Career Center

The Academic Success Program Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and delivering proactive programs designed to assist graduate students and postdocs in their academic and professional development. The Academic Success Program Coordinator will focus on, among other things, offering tailored programs such as effective time management, resilience, stress management, conflict resolution, navigating academic relationships, and juggling work/life responsibilities, to departments based on students' needs. The Academic Success Program Coordinator is expected to facilitate group discussions and provide individualized guidance through student consultations about academic success and make referrals to appropriate internal and external resources.

The Vanderbilt University Graduate School plays a central role in support of the academic and professional development of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows (postdocs). Through leadership and professional development programming, support services, and various campus initiatives, one of the Graduate School's central goals is to enhance the success of those that are served by our offices.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serves as a key member of the Graduate School Academic & Student Services team to provide service and support to departments and the graduate student and postdoc population.
• Provides frequent outreach and support to departments across the Schools and Colleges offering graduate degrees to advance the success of their student populations.
• Coordinates and delivers programming in areas including conflict management; financial health; stress management; degree completion support; emotional intelligence; navigating adviser/PI/mentor and department relationships; resilience; and managing work/life responsibilities.
• Consults with and assists graduate students and postdocs in navigating and accessing resources and support through the University's multi-tiered systems for health and wellbeing. Collaborates on programming with Student Care Network (graduate students) and Work-Life Connections (postdocs) where beneficial to community needs.
• Collaborates with and refers graduate students and postdocs to Career Services for career advising and career development programming.
• Collaborates on programming and initiatives with other key partners and members of the Graduate Development Network, including the Graduate Leadership Institute (GLI), Project Safe Center, identity centers (Women's Center, LGBTQI Life, Black Cultural Center, International Student and Scholar Services) and other support services graduate students and postdocs.
• Report systemic concerns and anonymized grievances directly to the Director.
• Maintains strict confidentiality and exercises discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment in dealing with sensitive or potentially controversial matters.
• Advocates for graduate student needs within the university's organizational structure; works closely with the leadership of the Graduate Student Council (GSC), namely the Student Life Liaison, and the Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Association.
• Serves as point of contact for graduate students and postdocs returning from medical leaves of absence.
• Researches, develops, and maintains resource materials for graduate students and postdocs.
• Develops office promotional materials for print, email, web and social media presence; contributes to the function and efficacy of the office.
• Responds with the flexibility to multiple requests for services; maintains composure under frequent interruptions, heavy workload demands, and conflicting priorities.
• Performs work in a timely, efficient, and professional manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• This position requires a master's degree, preferably one that requires a thesis or capstone.
• Strong communication (oral and written) and public relations skills; ability to communicate with diverse audiences that will include
• Strong organizational skills and self-motivation; proven ability to handle multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of professionalism and attention to detail.
• Strong computer skills in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, email, internet applications.
• Ability to work fluidly and constructively at the intersections of gender, race, sexual orientation, parenthood, and other significant aspects of identity.
• Ability to work effectively within a large, complex academic and research organization.
• Proven ability to handle multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of professionalism and attention to detail.
• Analytical and data management skills necessary to evaluate survey-based data.
• Experience in higher education administration and/or student development.
• Experience coaching individuals and groups to maximize productivity and satisfaction.
• Certifications and/or training (any of the following):
  • International Coach Federation
  • Clifton Strengths
  • Hogan Assessment
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Mediation/Negotiation techniques

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.