Student Success Coach

Position Description:

Valparaiso University Bloom Scholars Program seeks a dynamic and engaging Student Success Coach to work alongside program participants. The Bloom Scholars Program is designed to academically, socially, and culturally support a cohort of students who identify as first-generation or underrepresented college students for life at Valparaiso University and beyond. The Coach will assist Scholars in their transition to Valparaiso University and empower them to identify and achieve their educational, personal, and professional goals through guided coaching sessions. The position extends beyond the traditional academic advising philosophy. Thus, the Student Success coach will be integrally involved with many facets of a student’s academic, personal, and future professional success. The coach will identify students who may be at risk of failing and/or withdrawing and will proactively work with them and coordinate the support offered.

Major Responsibilities:

• Support students in navigating the transition to college, homesickness, self-advocacy, and overcoming personal and/or academic challenges.
• Provide one-on-one mentoring on career exploration throughout their four years by helping them discover and reflect on their skills, values, and interests and coaching students to develop and accomplish their personal, academic, and professional goals.
• Monitor student progress towards graduation; extract, analyze, and report on student progress utilizing available databases and resources.
• Assist students in navigating university policies, procedures, and resources.
• Refer students to appropriate internal programs and support services.
• Train and coach students regarding time management and goal setting/achievement.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.  Master's degree is preferred in student personnel and counseling, higher education administration, educational leadership, counseling, social work, or related areas.
• Two or more years of relevant experience in an administrative role, advocacy, or support services. Preferred to be in college-level advising, student advocacy, mentoring, or coaching in a higher education.
• The ability to convey information clearly and effectively to individuals.
• Ability to effectively communicate and present ideas and concepts orally and in writing.
• Excellent listening skills.
• An encouraging, patient attitude.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Ability to understand instructions and follow detailed procedures consistently.
• Demonstrated administrative and organizational skills, including prioritizing multiple tasks, working in a fast-paced environment, and meeting deadlines.
• Previous coaching, tutoring, teaching, or mentoring experience
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness when dealing with staff, students, faculty, the public, and other professional contacts.
• Ability to critically assess situations, maintain attention to detail, solve problems, work efficiently under stress, within deadlines, and change work priorities.

Minimum:

• The desire and ability to work in a collaborative, team environment.
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity and equity and advanced intercultural competencies.
• An innovative mindset and the ability to operate in a sometimes-ambiguous environment.
• The ability to learn and disseminate detailed information using a high level of interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience with personal or career development curriculum or programming.

Additional Information:

• This is a grant-funded term position through December 19, 2025.

Successful applicants will demonstrate a commitment to cultural diversity and the ability to work with individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds.

All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, background checks will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.

To be considered for this position, you must upload:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• List of 3 professional references
• Answer all application questions

Please address the cover letter to:

Chloe Kiser, Director of Bloom Scholars Program

Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, Indiana