Job Type
Temporary
Description
Organization Overview
The mission of Onward We Learn is to prepare and inspire young people in Rhode Island to become the first in their families to attend and complete college. From the time they join through their early years of college, participants experience the steady, nurturing presence of caring adults and participate in programs that focus on academic enrichment, personal development, career exploration, and college preparation.
Onward We Learn encourages people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC); those who are the first in their family to attend college; LGBTQIA+ community.
Purpose of the Position
The College Success Coach (CS Coach) supports college students throughout their higher education journey. The College Success Coach ensures students have the resources, guidance, and encouragement needed to thrive in post-secondary environments through personalized mentorship, strategic program delivery, and robust data analysis. By fostering strong relationships with students, families, and educational partners, and adhering to Onward's mission and educational philosophy, the College Success Coach contributes significantly to the organization's goal of promoting student success, retention, and graduation.
This temporary position provides on-campus services to Onward We Learn students attending the University of Rhode Island (Kingston, RI) and also supports a mobile caseload of Onward We Learn students enrolled in other colleges and universities.
***ANTICIPATED START DATE - 11/4/2024***
Job Responsibilities
Program Delivery and Compliance:
- Deliver dynamic and educational programming focused on college access, career exploration, social and personal development, and academic success.
- Provide one-on-one and group mentorship sessions focusing on personal development, academic guidance, college preparation, and career exploration.
- Assist students with clarifying educational objectives, navigating course registration, and planning their degree obtainment.
- Support students in identifying and navigating financial aid, scholarships, emergency funding, and other support services, ensuring uninterrupted education and access to necessary financial resources.
- Offer dedicated support for prospective transfer students, including assistance with credit articulation, exploration of academic and career options, coordination of placement testing, and exploration of alternative and flexible credit options.
- Consistently adhere to Onward programmatic tenets, ensuring all activities and interactions align with the organization's mission and educational philosophy.
- Comply with all relevant school policies and legal requirements, such as mandatory reporting, to ensure the safety and well-being of students.
- Build rapport with graduating Onward seniors to establish the foundation for effective post-secondary coaching relationships.
- Collaborate with the High School team to design and deliver workshops on college enrollment, financial aid, transition, and career exploration.
- Coordinate and/or attend college visits for Onward students and potential college transfers in collaboration with the High School team.
- Provide support for prospective transfer students including credit articulation, exploration of academic and career options, placement testing, and alternative and flexible credit options.
- Utilize Onward's CRM's caseload management modules to maintain accurate and current records of all student interactions including program participation, academic progress, financial aid, and personal development milestones.
- Leverage CRM reports to regularly analyze student data to identify trends in student engagement and assess the effectiveness of academic support strategies.
- Collaborate closely with the Director of Postsecondary Success to identify and implement interventions as necessary, ensuring sustained high levels of participation and students are meeting all assigned milestones.
- Conduct at least one check-in per semester with each student on the caseload, utilizing the CRM for streamlined communication, to assess progress, address concerns, and provide support.
- Serve as a readily accessible and welcoming point of contact for students and their families, utilizing a variety of communication methods to maintain regular and consistent engagement through their postsecondary journey.
- Maintain an updated list of college resources and contacts that support student success from the first year through to graduation, including academic support services, financial aid offices, career centers, and wellness programs.
- Participate in post-secondary department and other program meetings to understand organization goals and how the post-secondary coach's role contributes to those objectives.
- Regularly collaborate with other departments within Onward We Learn to ensure a unified approach to student development and program delivery.
- Engage in regular professional development opportunities to stay current with secondary educational trends, student counseling, youth mentorship, and youth development best practices.
- Bachelor's degree in education, human services, or a related field
- 2-3 years experience in a secondary or higher education setting
- Prior experience advising supporting and mentoring first-generation college students
- Demonstrated knowledge of college admission process and financial aid systems
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and with a team
- Ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders such as high school and college students and higher education staff
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and adaptability to new technology systems
- Demonstrated commitment to Onward's mission and vision
- Access to reliable transportation to travel to assigned partner colleges, universities, or institutions.
- Master's Degree in education, counseling, human services, or a related field.
- Fluency in languages spoken by Onward's students and families.
Total Rewards and Benefits
Onward We Learn offers a comprehensive benefits package that helps our employees live their best lives and grow personally and professionally. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, flex spending accounts, generous paid time off, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and a 403(b)retirement plan with organizational match.
Onward We Learn, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer.
Salary Description
$47,000 to $60,000