Organization Overview

The mission of Onward We Learn is to prepare and inspire young people in Rhode Island to become the first in their families to attend and complete college. From the time they join through their early years of college, participants experience the steady, nurturing presence of caring adults and participate in programs that focus on academic enrichment, personal development, career exploration, and college preparation.

Purpose of the Position

The College Success Coach (CS Coach) supports college students throughout their higher education journey. Through personalized mentorship, strategic program delivery, and robust data analysis, the College Success Coach ensures students have the resources, guidance, and encouragement needed to thrive in post-secondary environments. By fostering strong relationships with students, families, and educational partners and adhering to Onward's mission and educational philosophy, the College Success Coach contributes significantly to the organization's goal of promoting student success, retention, and graduation.

This position provides on-campus services to Onward We Learn students attending the Community College of Rhode Island and also supports a mobile caseload of Onward We Learn students enrolled in other colleges and universities.

 Program Delivery and Compliance 

• Deliver dynamic and educational programming focused on college access, career exploration, social and personal development, and academic success. 
• Provide one-on-one and group mentorship sessions focusing on personal development, academic guidance, college preparation, and career exploration.  
• Assist students with clarifying educational objectives, navigating course registration, and planning their degree obtainment.  
• Support students in identifying and navigating financial aid, scholarships, emergency funding, and other support services, ensuring uninterrupted education and access to necessary financial resources. 
• Offer dedicated support for prospective transfer students, including assistance with credit articulation, exploration of academic and career options, coordination of placement testing, and exploration of alternative and flexible credit options. 
• Consistently adhere to Onward programmatic tenets, ensuring all activities and interactions align with the organization’s mission and educational philosophy. 
• Comply with all relevant school policies and legal requirements, such as mandatory reporting, to ensure the safety and well-being of students. 

Student Transition Support 

• Build rapport with graduating Onward seniors to establish the foundation for effective post-secondary coaching relationships.
• Collaborate with the High School team to design and deliver workshops on college enrollment, financial aid, transition, and career exploration. 
• Coordinate and/or attend college visits for Onward students and potential college transfers in collaboration with the High School team.   
• Provide support for prospective transfer students, including credit articulation, exploration of academic and career options, placement testing, and alternative and flexible credit options.

Data Analysis and Reporting 

• Utilize Onward’s CRM's caseload management modules to maintain accurate and current records of all student interactions, including program participation, academic progress, financial aid, and personal development milestones.
• Leverage CRM reports to regularly analyze student data to identify trends in student engagement and assess the effectiveness of academic support strategies.
• Collaborate closely with the Senior Director of College Access and Success to identify and implement interventions as necessary, ensuring sustained high levels of participation and that students are meeting all assigned milestones.
• Conduct at least one check-in per semester with each student on the caseload, utilizing the CRM for streamlined communication, to assess progress, address concerns, and provide support. 

Relationship Building and Management  

• Serve as a readily accessible and welcoming point of contact for students and their families, utilizing a variety of communication methods to maintain regular and consistent engagement throughout their postsecondary journey. 
• Maintain an updated list of college resources and contacts that support student success from the first year through to graduation, including academic support services, financial aid offices, career centers, and wellness programs. 

Team Collaboration and Professional Development 

• Participate in post-secondary department and other Program meetings to understand organization goals and how the CS Coach role contributes to those objectives.  
• Regularly collaborate with other departments to ensure a unified approach to student development and program delivery.
• Engage in regular professional development opportunities to stay current with secondary educational trends, student counseling, youth mentorship, and youth development best practices.  

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in education, human services, or a related field 
• 2-3 years’ experience in a secondary or higher education setting 
• Prior experience advising, supporting, and mentoring first-generation college students 
• Demonstrated knowledge of the college admission process and financial aid systems 
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills 
• Ability to work independently and with a team 
• Ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders such as high school and college students, and higher education staff
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and adaptability to new technology systems 
• Demonstrated commitment to Onward’s mission and vision 

Preferred 

• Master’s Degree in education, counseling, human services, or a related field 
• Fluency in languages spoken by Onward’s students and families (Spanish, Portuguese, Cape Verde)