Student Success Coach

Thank you for your interest in working at William Paterson University.

William Paterson University is a purpose-driven, proudly diverse community—designated as both a public Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution—committed to creating transformative academic, professional, and personal experiences as a powerhouse of progress. We foster a workplace that values growth, flexibility, and community, and we are recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Forbes’ Best Employers by State, 2025 Great College to Work For, and honored with the NJBIZ Empowering Women Award. 

Our 1,000 dedicated staff members enjoy competitive benefits, a four-day summer workweek, tuition support, and strong opportunities for internal promotion. Situated on a scenic suburban campus just 20 miles from New York City, WP offers a diverse, inclusive environment where your contributions fuel student success, economic and social mobility, and community engagement. Together, we empower our students through intentional, holistic support within flexible, innovative, and inclusive settings—preparing graduates to thrive professionally and personally, and to lead with a commitment to progress in New Jersey and beyond. 

Job Summary

Reporting to the ASPIRE Senior Project Coordinator, the Student Success Coach helps new and transfer students develop skills, behaviors, and habits that contribute to their success as STEM majors at William Paterson University. The Student Success Coach works with STEM students in the program on academic and career goal setting, learning strategies, time management and organization, and self-motivation. The Student Success Coach works with the Senior Project Coordinator and Co-PDs on all planned ASPIRE project activities, including coordination of academic mentoring, supplemental instruction, and Summer/Winter Bridge programs. The student success coach attends regular meetings with the Senior Project Coordinator to discuss ASPIRE project activities, to integrate project activities into existing activities, and review and report progress toward project objectives.  

Principal Responsibilities

• Helps new and transfer students develop skills, behavior, and habits that contribute to their success as STEM majors.
• Works with the Senior Project Coordinator and appropriate WP units on assisting STEM students in the program on academic and career goal setting, learning strategies, time management and organization, and self-motivation.
• Works with the Senior Project Coordinator and WPU Academic Support Service units, such as Science Enrichment Center, Mathematics Learning Center, Computer Science Tutoring Center, and the Writing Center, on implementation of the project activities to meet the goals of the project.
• Works with Co-Project Director responsible for providing Supplemental Instruction (SI) on the placement of STEM students in appropriate SI sessions and maintain records of supplemental instruction attendance for the students in the program.
• Works with the ASPIRE Senior Project Coordinator and STEM Transfer Success Coordinator on giving transfer students access to academic and non-academic supports.
• Assists the Senior Project Coordinator in selection of students who will participate in the grant’s Summer/Winter Bridge Programs from among newly admitted students. 
• Works with the Senior Project Director on scheduling and conducting the activities of the Summer/Winter Bridge Programs.
• Coordinates all academic mentoring and support activities along with the Senior Project Coordinator, and provide guidance to transfer students who will be participating in the Summer Research Experience activities with WPU STEM faculty. 
• Maintains essential records and files on academic mentoring and support services for the ASPIRE project and for grant reporting purposes.
• Assists the Senior Project Coordinator in creating and disseminating print and/or electronic reports, newsletters and other documents on the activities of the ASPIRE project.
• Participates in monthly meetings to coordinate project activities in line with timelines and budgets, to integrate project activities into existing initiatives, and review progress toward project objectives.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the ASPIRE Senior Project Coordinator that are appropriate for the position.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute indicated experience on a year basis (30 credit hours is considered one year of college).
• A minimum of one year of professional experience working with students to promote student success or navigate educational systems.
• Demonstrated experience communicating complex processes and information.
• Proficiency using online technologies and ability to learn and adapt to new tools.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to prioritize duties and navigate in a fast-paced environment.
•  A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity and inclusion.
• Demonstrated excellent written and interpersonal communication skills with proven ability to work collaboratively with faculty, students, staff, and other stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing academic counseling/coaching, motivational strengths-based coaching.
• Experience working as an academic advisor/student success coach in higher education.

AFT Salary Range 21 - $59,589.01 - $92,389.56

This position may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health  and dental insurance and retirement plans. To learn more, please visit: https://www.wpunj.edu/human-resources/total-rewards/

Invitation To Apply

Interested candidates will be prompted to complete an application and submit a cover letter and resume/CV.

Submission of all documents listed is required for consideration and all documents should be uploaded where prompted to upload your resume/cv.

General questions related to this application process, please contact humanresources@wpunj.edu . Please include with your inquiry the Job Requisition number beginning with R as well as the job title and department.

Salary Range:

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Eeo Statement

William Paterson University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity, sex/gender (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, civil union status, familial status, religion, national origin or citizenship, military service status, or any other category protected by law. William Paterson University does not discriminate on the basis of any category stated above or as prohibited by applicable law. Individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

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