Student Success Coach, WGU Academy

If you're passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country-and you're committed to working hard to play your part in building that future-consider WGU as the next step in your career.

Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:

Job Description

Student Success Coach

Job Profile Summary:

The Student Success Coach (SSC) supports the success of Academy learners to complete enrolled college- level courses. The SSC also helps learners develop the confidence, study habits, emotional wellbeing, and communication skills to be successful while at Academy and throughout their future studies. The SSC owns the success of assigned students, known as learners.

The SSC guides learners in one-on-one and group coaching settings as they complete their courses. For some learners this role will also facilitate our readiness curriculum known as Program for Academic and Career Advancement (PACA) consisting of a series of online learning modules, assignments and live group sessions that increase their likelihood of success.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Provides coaching and support for an average student load set by department standards and needs in both one-on-one coaching and group coaching environments.
• Drives learner engagement via regular phone outreach.
• Empathetically provides encouragement, reinforces positive behaviors, and celebrates milestones of assigned students.
• Leverages motivational interviewing techniques to influence positive behavior change in students.
• Facilitates WGU Academy's PACA readiness curriculum including group coaching, online facilitation, course completion and coaching sessions.
• Collaborates within the team of Student Success Coaches, supporting your teammate and providing input on opportunities for improvement.
• Embraces WGU Leadership Principles with high emphasis on learning, courage & student obsession.
• Analyzes, tracks, and interprets data to effectively improve student success and productivity.
• Assist students with Academy systems, resources and assists in solving any administrative problems that arise.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge & Abilities:

• Strong communication skills including establishing rapport, demonstrating empathy, active listening, optimism & caring about others' success.
• Demonstrates high-energy and enthusiasm to support virtual coaching and group sessions.
• Promotes a strong work ethic coupled with attention to details.
• Demonstrates an ability to work independently without close supervision, coupled with an understanding that regular reviews and feedback are part of a continuous improvement cycle.
• Exemplifies a focus on student obsession by focusing on what is best for students and what is best for team.
• Champions change and innovation by demonstrating flexibility in an ambiguous environment.
• Strong foundational knowledge of motivational interviewing principles, coaching and positive psychology.
• Experience supporting adult learners in distance learning environments.
• Demonstrated experience working with at-risk learners.
• Familiarity with technology platforms such as Salesforce, Webex, and Tableau
• Prior experience working in an innovative start-up environment.
• 3+ Years of Certified Coach Experience

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree
• ICF or NBHWC Certification
• 3+ years professional working experience in a service-oriented profession such as education, nonprofit, psychology, social work or health and wellness

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Disclaimer: This Job Description has been designed to indicate the general nature, essential duties, and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this classification. It does not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications that are required of the employee to do this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. This Job Description does not constitute a contract of employment and the University may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time.

Position & Application Details

How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.

Additional Information

Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It's not all-inclusive.

Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at recruiting@wgu.edu.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. #DEI