Academic Success Coach - TRIO DSSS

Overview

Academic Success Coach – TRIO DSSS – 261086

Western Carolina University (WCU) is a highly ranked public regional institution located in Cullowhee, NC. This position is funded through a federal TRIO grant and is time‑limited full‑time with an early 2026 start date. Continued employment depends on renewal of grant funding through September 2030.

The Academic Success Coach manages academic programming and proactive services for the TRIO DSSS program within the Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR). Reporting to the Associate Director of OAR‑TRIO DSSS, the coach is a key resource that ensures all DSSS participants receive the support and guidance needed for academic, personal, and professional success.

• Provide student‑centered, strengths‑based counseling, mentorship, case management, and proactive interventions to promote academic achievement and enrollment retention.
• Assist in data collection and analysis for grant reporting purposes and support program directors in meeting and evaluating program outcomes.
• Collaborate with OAR administrative staff to accomplish unit goals and objectives.
• Serve as a consultant to university faculty and staff to ensure accessibility, inclusion, and compliance with federal mandates, including ADA, ADAAA, and Section 504.

• Effectively communicate with diverse populations and university constituents.
• Collaborate with university segments to identify difficulties and barriers for students with disabilities and provide solutions.
• Strong advocacy for students with disabilities, medical conditions, or physical and/or neurocognitive differences.
• Willingness to advocate for students when traditional processes and strategies have not met with success.
• Experience with TRIO/SSS programs, understanding of disabilities or neurocognitive differences, and knowledge of student development theories and practices.

• Legally authorized to work in the United States without immigration sponsorship.
• Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Disability Studies, Special Education, or a closely related field.
• Proven ability to support and engage students from diverse backgrounds and learning approaches.
• Professional commitment to confidentiality and respect for individual differences.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Effective communication skills.

• Experience and knowledge of TRIO or similar programs.
• Knowledge of ADHD, learning disabilities, autism, and other neurocognitive differences.
• Experience creating presentations, workshops, and training programs (in‑person and virtual).
• Experience leading group and individual academic, career, and/or personal coaching.

Time‑Limited Full‑Time

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a candidate is selected for hire. To be considered, applicants must apply online and include a cover letter, resume, and list of professional references with complete contact information.

For questions or additional information, contact Lee Roddick‑Brown .

AA/EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation;
National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call  or email .