Engagement and Student Success Coach

Kirkwood Community College

JOB GOAL:

To advance the college’s mission, vision, principles, values, and strategic initiatives through continuous improvement decisions.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY: 

Not all students enter college with the same level of support, and at the heart of student success lies connection, care, and a sense of belonging. The Engagement and Student Success Coach is dedicated to bringing these elements to life, serving as a trusted guide and advocate for students throughout their journey. This role carefully identifies and addresses gaps in opportunity, inclusion, and achievement by proactively engaging students through meaningful programs, personalized outreach, and responsive support. At its core, this role focuses on nurturing connection, belonging, and empowerment so every student can thrive. Relational engagement, coordinating campus and community resources, and data-driven outreach all work together to ensure students have access and succeed. The ideal candidate will be a relationship builder, advocate, and project coordinator, working closely with colleagues to foster equity, mentorship, and inclusive educational programs. This role is suited for someone who is passionate about student success, values collaboration, and recognizes that creating a truly welcoming and supportive campus sometimes requires evening and weekend commitments.

The typical work schedule for this position will be Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm with occasional weekends due to student events.

UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES: 

  • Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence. 
  • Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions.  
  • Champion Service- anticipating needs and creating a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.  
  • Perseverance- a commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success.  
  • Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence.  

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Design, implement, and lead student-centered programs and initiatives that promote belonging, academic success, retention practices, and personal growth.
  • Participate in campus committees, task forces, and training courses that promote student engagement, success and student wellbeing.
  • Advocate for and teach students to problem solve and navigate college policy, processes, and procedures
  • Use project management strategies to create and implement impactful initiatives that support department, division, and college outcomes.
  • Develop and maintain effective positive relationships with students, campus, and community organizations.  
  • Use student success data (e.g., engagement, retention, academic performance) to identify trends, inform outreach, and develop targeted support strategies.
  • Collaborate with departments, student groups, and community partners to develop events, workshops, and activities.
  • Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence. 
  • Perform other related work duties as assigned. 

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

  • Partner with faculty, staff, and student support services to create a coordinated network of care for students.
  • Take ownership of key equity-driven projects and initiatives, using project management strategies to drive timely and effective execution.
  • Serve as a consistent, visible point of contact for students, offering guidance, referrals, and encouragement.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of student success and student development principles related to your work.
  • Express yourself clearly and effectively through oral and written communications with attention to audience awareness. 
  • Be a self-motivated individual with excellent time management and organizational skills. 
  • Continuously seek feedback, professional learning, and innovation to enhance student experience.
  • Learn software for working with student, institutional, and communication data. 
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WITH/WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:

Position involves working in an office setting. Occasional (10-33%) standing, pushing, pulling and grasping. Frequent (34-66%) reaching and viewing a computer and other types of close visual work. Constant (67-100%) sitting, walking, repetitive motion, talking and hearing. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree required. No particular major or degree program is preferred; however, strong intellectual training in an area focused on identity development, equitable educational access, etc., is preferred. 
  • Demonstrated success in supporting special populations: program development, client advocacy, training, and awareness, etc.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.
  • A demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team.
  • Basic computer skills in word processing, database management, mainframe usage, and Internet usage.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:

  • Master’s degree preferred. 
  • Experience in a postsecondary educational setting, college student development, counseling, advising, or related experience. 
  • Data analysis and strategic planning background. 
  • Demonstrated competence working with special student populations, organizations, and programs.
  • Understanding of the community college mission, history, and challenges in achieving equity. 
  • Demonstrated knowledge, experience, and competence in engaging and supporting special student populations.  

EEO/AA STATEMENT:
It is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness (employees) or the Vice President of Student Services (students), 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, 319-398-5572, equity@kirkwood.edu, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov.

WHY KIRKWOOD:
Kirkwood Community College prides itself on fostering a diverse workforce and values unique perspectives throughout its campus community. The college is a convenient, innovative, visionary educational leader striving to remain affordable and accessible. With more than 140 majors and programs, Kirkwood boasts 16,000 annual college-credit students while maintaining one of the lowest tuitions in the state. All degree-seeking students are eligible for federal financial aid and the college offers more than $3 million in scholarships each year to students from all walks of life.

Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. 

Job Benefits:

Kirkwood offers a wide range of employee benefits.  Read more about them here

Job ID: 99734

Posted 3 days ago

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