Academic Coach

Mansfield Hall•Burlington, VT

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

As an Academic Coach at Mansfield Hall, you will help neurodivergent college students build the skills, confidence, and independence needed to succeed in post-secondary education. You will serve as a primary academic support for an assigned group of students, providing individualized coaching, tutoring, mentorship, and accountability. Your work will help students strengthen executive functioning skills, navigate academic expectations, use campus resources effectively, and become stronger self-advocates. This role goes beyond helping students complete assignments. You will help students understand how they learn, anticipate challenges, develop effective routines, and take increasing ownership of their college experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences, education, psychology, social work, human services, or a related field.
At least one year of experience providing academic tutoring, coaching, mentoring, or direct support to students with diverse learning needs.
Understanding of the expectations and challenges students may encounter in a college or university environment.
Ability to build professional, trusting relationships with students, families, colleagues, campus partners, and community resources.
Ability to manage multiple students, deadlines, meetings, documentation requirements, and shifting priorities without losing sight of important details.
Clear and professional communication in person and in writing; ability to translate complex information into practical, understandable next steps.
Ability to work well independently while also contributing to a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary team.
Thoughtful, flexible, and able to respond constructively when students encounter academic, interpersonal, or organizational challenges.

Nice To Haves

Belief that students are capable and providing meaningful support without taking over responsibilities that students can learn to manage themselves.
Enjoyment of coaching, asking thoughtful questions, providing direct feedback, and helping students recognize patterns in their own behavior and decision-making.
Understanding of executive functioning and ability to help students break large assignments, competing demands, and long-term goals into clear and manageable steps.
Proactive approach to noticing warning signs, anticipating potential barriers, and addressing concerns before they become crises.
Ability to balance empathy with accountability, validating a student’s experience while helping them follow through on expectations and commitments.
Adaptability to changing student needs, schedules, and priorities while maintaining consistency.
Value for collaboration, open communication with colleagues, and understanding that strong student support requires coordination across academic, social, and independent living areas.
Seriousness about documentation, understanding that timely, accurate records help the entire team provide better and more consistent support.
Enjoyment of working with young adults and being energized by helping students develop confidence, independence, and real-world skills.

Responsibilities

Provide individualized academic coaching, tutoring, and direct support to students with diverse learning needs.
Support students during daily Structured Study Time, helping them organize assignments, manage deadlines, prioritize responsibilities, and make progress toward their academic goals.
Meet regularly with students one-on-one to assess academic progress, identify barriers, provide instruction, and develop practical strategies for success.
Help students strengthen skills related to organization, time management, project planning, study habits, communication, and self-advocacy.
Monitor academic indicators such as attendance, grades, course difficulty, missing work, and upcoming projects to identify concerns before they become larger problems.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation in Mansfield Hall’s course tracking system.
Connect students with appropriate campus resources, including tutoring centers, libraries, accessibility services, faculty office hours, and other academic supports.
Guide students in setting and achieving goals across Mansfield Hall’s four core areas: academics, social development, independent living, and community engagement.
Build positive, professional relationships with students while modeling effective communication, healthy boundaries, accountability, and appropriate social interactions.
Collaborate closely with Academic Directors, other Academic Coaches, Student Life staff, and Life Skills Coaches to provide coordinated and consistent student support.
Participate in team meetings, student planning conversations, and other program activities as assigned.
Contribute to the broader Mansfield Hall living and learning community by supporting students as they navigate both college and emerging adulthood.