Student Success Coach

Student Success Coach

Sonoran University of Health Sciences shapes a healthier future by supporting students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals, by enhancing the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities, and by discovering effective treatments for humanity grounded in the healing power of nature. Our vision is a world that embraces the healing power of nature. Located in Tempe, Arizona, the overall environment is vibrant and dynamic, with passionate students, staff, and faculty.

As a private institution, Sonoran University is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive community for all. Sonoran community members embody and promote inclusive excellence. This includes a commitment to respecting diverse perspectives and continually advancing your understanding and practices around equity, belonging, and support for all students, employees, patients, and our greater community. You will contribute to a campus culture that embraces our core values.

Job Description/Summary

The Student Success Coach plays a pivotal role in supporting online learners from enrollment through graduation. This position focuses on proactive outreach, personalized coaching, and holistic support to help students navigate academic expectations, build effective learning habits, and stay engaged in a fully virtual environment through program completion. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator, a natural motivator, and someone who thrives on helping students overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

Key Responsibilities

Student Support & Coaching

• Serve as the primary point of contact for an assigned caseload of online students, building supportive and professional relationships.
• Conduct regular outreach via phone, email, text, and virtual meetings to monitor progress, address concerns, and celebrate milestones.
• Coach students on goal setting, and self-advocacy tailored to the demands of online learning.
• Identify early signs of disengagement or academic risk and intervene with personalized action plans.
• Developing relationships that encourage continuation of long-term coaching.

Academic Guidance

• Help students understand program requirements, course sequencing, and institutional policies.
• Support students in navigating online learning platforms, academic resources, and support services.
• Collaborate with faculty and academic advisors to ensure students receive coordinated and timely support.

Navigating Resources

• Serve as a single point of contact, helping students connect with tutoring, counseling, financial aid, or faculty members.
• Triage online student challenges and direct students to appropriate personnel or departments, making a warm transfer to financial aid, academic advising, tutoring, or wellness resources.

Retention & Engagement

• Track student progress and maintain accurate documentation in student success systems.
• Use data to identify trends, barriers, and opportunities to improve student retention and satisfaction.
• Participate in virtual orientation sessions, workshops, and engagement initiatives that foster community among online learners.
• Help students navigate/overcome obstacles and personal challenges, work-life balance, and stressful situations, acting as a cheerleader and advocate for their success.
• Monitor student activity in Drop out Detective and Canvas (LMS) to identify at-risk students and guide timely interventions.

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Serve on the Sonoran's cross-functional CARE Team including advising, financial aid, tutoring, and technical support—to resolve student issues.
• Contribute to the development of student success strategies, resources, and best practices.
• Stay current on online education trends, coaching methodologies, and student support innovations.
• Provide quarterly reports on online student retention.
• Participate and make recommendations on retention initiatives to Student Success and Retention Manager.

Key Competencies

• Empathy and active listening — able to understand student challenges and respond with support and clarity.
• Problem-solving — resourceful in helping students navigate academic and personal barriers.
• Motivational communication — skilled at encouraging persistence and confidence.
• Cultural competence — able to support a diverse student population with sensitivity and respect.
• Data-informed decision-making — comfortable using metrics to guide outreach and interventions.

Experience Required

• 2–3 years – experience in student services, coaching, advising, or a related student support role
• Demonstrated experience providing student-centered support, including goal setting, accountability, and academic or personal success strategies
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including experience engaging with students in virtual environments
• Experience managing multiple priorities, maintaining detailed and accurate records, and working independently in a fast-paced setting
• Proficiency with technology platforms such as CRM systems, learning management systems (LMS), and virtual communication tools (e.g., Teams, Zoom)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with adult learners or nontraditional student populations
• Experience supporting students in online or hybrid education environments
• Training or certification in coaching, student development, or a related field

Education Requirements

Minimum Education /Certifications Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, psychology, or a related field.

Desired Education /Certifications Master's degree in education, counseling, psychology, or a related field.

Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities could be considered.

Working Environment

Activities are performed in a remote, home office setting with regular use of a computer, including extended periods of sitting, keyboarding, and manipulating a mouse. The role requires consistent participation in virtual meetings and communication through video conferencing, email, and messaging platforms.

This position requires the ability to manage shifting priorities, respond to time-sensitive student needs, and maintain focus in a virtual work environment with minimal supervision. Regular activities include effective verbal and written communication to support students and collaborate with colleagues.

Occasional evening or weekend availability may be required to support students across multiple time zones.

Background/Screening

All candidates offered a position at SONORAN UNIVERSITY undergo a background and drug screen prior to hire. All employees must show documentation of vaccinations or provide titer results for measles prior to first day of work (unless religious or medical exemption is on file). Employment is contingent upon satisfactory outcome of all screens required of this position.

SONORAN UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.

SONORAN UNIVERSITY is a smoke free campus.

* Inclusive Excellence is the standard set by an organization to intentionally integrate diversity, inclusion, and equity into its organizational pursuit of excellence.

About Sonoran University:

Sonoran University of Health Sciences is a non-profit and internationally recognized higher education institution dedicated to shaping a healthier future. Guided by our mission to support students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals, enhance the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities, and discover effective treatments grounded in the healing power of nature. We uphold our core values: We shape the future, we love, we achieve excellence, we are resilient, and we do the right thing.

The University's College of Naturopathic Medicine, College of Nutrition, and School of Mental Health offer evidence-based programs designed to shape a healthier tomorrow by preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.

To serve the University's mission, the Sage Foundation for Health supports several Community Clinics focused on providing free naturopathic medical care to local underserved communities within the Phoenix Metro area. The College of Nutrition's Virtual Center for Personalized Nutrition aims to eliminate traditional barriers to nutritional care by providing personalized and evidence-based care delivered at no cost via telehealth.

The Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research is a state-of-the-art molecular biology/phytochemistry laboratory seeks to improve therapies for global health concerns by exploring traditional medicine at the cellular, molecular, and cultural level to create novel botanical solutions that support people, plants, and planet.

The University's Clinical Care branch operates two open-to-the-public clinics at the Tempe Campus. The Medical Center provides naturopathic healthcare for a wide range of patients including but not limited to; family medicine, nutrition and digestive health, mental health and well-being, dermatologic conditions, endocrine and auto-immune concerns, and acute symptoms. The Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine focuses on non-opioid solutions to pain and pain management utilizing treatments ranging from cupping and acupuncture to regenerative injection therapies. The Medicinary is the largest natural pharmacy in Arizona, offering an expansive collection