Academic Success Coach

University of North Carolina at Wilmington; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina Wilmington is seeking an Academic Coach to provide regular, proactive academic support to undergraduate students and to develop and deliver academic skills workshops. The coach collaborates with faculty and campus offices to ensure integrated support and student success.

The role focuses on helping students build essential academic skills, overcome obstacles, and take ownership of their learning journey within a supportive, learning-centered environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Education, Higher Education Administration, or in a related field.
• Experience supporting students, working in a Learning Center, or in an academic support unit (experience gained while pursuing degree(s) acceptable).
• Understanding of and commitment to student-centered learning.
• Knowledge of intervention techniques for at-risk college students.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Provide regular, responsive academic support to select undergraduate students and deliver academic skills workshops and presentations.
• Help students develop essential academic skills, identify obstacles, build self-efficacy, and take ownership of their educational journey.
• Collaborate with faculty and other university offices to ensure integrated support.

Skills

Communication skills

Independent work

Intervention techniques

Student-centered learning

Education

Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Education, Higher Education Administration, or related field

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is designated as Exempt from the Human Resources Act ( EHRA ).

Benefits of Working at UNCW

At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, we are driven by a clear purpose: to empower student success, advance innovation, and strengthen the communities we serve. Guided by our strategic vision and commitment to excellence, UNCW offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where employees can make meaningful contributions while growing their careers.

Located in coastal North Carolina, UNCW combines the energy of a thriving academic community with the natural beauty of nearby beaches and outdoor spaces. Here, professional opportunity is balanced with an exceptional quality of life—creating a workplace where you can thrive both personally and professionally.

As a member of the Seahawk community, you’ll benefit from a culture that values well‑being, lifelong learning, and connection. UNCW offers a competitive and flexible benefits package designed to support your health, financial well‑being, and professional growth. From comprehensive health coverage and retirement options to generous paid leave, tuition opportunities within the UNC System, learning and development opportunities, and wellness programs, UNCW is committed to helping you thrive both at work and in your personal life.

Hiring Range

Hiring Range Determined based on qualifications and/or experience.

The Academic Coach provides regular, responsive, and proactive academic support to select undergraduate students and develops and delivers academic skills workshops and presentations. The coach helps students develop essential academic skills and behaviors, identify and overcome obstacles, build self‑efficacy, and take ownership of their educational journey. The coach collaborates with faculty and other university offices to ensure integrated support.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Education, Higher Education Administration, or in a related field.
• Experience supporting students, working in a Learning Center, or in an academic support unit. Experience gained while pursuing degree(s) is acceptable.
• A demonstrated understanding of and commitment to student‑centered learning.
• Knowledge of intervention techniques for at‑risk college students
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• PhD in Social Work, Counseling, Education, Higher Education Administration, or related field.
• Experience teaching in higher education.
• Knowledge of theories, models, and practices of learning and/or coaching.
• Knowledge of retention, persistence, and academic support theories and practices.

Required Certifications or Licensures

The University Learning Center is committed to being a vital part of UNCW students’ education. Our academic support services are based on the principle that quality learning takes place when peers work collaboratively. With the support of our campus partners, we provide students a variety of learning opportunities that complement the classroom experience. We focus on high‑quality individual and group student‑centered learning, while providing our peer educators with a valuable pre‑professional experience.

College/School Information

The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research, and service. UNCW is distinguished by its commitment to putting students first, supporting world‑class faculty and staff, delivering transformative learning experiences, and leveraging its unique proximity to the ocean. Recognized nationally for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking and reflects emerging industries and interdisciplinary innovation. A public institution with nearly 20,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate‑and graduate‑level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN‑to‑ BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation’s first bachelor’s degree program focused on coastal engineering. The university’s efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of “Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity” institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Founded as Wilmington College in 1947, UNCW moved to its present location in the heart of New Hanover County in 1961. The 660-acre campus is only minutes from Wrightsville Beach and historic downtown Wilmington and features Georgian architecture and designated conservation areas. Wilmington International Airport ( ILM ) provides commercial air service to cities both domestic and abroad and is just six miles from the UNCW campus. UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.

EEO Statement

UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents – except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.

Eligibility for Employment

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you learn of this opportunity with UNCW? (2026)
  • UNCW Website
  • UNCW LinkedIn Page
  • UNCW X Account (formerly Twitter)
  • UNCW Employee Referral
  • UNCW Instagram Account (UNCW_jobs)
  • UNCW Job Alert
  • Chronical of Higher Education
  • Glassdoor
  • Higher Ed Jobs
  • Indeed
  • Inside Higher Ed
  • North Carolina Job Network
  • Craigslist
  • Career Events/Job Fairs
  • Billboards/Marquee
  • Other
• * If you selected "Other" to the question above, please explain how you found out about this opportunity. Enter N/A if not applicable. (Open Ended Question)