What are the responsibilities and job description for the SUCCESS COACH position at Southern Maine Community College?
STARTING SALARY RANGE: $48,243 - $57,604
DEPARTMENT: Advising
REPORTS TO: Director of Advising Services
FUNDING: Position is partially funded through Perkins
BENEFITS: 100% employer paid health, dental, and life insurance for employees (spouse/dependent coverage available), vision insurance, employer paid contributions to Maine Public Employees Retirement or TIAA-CREF (in lieu of social security), generous vacation/personal/sick time allowances, 13 paid holidays, professional development, and free tuition within the MCCS for employees, spouse and dependents. SMCC summary of benefits 2025.pdf
RESPONSIBILITIES: The Staff Advisor position provides a specific focus on college success programming for target student populations and supports the coordination and delivery of the full spectrum of advising to a Pathway. The Staff Advisor serves as a guide for students, a dedicated resource for a specific target student cohort or Pathway, and works with instructors and college partners to support students as they work towards achieving their goals. The position also provides support for academic and registration service functions including, but not limited to: orienting and onboarding students to the college; providing placement counseling; assisting with course selection and registration; and offering basic transfer counseling and referrals as appropriate. The position also serves as a resource for faculty and the community in advisor training, programming and coordination.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Baccalaureate degree, two years of recent experience in higher education, knowledge of and proven experience in student advising.
- Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree, four years of recent experience in a community college, experience in student advising and or student success instruction, knowledge of best-practices in academic learning communities, excellent writing and presentations skills, demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with faculty and staff.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- 2-4 years of related experience working with underserved student populations,
preferably in a community college setting.
- Excellent written and oral communication as well as interpersonal, relationship-building, group facilitation and problem-solving skills.
- Must be highly organized and proficient in computer use including the Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Teams.
- Knowledge and experience working with Brightspace and/or with Anthology is beneficial.
WHY WORK AT SMCC:
SMCC offers meaningful work in a mission-driven environment where employees are valued for their expertise, commitment, and care for students. SMCC employees benefit from a collegial workplace, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a direct impact on student’s lives and Maine’s workforce.
ABOUT SMCC:
SMCC is Maine’s largest community college and a member of the Maine Community College System. SMCC is dedicated to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality education that prepares students for careers, transfer, and lifelong learning.
MISSION, VISION, & STRATEGIC ANCHORS:
SMCC is guided by a student-ready philosophy and a commitment to equity, access, and excellence. Our work is grounded in three strategic anchors:
- Students - Supporting access, success, completion, and well-being
- People - Investing in a supportive, inclusive, and engaged workforce
- Community – Strengthening partnerships and responding to regional workforce and community needs
RECOVERY FRIENDLY WORKPLACE
SMCC is proud to be a Recovery Friendly Workplace. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment that values the unique experience and contributions of individuals from all walks of life. At SMCC, we believe in empowering all members of our community to thrive and succeed in both their professional and personal journey
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Currently, SMCC is unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of an employment visa.
THINKING ABOUT APPLYING?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.
SMCC is an Equal Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and non-discriminatory environment for all employees. We provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact 207-741-5568.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Review of applications will begin August 13, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and a list of three professional references.
Qualifications:RESPONSIBILITIES: The Staff Advisor position provides a specific focus on college success programming for target student populations and supports the coordination and delivery of the full spectrum of advising to a Pathway. The Staff Advisor serves as a guide for students, a dedicated resource for a specific target student cohort or Pathway, and works with instructors and college partners to support students as they work towards achieving their goals. The position also provides support for academic and registration service functions including, but not limited to: orienting and onboarding students to the college; providing placement counseling; assisting with course selection and registration; and offering basic transfer counseling and referrals as appropriate. The position also serves as a resource for faculty and the community in advisor training, programming and coordination.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Baccalaureate degree, two years of recent experience in higher education, knowledge of and proven experience in student advising.
- Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree, four years of recent experience in a community college, experience in student advising and or student success instruction, knowledge of best-practices in academic learning communities, excellent writing and presentations skills, demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with faculty and staff.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- 2-4 years of related experience working with underserved student populations,
preferably in a community college setting.
- Excellent written and oral communication as well as interpersonal, relationship-building, group facilitation and problem-solving skills.
- Must be highly organized and proficient in computer use including the Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Teams.
- Knowledge and experience working with Brightspace and/or with Anthology is beneficial.
Salary : $48,243 - $57,604