Job Title

Academic Counselor

Department

Student Support Services

Salary

$48,920 - $60,252; commensurate with experience

Job Summary/Basic Function

The TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Academic Coordinator is responsible for the success of academically at-risk students who are first-generation, low-income, and/or disabled. Reporting to the SSS Director, the Academic Coordinator implements intervention strategies by meeting one-on-one with participants a minimum of three times per semester. Each semester, the Academic Coordinator develops a needs assessment and action plan for program participants. They are responsible for monitoring students’ academic progress through the MTSU early alert system and providing timely follow-up services to ensure participants remain in good academic standing, persist, and graduate. The incumbent is required to document all participant contacts and maintain accurate electronic and written records to ensure compliance with US Department of Education regulations and MTSU policies.

Provide in-person academic guidance and advisement to students on policies, procedures, and requirements to fulfill a degree program. Create and facilitate programming on career planning, financial and economic literacy education, tutoring, applying for Federal Student Aid, and enrollment in graduate school. Create and implement programs that enhance and support the non-cognitive skills of participants, such as development of leadership skills, persistence, critical thinking skills, self-perception, self-confidence, self-image, and the pursuit of excellence. Develop and facilitate programs to assist participants in determining and achieving their academic, career, and personal goals.

Disseminate information through participant campaigns regarding priority registration and other pertinent deadlines related to persistence and graduation of participants.

Select, supervise, schedule, train, and evaluate peer mentors. Develop, implement, and monitor a cohort mentoring program that matches students' needs, increases sense of belonging, deploys effective methods to overcoming real life barriers, and improves engagement with the campus community. Facilitate bi-weekly mentor meetings and attend all mentor/mentee activities.

Develop and manage the SSS social media sites and website by posting upcoming events, pertinent information, and engaging posts.

Under the direction of the Director, coordinate the day-to-day operations and assist in monitoring of program compliance with grant specifications and federal regulations. Assist the Director with data collection for proposal writing and submission of the Annual Performance Report to the US Department of Education to ensure continued program funding.

Represent MTSU TRIO SSS at local, state, regional, and national TRIO conferences.

Collaborate with faculty, staff, and other departments such as Academic Advising, Career Development Center, Financial Aid Office, Residence Life, Student Success, etc. to provide resources and support to participants.

Promote SSS services by presenting programs and workshops, maintaining the website, hosting Open Houses, etc. to prospective students, current students, faculty, and staff.

Other duties as assigned by program director. This position requires after-hours and weekend work.

Required Education

Master's degree.

Required Related Experience

A bachelor's degree plus three years of direct student services in a college level setting may be considered in lieu of the master's degree.

Desirable Related Experience

Persons with similar background to TRIO participants (first generation college students, low-income or disabled individuals) and strong interest in working with disadvantaged students preferred.

Documents Needed to Apply

Cover Letter & Resume Required

MTSU offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:  

• Sick Leave
• Vacation Leave for Administrative/Classified Staff/12-month Faculty
• 13 paid University holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Retirement plans
• Optional 401K and 403B Deferred Compensation Plans
• Educational benefits for the employee and their spouse and dependents

MTSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligibility for U.S. employment is required before employment (Immigration Control Act of 1986). Clery Act crime statistics for MTSU are available at https://police.mtsu.edu/annual-security-report/ or by contacting MTSU Public Safety at (615) 898-2424.

MTSU is a Tobacco & Drug-Free campus.

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you will be required to provide information about your criminal history to be considered.

For individuals requiring reasonable accommodation to apply: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position with MTSU, please call 615-898-2929 or email emp@mtsu.edu.

Application Review Date: June 10, 2026