Student-Athlete Academic Support Specialist & Head Football Coach - MnSCU Academic Professional 1

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This full-time position at the MN West Worthington campus combines two roles:

Job Description

The Student-Athlete Academic Support Specialist & Head Football Coach is a central figure within the Athletics Department, bridging the gap between sports and academics. This dual role is designed to ensure that our student-athletes excel both in their sport and in their studies. On the sports side, the specialist uses evidence-based training methods to improve the athletes’ skills and game understanding. On the academic side, they work closely with educational departments to provide the necessary resources and support, ensuring that athletes maintain good academic standing. Beyond just skills and grades, the specialist also focuses on character development, emphasizing values like discipline and teamwork. In essence, this role aims to produce well-rounded individuals who succeed both on the field and in the classroom.

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Customer Service: All employees on a daily basis are expected to execute a service commitment to ensure all students are served and have a positive experience.

2. Retention & Support: Work collaboratively through coordinated support efforts to enhance the student experience and increase persistence and retention.

• Collaborate with the advisors and faculty to support at-risk students by responding to alerts submitted through the Minnesota West Academic Performance System.
• Provide referrals for service based on in-take form responses and individual student needs by connecting students with relevant College resources, faculty, and/or staff.
• Develop and carry out targeted outreach and programming to various student populations to support and engage their transition into the Minnesota West community, with sensitivity around issues that affect diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and international student populations.
• Coordinate, plan, and implement student success curriculum that includes: study tables, speakers, and activities to encourage belonging and connectedness.
• Assists with ongoing retention campaigns or promotions related to student enrollment.
• Work with students on how to effectively advocate to secure assistance that could further support their academic and personal success.

3. College Transition: Develop, implement, and coordinate activities to build relationships with incoming student-athletes to asst them with their transition to college.

• Provide support for new student orientation and registration programs.
• Regularly follow-up with potential student-athletes to identify challenges and opportunities for enrollment at Minnesota West Community & Technical College.
• Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of academic pathway programs and stay current on the available support services and required processes.
• Assist student-athletes throughout the application and enrollment process, including communicating important deadlines and providing support in completing paperwork.
• Maintain contact with incoming student-athletes to ensure they have received timely and accurate information.
• Provide general information on the College and community (i.e., financial aid, housing market, etc.).
• Organize workshops and seminars in areas including: personal development, advising, financial aid, scholarships, student resources, social work, counseling, faculty expectations, etc.
• Assess effectiveness of transition efforts and recommend improvements to Student Affairs Leadership.

4. Other Outreach and Recruitment: Create and support activities to serve new and returning students.

• Establish relationships with both potential and enrolled student-athletes to build awareness, generate interest and help grow enrollment through phone calls, emails, and meetings.
• Provide support for programs that bridge students from high school to Minnesota West Community & Technical College.
• Provide support for campus visits by student-athletes and their parents.
• Conduct other outreach as needed (i.e. special events both on and off campus).

5. Other Duties: Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of the organization as a viable business partner.

Salary Range:

$23.98 - $34.69 hourly
The coaching assignment is paid by credits based on experience/education.

Minimum Qualifications

• One year of professional experience which supports retention and academic success. A bachelor’s degree may substitute for 1 year of experience, an associate’s degree may substitute for 6 months experience.
• Interpersonal skills sufficient to provide prompt, welcoming, courteous, and accurate information to stakeholders in person, on the phone, and through email and other written correspondence.
• Communication skills, both oral and written, and the ability to develop, synthesize and present information to individuals and groups.
• Ability to work closely with a diverse population of students to develop relationships characterized by open communication to help students progress from enrollment to completion.
• Ability to understand and explain the educational and academic requirements necessary to be prepared for and complete college level work.
• Ability and willingness to travel and work a flexible schedule including occasional evenings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in related field
• Familiarity with higher education
• Experience working in a two-year community and technical college setting.
• Knowledge and appropriate use of software systems including, but not limited to: Integrated Statewide Reporting System (ISRS) and Microsoft Office Suite.

Other Requirements

• You must apply online and attach an electronic cover letter and resume to your online application in order to be considered for this position.

• ​All applicants must be able to lawfully accept employment in the United States at the time of employment. 

• ​In accordance with the Minnesota State Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to Minnesota State's vehicle use criteria and consent to a Motor Vehicle Records check

Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)

Primarily week day/daytime hours with evening and weekend hours during the football season.

Telework (Yes/No)

No

About
Minnesota West Community and Technical College is a student-centered, open-access community and technical college within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. The college provides transfer, occupational and career programs, workforce training, educational outreach and life-long learning opportunities. The College is committed to accomplishing its mission: Dedicated to serving the varied educational needs of our diverse populations in affordable, accessible and supportive settings.

Minnesota West Community and Technical College is a comprehensive community and technical college with five southwestern Minnesota campuses: Canby, Granite Falls, Jackson, Pipestone, and Worthington and learning centers in Luverne and Marshall Minnesota. Students have the opportunity to earn an Associate Degree, Diploma, or Certificate in more than 60 disciplines.

Benefits Information:

At Minnesota State, we have a GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! Our generous benefits include 11 paid Holidays, Vacation Time, Sick Time, six weeks of Paid Parental Leave, low cost medical and dental insurance with low deductibles ($250 - $1500), a Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement plans and other retirement investment options, pre-tax medical and dental expense (with roll-over option) and dependent care accounts, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, as well as professional development and a tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents, etc.  We promote the health and well-being of our employees and take work/life balance seriously.

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