Academic Success Coach III

West Texas A&M University•Canyon, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

West Texas A&M University’s Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program seeks a team member passionate about preparing first-generation, income-eligible students to pursue a master’s degree or Ph.D. The role requires working knowledge of graduate school admissions, GRE preparation, and graduate-level financial resources to support academic seminars on graduate school preparation. It also involves university administrative procedures, technology skills, and social media management.

Requirements

Master’s degree in progress or near completion.
Four years of experience working in higher education, academic programs, or student support programs, or equivalent work experience; work as a public counselor may substitute.
Prior experience working with first-generation college students.
Strong oral and written organizational and communication skills.
Experience using the Colleague student database system and university processes.
Demonstrated creative and analytical thinking.
Ability to manage multiple complex projects and meet tight deadlines.
Proficiency with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe or Canva, and database applications.
Occasional travel with students to research conferences, special events, and student support services.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Education, Communication, English/Literature, or a related field.
Experience working in college TRIO programs such as Student Support Services or McNair Scholars.
Experience planning programs related to graduate school admissions, GRE preparation, and funding options.
Experience coordinating and organizing special events.
Experience managing social media for a business or university department.
Excellent writing and communication skills and ability to speak effectively to faculty, staff, and student audiences.
Experience conducting qualitative and quantitative research.
Shared experience overcoming barriers similar to those faced by the target population.

Responsibilities

Plan and present summer seminar series about graduate school admissions, GRE preparation, and financial resources, as well as monthly academic-year seminars.
Manage biweekly social media posts and approve comments across multiple platforms under the direction of the McNair Director.
Maintain office operations, including preparing and sending NOAs, travel vouchers, requisitions, and purchasing tasks under the direction of the McNair Director.
Provide individual assistance with personal statements and statements of purpose, and proofread conference posters, abstracts, and graduate school applications for McNair scholars.
Travel with and chaperone participants to research conferences, special events, and student support services.
Assist with recruiting and selecting scholars and tracking their academic progress.
Complete required System, University, and job-specific online training courses on time and maintain 100% compliance.
Perform other duties as assigned.