Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Staff Assistant, TRiO Success Advisor & Project Coordinator
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams, Massachusetts, us, 01247
About Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts:
At MCLA, we're here for all, and focused on each, of our students. Classes are taught by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive on every level of their lives. In every way possible, the experience at MCLA is designed to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully empowered to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 130-year commitment to public education, we have fortified our dedication to equitable academic excellence. MCLA has appeared on U.S. News & World Report's list of Top Ten Public Colleges for 10 consecutive years, earning the No. 6 spot on the list of Top Public Liberal Arts Schools in the nation for 2025, after earning the No. 7 spot the prior three years. The College's focus on affordable education and economic prosperity is reflected in additional 2025 U.S. News rankings: No. 5 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for liberal arts colleges in the state and No. 2 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for public liberal arts colleges in the country. These rankings measure how well schools graduate students who receive Federal Pell Grants. Learn more at www.mcla.edu
Job Description:
By applying a holistic approach, the TRiO Success Advisor & Project Coordinator in the TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) Office will serve in a culturally responsive manner to guide students developing perspectives, skills, behaviors, academic, and well-being habits that contribute to their persistence and success in college and at MCLA. The TRiO Success Advisor & Project Coordinator is responsible for promoting a positive and successful learning experience and various engagements for students participating in the TRiO SSS Program. Students served by TRiO SSS may be historically underrepresented in higher education, and are first generation, come from a low-income background, and/or have a disability. The coordinator supports an institution-wide collaborative model for TRiO SSS. MCLA is a four-year public liberal arts college in North Adams, Massachusetts. This is a grant funded position. The position includes on campus housing; housing requires participation in residential life rotational duties with on-call service with the residential life team.
Student Success Advising and Appreciative Coaching: Provide academic and holistic coaching, encouragement and support to 160 undergraduate students with identities of first-generation, and/or low-income, and/or with a disability/ies. Assist the Director of TRiO SSS with the identification, outreach, and recruitment of eligible program participants, and work with program and college staff in the development, coordination, and implementation of academic and student services, programs, and initiatives for program participants according to the established and responsive recruitment plan. Apply principles of appreciative advising and active learning to build rapport, engagement and trust with students. May supervise student employees, student organizations and interns. Help students design and implement enhanced academic and holistic success plans that include goals and objectives that address various singular and intersectional need areas. Support successful goal completion and monitor student progress toward established goals. Document advising notes in EAB Navigate and in TRiO SSS specific systems. Collaborate with the MCLA broad student success team and mentoring programs for all students. Assist students in developing self-awareness, confidence and self-efficacy by identifying strengths, cultural assets, and opportunity areas for growth, and by problem-solving or making changes to overcome obstacles impeding academic success and personal development. Work with students to develop effective time management and organizational skills. Motivate students to practice self-regulation, help-seeking behaviors, and accountability. Monitor progress of students in assigned coaching model with routine check-ins, scheduled meetings and proactive outreach communication related to engagement opportunities, recognition of growth and highlights, academic progress, and various concerns. Respond to students' goals, questions, concerns, and needs. Routinely review and contribute to campus-wide advising platform (EAB Navigate). Routinely collaborate with campus partners to support students and provide both universal and customized opportunities and support. Support and may provide direct intervention strategies for care/case management at the request of the Director. Convene students in common group engagements and high impact educational practices. With a live-on housing commitment on campus, serve as a member of the Professional Staff Member (PSM) On-Call duty rotation for Residence Life & Housing, addressing urgent needs and attending weekly Residence Life meetings. Program Development, Support, Administration, and Assessment:
Coordinate programs and activities informed by student learning outcomes and TRiO objectives. Assist in the creation and distribution of marketing materials and social media to ensure the visibility of the TRiO SSS program both on campus and within the community. Assist students in navigating College policies and procedures. Must maintain confidentiality of participant records and information Maintain regular communication with key stakeholders and keep program director informed of participant progress. Analyze MCLA and TRiO SSS data, connecting data with TRiO SSS objectives and continuous improvement goals. Help to create intervention strategies and new program activities. Establish and maintain liaisons with the offices of Admissions, Student Financial Services, First Year and Family Programs, Counseling Services, Residential Programs & Services, Dean of Students, Student Life, Academic Advising & Support, Disability Resource Services, the Multicultural Education and Resource Center, Center for Well-Being, Athletics, academic departments, the Writing Studio and Math Drop-In Center, and other important campus resources to ensure all required services are provided to TRiO SSSP project participants. Essential is to partner at MCLA on shared strategic priorities and activities. Assist Program Director in federal administrative duties and reporting as required by the TRiO SSS grant. Assists the Director with preparation for submission of the Annual Performance. Maintain and use knowledge of all current resources available to MCLA students to enhance their educational experience, persistence, and general well-being. Develop and facilitate educational workshops for participants that address a variety of college-going skills. Maintain updated student data, including documentation of all student interactions, in student record system (Argos) and EAB Navigate in accordance with TRiO SSS regulations, and MCLA guidelines. Submit timely, routine briefings and maintain documentation of student contacts and interactions, issues that arise, and facilitate outcomes of coaching sessions. Assist students with MCLA's learning management system (CANVAS), academic planning tools Degree Works and EAB Navigate, student record system (Banner), and formal policy/compliance concerns. Administer and interpret the Learning and Study Skills Assessment (LASSI) and/or related tools. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed within the scope of related work duties and the priorities of the role and the office. At times, a flexible schedule may be required beyond specific business hours. This is a predominantly in person, on campus, direct student-facing role. Requirements:
A Bachelor's Degree (Master's Degree, preferred), and a minimum of two years' experience working in coaching/advising models with college students, and/or with first-generation, low-income, and/or underrepresented college students. Sensitivity to and familiarity with social, economic, well-being and cultural background of low-income, first generation, and students with disabilities. Knowledge and application of student development (college) the interconnectedness of demonstrated accountability for fostering intercultural development and promoting inclusive communities. Innovative and creative collaborator with strong organizational skills. Familiarity with principles of appreciative advising and active learning. Experience within higher education and with learning management systems, academic planning tools, assessments, FERPA guidelines, and student record systems. Formal training and/or work experience providing administrative support to grant or higher education programs and contributing to advising records and reporting. Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills. Experience with social media outreach (preferred). Experience designing and leading training presentations and/or student leadership development. Proficiency in using current technologies such as word processing, databases, presentation tools, and spreadsheet software, specifically Microsoft Office applications. This position requires occasional evening and weekend hours (student outreach, activities, retreats, and meetings), as well as some travel Demonstrated ability to work both collaboratively, accountably, and independently in a fast-paced, quickly changing environment Demonstrated commitment to professional development and a growth mindset. Program or event planning experience (preferred).
Additional Information:
This is a full-time, benefited, grant-funded position in the APA bargaining unit. The annual salary for this position is $45,000 per year.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Should you need to request a reasonable accommodation for the application process, please email Brenda Stokes, Executive Director of Human Resources.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is deeply committed to fostering a community of excellence, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We provide equal access to educational, co-curricular and employment opportunities for all applicants, students, and employees regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital or parental status, veteran status, or membership in any other legally protected class. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity that they operate, which extends to admission and employment.
Inquiries about Title IX, Equal Opportunity, or ADA/504 and other non-discrimination policies may be directed to MCLA's Interim Title IX and Equal Opportunity Coordinator, to the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, or both.
Lucas Morrill Interim Title IX and EO Coordinator 375 Church Street, North Adams, MA 01247 Telephone: (413) 662-5103 Titleix@mcla.edu
U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights 33 Arch Street, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02119-1424 Telephone: (617) 289-0111; FAX: (617) 289-0150; TDD (877) 521-2172 OCR.Boston@ed.gov
Application Instructions:
Applicants should electronically submit an application by clicking on the APPLY NOW button below.
At MCLA, we're here for all, and focused on each, of our students. Classes are taught by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive on every level of their lives. In every way possible, the experience at MCLA is designed to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully empowered to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 130-year commitment to public education, we have fortified our dedication to equitable academic excellence. MCLA has appeared on U.S. News & World Report's list of Top Ten Public Colleges for 10 consecutive years, earning the No. 6 spot on the list of Top Public Liberal Arts Schools in the nation for 2025, after earning the No. 7 spot the prior three years. The College's focus on affordable education and economic prosperity is reflected in additional 2025 U.S. News rankings: No. 5 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for liberal arts colleges in the state and No. 2 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for public liberal arts colleges in the country. These rankings measure how well schools graduate students who receive Federal Pell Grants. Learn more at www.mcla.edu
Job Description:
By applying a holistic approach, the TRiO Success Advisor & Project Coordinator in the TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) Office will serve in a culturally responsive manner to guide students developing perspectives, skills, behaviors, academic, and well-being habits that contribute to their persistence and success in college and at MCLA. The TRiO Success Advisor & Project Coordinator is responsible for promoting a positive and successful learning experience and various engagements for students participating in the TRiO SSS Program. Students served by TRiO SSS may be historically underrepresented in higher education, and are first generation, come from a low-income background, and/or have a disability. The coordinator supports an institution-wide collaborative model for TRiO SSS. MCLA is a four-year public liberal arts college in North Adams, Massachusetts. This is a grant funded position. The position includes on campus housing; housing requires participation in residential life rotational duties with on-call service with the residential life team.
Student Success Advising and Appreciative Coaching: Provide academic and holistic coaching, encouragement and support to 160 undergraduate students with identities of first-generation, and/or low-income, and/or with a disability/ies. Assist the Director of TRiO SSS with the identification, outreach, and recruitment of eligible program participants, and work with program and college staff in the development, coordination, and implementation of academic and student services, programs, and initiatives for program participants according to the established and responsive recruitment plan. Apply principles of appreciative advising and active learning to build rapport, engagement and trust with students. May supervise student employees, student organizations and interns. Help students design and implement enhanced academic and holistic success plans that include goals and objectives that address various singular and intersectional need areas. Support successful goal completion and monitor student progress toward established goals. Document advising notes in EAB Navigate and in TRiO SSS specific systems. Collaborate with the MCLA broad student success team and mentoring programs for all students. Assist students in developing self-awareness, confidence and self-efficacy by identifying strengths, cultural assets, and opportunity areas for growth, and by problem-solving or making changes to overcome obstacles impeding academic success and personal development. Work with students to develop effective time management and organizational skills. Motivate students to practice self-regulation, help-seeking behaviors, and accountability. Monitor progress of students in assigned coaching model with routine check-ins, scheduled meetings and proactive outreach communication related to engagement opportunities, recognition of growth and highlights, academic progress, and various concerns. Respond to students' goals, questions, concerns, and needs. Routinely review and contribute to campus-wide advising platform (EAB Navigate). Routinely collaborate with campus partners to support students and provide both universal and customized opportunities and support. Support and may provide direct intervention strategies for care/case management at the request of the Director. Convene students in common group engagements and high impact educational practices. With a live-on housing commitment on campus, serve as a member of the Professional Staff Member (PSM) On-Call duty rotation for Residence Life & Housing, addressing urgent needs and attending weekly Residence Life meetings. Program Development, Support, Administration, and Assessment:
Coordinate programs and activities informed by student learning outcomes and TRiO objectives. Assist in the creation and distribution of marketing materials and social media to ensure the visibility of the TRiO SSS program both on campus and within the community. Assist students in navigating College policies and procedures. Must maintain confidentiality of participant records and information Maintain regular communication with key stakeholders and keep program director informed of participant progress. Analyze MCLA and TRiO SSS data, connecting data with TRiO SSS objectives and continuous improvement goals. Help to create intervention strategies and new program activities. Establish and maintain liaisons with the offices of Admissions, Student Financial Services, First Year and Family Programs, Counseling Services, Residential Programs & Services, Dean of Students, Student Life, Academic Advising & Support, Disability Resource Services, the Multicultural Education and Resource Center, Center for Well-Being, Athletics, academic departments, the Writing Studio and Math Drop-In Center, and other important campus resources to ensure all required services are provided to TRiO SSSP project participants. Essential is to partner at MCLA on shared strategic priorities and activities. Assist Program Director in federal administrative duties and reporting as required by the TRiO SSS grant. Assists the Director with preparation for submission of the Annual Performance. Maintain and use knowledge of all current resources available to MCLA students to enhance their educational experience, persistence, and general well-being. Develop and facilitate educational workshops for participants that address a variety of college-going skills. Maintain updated student data, including documentation of all student interactions, in student record system (Argos) and EAB Navigate in accordance with TRiO SSS regulations, and MCLA guidelines. Submit timely, routine briefings and maintain documentation of student contacts and interactions, issues that arise, and facilitate outcomes of coaching sessions. Assist students with MCLA's learning management system (CANVAS), academic planning tools Degree Works and EAB Navigate, student record system (Banner), and formal policy/compliance concerns. Administer and interpret the Learning and Study Skills Assessment (LASSI) and/or related tools. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed within the scope of related work duties and the priorities of the role and the office. At times, a flexible schedule may be required beyond specific business hours. This is a predominantly in person, on campus, direct student-facing role. Requirements:
A Bachelor's Degree (Master's Degree, preferred), and a minimum of two years' experience working in coaching/advising models with college students, and/or with first-generation, low-income, and/or underrepresented college students. Sensitivity to and familiarity with social, economic, well-being and cultural background of low-income, first generation, and students with disabilities. Knowledge and application of student development (college) the interconnectedness of demonstrated accountability for fostering intercultural development and promoting inclusive communities. Innovative and creative collaborator with strong organizational skills. Familiarity with principles of appreciative advising and active learning. Experience within higher education and with learning management systems, academic planning tools, assessments, FERPA guidelines, and student record systems. Formal training and/or work experience providing administrative support to grant or higher education programs and contributing to advising records and reporting. Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills. Experience with social media outreach (preferred). Experience designing and leading training presentations and/or student leadership development. Proficiency in using current technologies such as word processing, databases, presentation tools, and spreadsheet software, specifically Microsoft Office applications. This position requires occasional evening and weekend hours (student outreach, activities, retreats, and meetings), as well as some travel Demonstrated ability to work both collaboratively, accountably, and independently in a fast-paced, quickly changing environment Demonstrated commitment to professional development and a growth mindset. Program or event planning experience (preferred).
Additional Information:
This is a full-time, benefited, grant-funded position in the APA bargaining unit. The annual salary for this position is $45,000 per year.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Should you need to request a reasonable accommodation for the application process, please email Brenda Stokes, Executive Director of Human Resources.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is deeply committed to fostering a community of excellence, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We provide equal access to educational, co-curricular and employment opportunities for all applicants, students, and employees regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital or parental status, veteran status, or membership in any other legally protected class. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity that they operate, which extends to admission and employment.
Inquiries about Title IX, Equal Opportunity, or ADA/504 and other non-discrimination policies may be directed to MCLA's Interim Title IX and Equal Opportunity Coordinator, to the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, or both.
Lucas Morrill Interim Title IX and EO Coordinator 375 Church Street, North Adams, MA 01247 Telephone: (413) 662-5103 Titleix@mcla.edu
U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights 33 Arch Street, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02119-1424 Telephone: (617) 289-0111; FAX: (617) 289-0150; TDD (877) 521-2172 OCR.Boston@ed.gov
Application Instructions:
Applicants should electronically submit an application by clicking on the APPLY NOW button below.