Success Coach

Position Summary

The Success Coach is integral to a new advising model introduced to Columbia-Greene Community College. This position will support the teaching and strengthening of students' academic behaviors throughout their educational journey at CGCC. This position assists students in academic planning related to their abilities and interests. The coach will also convey and interpret CGCC's rules and regulations, academic prerequisites, programs, majors and courses of study. The coach may work directly with faculty in various departments to enhance the advisement process and refer students to other resources as appropriate. This position will play an integral role in the College's efforts towards student success, retention and graduation. The Success Coach will advocate for student educational achievement to the highest attainable standard, support student goals, and uphold the educational mission of the college. The coach will proactively contact and be available for student advisees on a regular basis. As part of this position there will be an expectation to support the functional use of early alert software and a scheduling and note taking platform (like WC Online) at Columbia-Greene Community College. This position entails technological capability to work on the administrative components of the position, the ability to creatively troubleshoot and problem solve, and the communication skills to effectively partner with various departments and faculty as well as support students from diverse backgrounds.


This position is a 12-month, administrative role.

Position Duties and Responsibilities:

• Guide students in identifying their strengths, challenges, interests, and academic habits.
• Assist students in setting achievable academic goals and develop action plans to achieve them.
• Help students define and develop realistic educational career plans through short-term semester plans as well as long-term degree plans.
• Ensure students have an up-to-date academic plan to follow as they pursue degree completion.
• Understand and adhere to institutional policies, procedures, and requirements.
• Provide accurate and timely information; communicate information in a useful, efficient and effective manner.
• Recognize and respect students' diverse backgrounds and possess strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Maintain student records and organize resource materials pertinent to each student's needs.
• Manage technology needed to support advising programs, including but not limited to Banner, Degree Works, and WC Online.
• Participate in onboarding and enrollment initiatives, like new student orientation and open house.
• Participate in recruitment programs.
• Participate in departmental, divisional, and institutional assessment activities.
• Facilitate and lead group academic coaching, career-related, transfer-related events.
• Collaborate with other staff and administrators to support the ASAP and Reconnect programs.
• Manage a caseload of students from first semester through degree completion/transfer.
• Utilize student information data, degree audit tools, and advising technologies to track student progress and implement timely interventions.
• Provide structured follow-up and accountability through consistent outreach and regular check-ins.
• Serve as a liaison with Financial Aid in developing proactive communication regarding degree progress, course planning, and the impact on financial aid eligibility.
• Additional duties as assigned by Academic Affairs.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree, in a field of study that enhances the individual's ability to assist students as a Success Coach.
• A minimum of 4 years of related experience in a college setting, especially in the areas of academic coaching, transfer and/or delivery of academic support services.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Concern for student needs in a demanding academic context as well as flexibility, patience, and professional integrity.
• The ability to work effectively with a diverse faculty, staff, and student body.
• The ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree, preferably in higher education or similar/relevant field of study.
• A minimum of 3 years of related experience in a college setting, especially in the areas of academic coaching, and/or delivery of academic support services.
• Experience working with students in a community college environment.

Salary and Benefits Information

Annual 12-month salary is $55,000. The College offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical and dental insurance, short-and long-term disability, generous vacation, and sick leave, paid holidays, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plans, tax-deferred compensation, as well as employee and dependent tuition waivers. PSLF waivers offered.

Application Instructions

For full consideration, submit a cover letter, CV/Resume, and contact information of at least three references.