Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Online Learning Success Coach

• Title: Online Learning Success Coach
• Class: Academic Professional
• Exempt Status: Exempt
• Level: 3

Nature and Scope of Work

Under the direction of management, the Online Learning Success Coach is responsible for providing comprehensive and holistic support to students enrolled in online courses and across all Academic Pathways. The Online Learning Success Coach will initiate student contact to ensure student success, and provide referrals to critical service partners as identified through one-on-one student coaching sessions. The Online Learning Success Coach plays a key role in empowering students to achieve their goals by addressing issues impacting student academic success which may include academic, work, relationships, personal, health and financial matters. The incumbent will collaborate with students, faculty, advisors, staff, and community partners to create supportive and individualized services conducive to student achievement and retention.

Principal Accountabilities

1. Provides personalized one-on-one with assigned students to assess their needs, identify barriers to success, and develop action plans tailored to their individual strengths and areas for growth. Can serve as a student advocate in matters related to grievances, grading issues, tuition appeals and financial aid disqualification.
2. Provides specialized support/retention services for students. Builds and maintains relationships; troubleshoots problems and develops resource plans. Empowers students by assisting them in overcoming barriers which may impact school performance and to develop skills in time management, financial planning, interpersonal communication and personal accountability.
3. Develops, leads and facilitates group sessions on topics such as time management, study skills, goal setting, and career exploration to enhance students’ academic and personal development.
4. Develops and implements recruitment and retention strategies. Designs and delivers workshops and mini training sessions.
5. Creates and maintains accurate and confidential student records/case notes and documentation, by recording information electronically. Documents interactions, progress, and outcomes in compliance with institutional policies and regulations. Collects, interprets and assesses data related to student caseload progress, persistence, retention, and success.
6. Works collaboratively with advisors, faculty, campus resources, college staff, and other internal and external partners to develop and integrate strategies for supporting students and addressing their needs.
7. Engages in a variety of meetings, committees, task forces, and relevant groups to communicate information about coaching services, programs, areas of improvement, and other pertinent updates as necessary.
8. Participates in college fairs and represents online student and department needs on a variety of college committees, task forces, and work groups.
9. Stays abreast of current trends, best practices, and research in student success and retention initiatives. Actively participates in professional development opportunities to enhance coaching skills and knowledge. Provides internal and external representation of the Online Learning Coaching Program, which encompasses activities such as delivering presentations.
10. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work is generally performed in an office/home office environment with frequent interruptions and irregularities in the work schedule. Incumbents may travel to businesses or college events. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required based on student and business needs. No special coordination beyond that used for normal mobility and handling of everyday objects and materials is needed to perform the job satisfactorily.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, Social Science, or related field. Experience performing the duties of this job may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-by-year basis. One year of experience working with online students in an educational or social service environment. Experience should include working with students or clients in developing goals and managing caseloads.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of available college and community resources and/or programs;
• Service needs of online learners;
• College policies, procedures, and resources to effectively assist students in navigating academic requirements and support services;
• Student success technology and platforms.

Skill in:

• Analyzing, interpreting and assessing data related to student progress, persistence, retention, and success. Identifying trends to inform interventions and support strategies;
• Researching and locating information in college catalogs;
• Delivering classroom and public presentations;
• Operating a computer and various supporting software packages;
• Communicating, collaborating, and coordinating with other internal departments and/or external agencies;
• Advocating for students and serving as a resource to help them navigate college processes and procedures;
• Building and maintaining productive and professional relationships with diverse academic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of students and staff.

Ability to:

• Prioritize multiple tasks and adapt to needed changes;
• Communicate technical and other information effectively verbally and in writing to broad audiences;
• Maintain a professional demeanor during emotionally charged situations;
• Defuse an emotional or tense situation and offer viable solutions;
• Work with students of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds;
• Establish rapport, build trust, and motivate students towards academic success;
• Understand, acknowledge, and reduce the impact of biases including the intersection of privilege, economic, racial, cultural, and gender-based biases;
• Continuously improve and solicit feedback. Evaluate program outcomes, and make adjustments as needed to ensure the program remains responsive to the evolving needs of online students;
• Maintain confidentiality;
• Work independently and be self-directed;
• Operate a variety of office equipment.

New: 10/2024

Portland Community College is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other protected class.