• Job Description

  Req#: 10004352

  Position Summary:

  The Academic Coach is a part of the Center for Student Wellbeing in the Student Affairs division at Vanderbilt. The work of Academic Coach is within three main domains–individual academic coaching for students to help them achieve their personal and academic goals, workshops and programming pertaining to academic success, CSW support for neurodiverse learners and students with disabilities. The Academic Coach also assists with and provides programming, coaching, and workshops in other realms of wellbeing, such as mindfulness, meditation, and healthy living. Reporting to the Assistant Director for Academic Wellbeing, the Academic Coach works in close and frequent partnership and collaboration with faculty, and Student Affairs staff and administration.

  About the Work Unit:

  The Center for Student Wellbeing at Vanderbilt University works to create a culture that supports the personal development and academic success of students using an integrative, holistic framework. Through inclusive and collaborative programming, support services, and campus initiatives, the Center cultivates engagement in lifelong wellbeing practices that enhance students’ ability to thrive within the Vanderbilt community and beyond.

  About Student Affairs

  Student Affairs serves a central role in student learning and development at Vanderbilt, advancing the University’s mission of teaching, research, and service. Student Affairs at Vanderbilt cultivates vibrant, inclusive communities that foster a student’s sense of belonging and wellbeing through collaborative partnerships, transformative learning experiences, and an accessible and holistic network of resources. We value connection, belonging, compassion, development, and innovation. Our staff are committed to continued growth in knowledge, awareness, skills, and experience engaging with these priorities in a higher education environment.

  Key Functions and Expected Performance:

  Individual Coaching

  • Provide one-on-one coaching, using a motivational interviewing framework, to help students develop, implement, and maintain skills to contribute to their personal and academic success
  • Provide one-on-one and group coaching to students referred by academic deans or other campus partners, needing support due to learning disabilities, ADHD, or low academic performance
  • Connect students with a higher level of care, when necessary

  Programming and Events

  • Provide workshops on topics such as time management, academic skills, ADHD, and imposter syndrome
  • Provide drop-in study hall hours for on-demand academic support
  • Table at informational fairs & events to promote the Center for Student Wellbeing
  • Assist with and implement programs and workshops on general wellbeing topics, such as meditation, mindfulness, and healthy living

  Support for Neurodiverse Learners and Students with Disabilities

  • Provide individual coaching and programming for neurodiverse learners and students with disabilities
  • Support accessibility efforts in the Center for Student Wellbeing by providing consultations and training for staff members

  Divisional Responsibilities

  • Serve on divisional committees and working groups to enrich the experience and resources available to students across the division.
  • Participate division-wide as needed to support other areas of Student Affairs
  • Maintain an understanding of institutional and departmental financial policies related to areas such as travel, procurement, expense, and time reporting to ensure compliance and proper stewardship of university resources
  • Make occasional purchases on behalf of the BCC and the student organizations advised by this office, and ensure timely reporting of expenses
  • Demonstrate a willingness to support colleagues across the division in order to encourage the implementation or fulfillment of divisional goals and strategic priorities
  • Act as a resource and liaison to members of the University community on matters pertaining to academic success
  • Coordinate with numerous campus partners, particularly the Writing Studio, Tutoring, Office of Student Accountability, Community Standards, and Academic Integrity, Housing and Residential Experience, the University Counseling Center, and Student Care Coordination
  • Keep abreast of trends in student wellness, especially pertaining to academic success
  • Engage in professional development, including presentations at pertinent conferences and workshops
  • Assume other duties, as assigned by the Director

  Supervisory Relationships:

  The Academic Coach in the Center for Student Wellbeing reports to the Assistant Director for Academic Wellbeing and works in close collaboration with faculty Student Affairs staff and administration.

  Education and Certifications:

  • A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is necessary
  • A Master’s degree or other advanced degree in a relevant field such as Higher Education Administration, Student Personnel Services, Health Education or Counseling from an accredited institution is strongly preferred

  Experience and Skills:

  • Strong organizational skills and self-motivation are required
  • Strong communication (oral and written) and public relations skills are required
  • Ability to work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds attending highly selective institutions with a broad range of campus groups, departments, and organizations is required
  • Two years of experience providing academic skills support is strongly preferred
  • Experience with the following are strongly preferred:
    • direct experience with neurodiverse learners and/or students with disabilities in an educational context
    • experience in motivational interviewing techniques
    • experience with academic skills outreach programming in a collegiate environment
    • certification or training in executive functioning support services
    • certification or training in ADHD or other learning differences
    • knowledge and experience in assessing and implementing best practices in academic skill-building
    • experience in designing and delivering workshops and programs about wellbeing and academic skills
    • experience providing consultation and training with staff, faculty, others about academic success
    • skills and ability to train or coach student leaders, volunteers and/or peer mentors

  Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

  At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

  Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

  Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.

• About the company

  Vanderbilt University is a private research university in Nashville, Tennessee.

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