Graduate Administrative Support (Student) (FWS)

American University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

American University is seeking a Peer Student Success Coach to guide undergraduate students seeking holistic support. Build relationships, assist with campus navigation, and provide ongoing check-ins through the semester.

The role emphasizes mentorship, collaboration with campus partners, and data-driven coaching to improve retention and graduation outcomes, with a focus on belonging and student success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Graduate program enrollment preferred.
• Strong organizational and time management skills essential.
• Attention to detail and excellent written/verbal communication.
• Proficiency with Excel and data handling required.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group coaching to undergraduates.
• Help students set goals and navigate campus resources.
• Develop Thrive Plans focusing on academics, finances, well-being, and belonging.
• Coordinate with campus partners and events to support retention and success.
• Maintain scheduling, records, and next steps for advisors.

Skills

Organization

Time management

Attention to detail

Communication

Problem-solving

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree

Graduate enrollment

Tools

Canvas

CRMs

Microsoft Office

Job description

Work Where You Learn: Build Experience, Grow Skills, and Contribute to Your University Community.

This position is available only to enrolled American University students.

Most student positions at American University are eligible to use Federal Work Study (FWS) awards, with a few exceptions. FWS funds cannot be applied to janitorial, construction, partisan or sectarian positions. For information or questions regarding FWS funds, please contact American University's Office of Financial Aid.

Important guidance for current American University employees: American University current employees, including those employed in student positions, must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into your employee Workday account and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings. Applying outside of your employee Workday account may cause delays in a hire process.

Department:

Student Success Operations

Time Type:

Part time

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Job Description:

Summary: The Peer Student Success Coach will: Guide undergraduate students who are seeking additional holistic support for their progression, connection to campus, and overall success. Manage a caseload of students on an individual basis, filtered through the Office of Student Success, to strengthen campus navigational skills, guide students on when and how to leverage key resources on campus, and initiate periodic check-ins throughout the semester. Serve as a peer mentor and role model for undergraduate students, providing support and encouragement through individual and group sessions.

Build positive relationships with students to foster a sense of belonging and community. Collaborate with other coaches and campus partners to develop and implement data-driven holistic coaching services to support retention, student success rates, and graduation efforts. Support the Associate Director of Student Success Operations by managing a small student caseload throughout the academic year. Participate in and create spaces of student support through events, on-campus initiatives and workshops. Market timely events, milestones, and services that are essential for student success.

Essential Functions:

1. Student Success Coaching and Mentoring
   • Provide individual and group student success coaching to undergraduate students in need of holistic support.
   • Coach students on goal setting, campus navigation, specific interventions, sense of belonging through campus connections, retention/graduation support, and overall success at American University.
   • Develop Thrive Plans with students to ensure confidence in four major areas of campus: academic pathway, financial planning, well-being, and sense of belonging.
   • Act as a concierge service for students where the success coach works as a proxy and advocate with other offices rather than sending students to multiple offices to resolve their issues.
2. Administration and Assessment
   • Maintains online and in-person appointment scheduling connected to personal calendar to track hours.
   • Maintain accurate records and notes about student coaching sessions including next steps for advisors and other members of campus working with the students.
   • Track referrals and resolutions weekly for each student assigned.
3. Other duties as assigned
   • Assist the Associate Director of Student Success Operations with Student Success or Coaching events and co-lead monthly Student Support Circles and workshops.
   • Represent the Office of Student Success at University events to educate prospective students, current students, and the AU community on Student Success Coaching services including some weekends.
   • Take monthly STAR Meeting minutes and weekly Eagle Eye meeting minutes.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Part-time.
• 20 hours per week.

Salary Range:

• $22.00 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 1-3 years of relevant student-facing leadership experience.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Incredible attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Proficient computer skills including spreadsheet development and maintenance using Excel.
• Ability to prioritize and organize work to ensure that it is completed within the given time limit.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Enrolled in a graduate program at American University.
• Strong academic record with a demonstrated commitment to student success.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with different student populations.
• Experience in academic advising, mentoring, or tutoring preferred.
• Ability to provide high levels of customer service while interacting with students, faculty, university staff, and peers on sensitive and confidential personnel matters.
• Ability to interact effectively with people of different cultures and work in a collaborative and multi-cultural environment.
• Experience with technology systems: Canvas, CRMs, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Other Details

• This position is available only to enrolled American University students.
• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
• American University is an E-Verify employer.
• Visit https://www.american.edu/hr/ for additional information about American University employment and benefits.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees (including those employed in student positions) must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email [e-mail].

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.