Job Description

Job Goal

To support student persistence and academic success by providing individualized academic coaching focused on skill development, accountability, and goal attainment, in alignment with the College’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.

General Job Summary

Within the Learning Commons, the Academic Coach is a key contributor to student success, providing proactive, individualized support to help students develop the skills, habits, and strategies necessary to succeed in college.

Academic Coaching focuses on building students’ academic skills, self-regulation, and confidence with students to improve how they learn, plan, and persist.

The Academic Coach works collaboratively with faculty, academic advisors, and campus partners to support students, particularly those identified as academically at risk. This position requires strong communication skills, the ability to build meaningful relationships, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

The typical work schedule for this position will be Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.

Universal Core Competencies

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

Academic Coaching & Student Support

• Provide individualized, one-on-one academic coaching focused on skill development, goal setting, time management, and effective learning strategies.
• Monitor student academic progress and success, using available data and student interactions to inform coaching strategies and next steps.
• Partner with students to identify academic and non-academic barriers to success and develop actionable plans to address them.
• Provide responsive, holistic support that considers the full scope of student needs inside and outside the classroom, while maintaining appropriate role boundaries.
• Support students in building self-regulation, accountability, and confidence in their academic abilities.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of coaching interactions, action plans, and student progress.

Outreach, Persistence & Student Engagement

• Conduct proactive outreach to students identified as academically at risk (e.g., low GPA, academic warning or suspension).
• Facilitate regular check-ins to support persistence, progress toward goals, and continued engagement with the College.

Guidance, Referral & Collaboration

• Guide students in understanding college policies, procedures, and program requirements, and connect them with appropriate advising or campus resources as needed.
• Collaborate with faculty, advisors, and other campus departments to support student success and ensure coordinated care.
• Serve as a liaison between students and campus partners when appropriate, helping students navigate institutional processes effectively.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills in all interactions with students, faculty, and staff.

Education & Program Support

• Develop and deliver workshops, presentations, and small group sessions on academic skills, study strategies, and student success topics.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and continuous improvement of Academic Coaching services, processes, and resources.
• Support Learning Commons initiatives and participate in cross-functional projects as needed.

Work Schedule Expectations

• Maintain a flexible schedule that may include occasional evening and weekend hours to meet student and program needs.

Performance Expectations

• Be able and willing to represent the College in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers, and the community we serve.
• Assume responsibility; deal effectively with problems and exercise independent judgment when making decisions.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with internal and external constituents.
• Read, understand, and express oneself clearly and effectively in oral and written communications.
• Possess strong human relation skills, and have the ability to get along with diverse personalities.
• Be a creative, energetic, and self-motivated individual with demonstrated leadership and organizational skills.
• Possess a working knowledge of personal computer.
• Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences.
• Support a culture of lifelong learning; stay up to date with current coaching practices, student and learning development theories, and related academic material.

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 in education, counseling, social work, or related field.
• Two years of experience working as an advisor, counselor, or instructor, or a similar role providing individualized support to students/clients.
• Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills with ability to match message delivery to audience needs.

Preferred Qualifications, Licenses, Certifications, Or Registrations

• Experience working in college/university environment.
• Masters degree in education or a related field.

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,***email_hidden***, 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) 844-5695FAX: (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.

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