progress and adjusting action plans as needed.
• Utilize coaching and helping skills that promote students self-awareness, resilience, self-authorship, and self-efficacy.
• Assess students holistic needs and coordinate referrals to campus resources, including the Care Program and other student support offices, as appropriate.
• Collaborate closely with academic advisors, fellow Student Success Coaches, and campus partners to provide coordinated, wraparound support for students.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation of coaching interactions and student progress within University systems.

Strategic Initiatives, Programs, and Partnerships (25%)

• Lead one strategic initiative aligned with the Presidents Emerging Scholars Strategic Plan, including integrated academic support initiatives, increasing participation in high-impact educational practices, or serving as the program lead for student well-being by coordinating PES initiatives related to mental health, basic needs, and holistic student support.
• Develop, implement, assess, and continuously improve initiatives that strengthen student retention, persistence, sense of belonging, and overall student success.
• Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with academic advisors, faculty, and student services staff across the University.
• Design and facilitate workshops, group coaching sessions, Coffee with Coaches events, and other educational programming that promote student success, leadership development, and engagement.
• Develop and maintain student-facing coaching resources, guides, and educational materials that support students academic and personal success.
• Utilize assessment findings, student feedback, institutional data, and emerging best practices to identify student needs and inform continuous improvement efforts.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives and collaborative partnerships that advance student success across the University.

Summer Programs, Training, and Assessment (15%)

• Engage in professional development activities that strengthen expertise in student success, student development, and emerging best practices.
• Participate in University, collegiate, and divisional committees, work groups, and collaborative initiatives that support student success.
• Maintain active engagement with relevant professional organizations, conferences, and scholarly activities to remain current with trends and evidence-based practices in student success.
• Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture within the Presidents Emerging Scholars Program and the Office of Undergraduate Education.

Professional Development and Service (5%)

• Engage in professional development activities that strengthen expertise in student success coaching, student development, and emerging best practices.
• Participate in University, collegiate, and divisional committees, work groups, and collaborative initiatives that support student success.
• Maintain active engagement with relevant professional organizations, conferences, and scholarly activities to remain current with trends and evidence-based practices in student success and coaching.
• Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture within the Presidents Emerging Scholars Program and the Office of Undergraduate Education.

Work Environment

This position is expected to work on campus in the PES Central Office located in Appleby Hall on the East Bank campus. Remote work days will become available as the position evolves.

Qualifications

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus at least four years of relevant experience, or Master's degree plus at least two years of relevant experience.
• Experience providing individualized coaching, advising, mentoring, case management, or other direct student support that promotes student success and holistic well-being.
• Knowledge, skills, and understanding of the academic, social, cultural, and personal experiences of historically underrepresented and under-served college students, especially first-generation college students and students from low-income backgrounds.
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional learning and continuous development related to inclusive excellence, student success, and higher education best practices.
• Strong organizational, project management, written communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work both independently and collaboratively.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience coordinating care and connecting students experiencing academic, personal, financial, mental health, or other challenges with appropriate campus and community resources.
• Experience collaborating effectively with faculty, academic advisors, student affairs professionals, and campus partners to provide coordinated support for students.
• Experience training, supervising, and coaching undergraduate student employees and student leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and facilitate workshops, trainings, educational materials, or other learning experiences for students and staff.
• Experience leading and coordinating strategic initiatives, cross-functional projects, or collaborative partnerships that advance student success.
• Demonstrated knowledge of student development theory, strengths-based coaching practices, and evidence-based approaches to supporting college student success, persistence, and retention.
• Ability to develop, implement, and continuously improve student success initiatives, programs, services, or resources using assessment findings, student feedback, and institutional data.
• Ability to collect, interpret, and use quantitative and qualitative data to identify student needs, evaluate outcomes, and inform program improvements.
• Proven ability to contribute to socially just, high-performing teams and work environments where all individuals are respected, valued, experience a sense of belonging, and are empowered to contribute fully.
• Ability to apply equity-oriented frameworks when developing, implementing, assessing, and improving programs, services, policies, and student support strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to be flexible and adaptable to change.

About the Department

The Presidents Emerging Scholars (PES) Program is housed within the Office of Undergraduate Education (OUE), led by the Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education. PES is a nationally recognized student success program that supports a select cohort of University of Minnesota students, primarily first-generation college students and students from low-income backgrounds.

Through a comprehensive, holistic model - including scholarship support, customized courses and events, academic advising, peer mentoring, success coaching, and other innovative initiatives - PES provides the resources, relationships, and opportunities students need to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.

PES students reflect a broad range of lived experiences and identities. Many are the first in their families to attend college and come from low-income or working-class backgrounds. The community also includes older students, rural students, student parents, students for whom English is not a first language, students with disabilities, and students of color.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $58,000 - $63,000 annually, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the

time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures

that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while

maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and

equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates

will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Please include a resume and a cover letter. Finalists may also be asked to provide references. Priority deadline: August 3, 2026.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nations most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.