About the role
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
Click here to view the Professional Staff hiring ranges.
Special Instructions for Applicants
Along with the online application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide the names and contact information for three (3) professional references.
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.