Academic Coach

LOCATION: Wayland Baptist University (WBU) – Plainview Campus

DEPARTMENT: Office of Student Success

SUPERVISED BY: Director of Student Success

POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

POSITIONS SUPERVISED: None

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: (This is a 12-month/full-time, professional position funded as part of a five-year, Department of Education grant) Be responsible for providing academic coaching to Plainview WBU Hispanic or low-income students over a variety of areas associated with student success. This position will also aid in planning, implementing and evaluating the Summer Bridge program each summer.

GENERAL TASKS AND DUTIES:

• Assist in planning and implementing the Summer Bridge Program, and review and revise these plans each year.
• Support Hispanic students and their parents through university admissions, enrollment, and financial aid processes. Be available/involved in summer orientations.
• Provide culturally appropriate academic coaching, proactive advising, etc. to Hispanic and low-income students in a variety of areas associated with student success and retention.
• Begin implementation of a new student success software and become one of the WBU experts on the use and capabilities of the software. Attend trainings as needed to facilitate this.
• Assist with preparation and implementation of faculty training on the use of this software.
• Use this software and other early alert indicators to provide critical interventions to Hispanic and low-income student population.
• Assist with existing academic coaching activities, such as study halls, English lab, and focused subject help sessions.
• Offer on-going student support to Hispanic or other students who are struggling academically.
• Communicate regularly with faculty and coaches on progress of students, course requirements, eligibility and other issues that affect student success in the classroom.
• Assist the Director of Student Success with existing programs and communications, such as the Mentor Pioneer program, parent communications, and texted student notices/reminders.
• Attend national training/professional development activities.
• Attend evening and weekend special events and activities as needed.

Education: Master’s degree strongly preferred in education, psychology, social sciences, social work, counseling, or any other related field. Bachelor’s degree required.

Experience: Preference given to candidates with higher education, teaching or counseling experience. Bilingual (Spanish/English) desired.

Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, university policies and procedures.
• Skill in the use of computer applications specifically Microsoft Office Suite/365. Ability to learn other software as necessary.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
• Ability to establish and maintain a good rapport with university faculty and staff, students and the general public.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making decisions.
• Ability to work effectively and patiently with students.
• Ability to provide support for student development with a demonstrable concern for the student’s best interests.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to work unsupervised and take initiative to realize/recognize needed steps and respond in a timely and effective manner.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Employment is subject to an introductory period to monitor employee performance. If hired, the prospective employee must present documentation within three (3) days of hire date to establish their identity and employment eligibility as required by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Employee must be able and willing to travel and teach at external campuses. Must be able to operate a licensed motor vehicle, have access to a dependable motor vehicle, and possess a valid state driver’s license. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driver’s record.

Wayland Baptist University does not illegally discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or genetic information. Under federal law, the university may discriminate on the basis of religion in order to fulfill its mission and purposes.