College Success Coach

Does social justice, equity issues and the potential to make a real difference get you excited? If so, we want you to leverage your human services skills and expertise to make a difference to students across the Washtenaw Community. 

About Us

The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF) is a $240 million dollar community foundation focused on improving the economic mobility and quality of life of the residents of Washtenaw County. Our assets have doubled since 2015 and now AAACF is one of the 20 fastest-growing community foundations in the US. Founded in 1963, AAACF administers over 600 charitable funds.  Through a core team of 20 Trustees, 19 employees, and 400+ volunteers. AAACF works to connect people, charitable causes, and permanent capital for community impact as the philanthropic hub of Washtenaw County.  

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Don’t check off every box? – Apply Anyway! 

Statistics show that marginalized groups - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color – are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. AAACF is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging – so if you’re excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with every requirement below, we encourage you to still consider applying. Who knows, you might be the right for another future role! 

About the Role 

The College Success Coach will be responsible for coordinating and delivering case management services to approximately 50-100 students. This position will work with the Community Scholarship students one-on-one and as a collective cohort throughout the academic year at various postsecondary institutions across the country (with a primary focus on schools in MI state and a few outliers).  The College Success Coach will be uniquely positioned to assist students as they transition from high school to college; provide continued holistic support during the college years, including any crisis intervention and assistance with securing basic needs; provide navigation of relevant information regarding campus and community resources; help students develop an understanding of Financial Aid/FAFSA/loans/scholarships and mentor Community Scholars on academic and personal goals. This role reports to the VP of Community Investment. 

Essential Responsibilities 

• Develop a standardized transitional plan which can be customized to prepare Community Scholars for first-year college experience including assisting students to locate resources on their respective campuses and share insights regarding academic expectation at the college level  
• Provide ongoing academic and personal support to the Community Scholars including life skills support, crisis intervention, and referrals to college and community resources within a case management model  
• Engage Scholars with locating and engaging in on-campus events, organizations and assist in helping each Scholar navigate their respective college environment  
• Work with students to complete a yearly Financial Aid Review to determine scholarship award amounts and develop an understanding of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), award packages, bills, and other details of financial aid 
• Collaborate with the Community Investment Officer to promote the Emergency Aid & Financial Assistance Program, Rent Payment Program, and administration of scholarship dollars to students  
• Develop a community within each cohort and the group through the creation and implementation of events and community building and social outings if the workload allows  
• Work with the Community Investment Officer to increase scholarship applications and to visit high schools to discuss and promote the scholarship 
• Develop and maintain liaison with designated and appropriate campus and community partners to access services for community scholars to assist them in moving towards self-sufficiency within both environments  
• Establish productive working relationships with faculty and staff on each Scholars' campus and identify key campus offices/resources (i.e., Office of Financial Aid, Academic Services, Career Services, Residence Life, Student Affairs) initiating contact with faculty and staff to be better informed about existing resources for students 
• Develop and maintain an active Community Scholarship Program alumni network

About You


Experience and Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, counseling, social work, educational studies, or higher education/student affairs is required.
• Program development and management experience
• Experience with financial literacy
• At least 2 years’ experience providing case management and crisis intervention services
• A developed understanding of two-year and four-year college/university landscape
• Understanding of the impact of systemic inequities and creating an inclusive culture around diversity and equity while taking a trauma informed approach
• Previous experience influencing others in a positive manner towards achieving established goals, effectively communicating ideas, and generating support for ideas

Desired Skills and Personal Qualities:

• Goal-oriented and highly organized with ability to independently manage multiple caseloads, projects
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; proficient computer skills
• Ability to collect and record student data and interactions and accurately update the database
• Understanding of the FAFSA and Financial Aid processes and procedures
• Ability to properly handle confidential information and exercise discretion and good judgment
• Ability to maintain appropriate professional and personal boundaries

Benefits

The Foundation has a generous benefits package for employees which includes a hybrid work schedule; health, dental and vision insurance; paid time off, a 403(b) plan with contribution matching; life insurance; short and long-term disability insurance; flexible and childcare savings accounts; paid time off; and other benefits.