Transfer Academic Success Coach (Temporary 3-Year, Benefited)

University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking a Transfer Academic Success Coach in the Learning Resource Center. This full-time, onsite role provides holistic coaching to transfer students, supports their transition, and coordinates workshops to strengthen their integration into the campus community.

The position includes collaboration with internal campus partners and community college partners, supervision of peer tutors, and travel to Massachusetts community colleges as needed to support

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least three years in academic support or related roles.
• Commitment to diverse student populations and first-generation students.
• Strong customer service in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Confidentiality and professional judgment.
• Ability to learn new technology quickly.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized, strengths-based coaching to transfer students.
• Develop learning plans, monitor progress, and document interactions.
• Design and implement workshops and academic skills programming.
• Collaborate with LRC staff and campus partners; coordinate with community colleges.
• Supervise peer academic success coaches and tutors.
• Track participation and outcomes using reporting tools.
• Assist with hiring and training peer coaches.

Skills

Coaching

Communication

Organization

Interpersonal skills

Confidentiality

Technology literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Reporting tools

Job description

Title: Transfer Academic Success Coach (Temporary 3-Year, Benefited)

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Admin Support Units

Department: Learning Resource Center

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Transfer Academic Success Coach at the Learning Resource Center (LRC) supports the academic skills, transition, persistence, and success of transfer students at UMass Amherst. This position provides holistic academic success coaching, helps transfer students navigate campus resources, and coordinates workshops and skills designed to strengthen their integration into the academic community. The role includes collaboration with internal campus partners as well as external community college partners to support pre-transfer preparation and post-transfer success. This position will also provide functional supervision of peer academic success coaches and tutors.

Essential Functions

• Provide individualized, strengths-based academic success coaching to transfer students, including support with learning strategies, goal setting, time management, study skills, motivation, and academic self-efficacy. Develop learning plans, monitor student progress, and document interactions in accordance with university guidelines.
• Conduct ongoing outreach to promote persistence and academic success.
• Serve as a resource for students navigating the transfer transition, including major exploration, academic policies, and referrals to campus services.
• Respond to and manage inquiries from parents, caregivers, and other external stakeholders in accordance with FERPA.
• Design and implement workshops, small-group sessions, and academic skills programming tailored to transfer students.
• Collaborate with LRC staff to integrate transfer-specific needs into tutoring, supplemental instruction, and academic support offerings.
• Contribute to orientation, welcome events, and retention-focused initiatives supporting transfer student belonging and engagement.
• Build and maintain relationships with regional community colleges to support pre-transfer advising and early outreach. Travel to community colleges in Massachusetts and neighboring states as needed.
• Coordinate joint programming, information sessions, and resource-sharing initiatives to strengthen the transfer pipeline.
• Provide guidance to prospective transfer students on LRC services, academic preparedness, and transition expectations.
• Track program participation, outcomes, and student progress using standard reporting tools.
• Contribute to assessment activities, data analysis, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Participate in professional development related to academic coaching, transfer student support, and learning assistance.
• Collaborate with campus partners such as Student Success, Enrollment Management, and academic departments.
• Assist with the hiring and training of the peer tutors and peer academic success coaches. Provide functional supervision and support for the peer tutors and peer academic success coaches.

Other Functions

• May provide academic success coaching and support to non-transfer students as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet Department and University goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (preferably in psychology, counseling, education or a related field) and at least three (3) years of experience working in academic support, coaching, advising, counseling, or related student success roles.
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting diverse student populations, including first-generation and community college transfer students.
• Strong customer service skills and the ability to remain professional in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills with the ability to create and present engaging content to a diverse population of stakeholders with varying levels of experience.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to express thoughts clearly and in a logical sequence.
• Strong organizational and project management skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain harmonious working relationships and collaborate effectively with a diverse population of stakeholders.
• Sound judgment and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Strong computer skills and the ability to learn new technology and tools quickly.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in education, counseling, higher education, or related field.
• Experience working with transfer student populations or community college environments.
• Knowledge of learning strategies, student development theory, or retention-focused practices.
• Experience with workshop facilitation and program development.

Additional Details

This is a temporary, three-year, benefitted, grant-funded position.

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Required to work occasional evenings and weekends to support programming needs.

Occasional travel to community colleges for partnership activities, outreach, and transfer pathway events is required.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.