Program Mentor

If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career.

Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:
 

Grade: Faculty 504Pay Range: $60,600.00 - $90,900.00

Job Description

Job Profile Summary:
Student learning is the primary responsibility of WGU faculty. Program Mentors have specialized program content and career expertise, which they use to coach and guide students through programs and support career competency development. Program Mentors are assigned a group of students and are accountable for their students’ academic progress and success. Program Mentors are responsive to learner needs and vary the type, length, method, and intensity of support best matched to the learner’s pace, strengths, and goals. Additionally, Program Mentors are experts in the WGU model and services, and they develop and deepen students’ lifelong learning skills. They are organized and show exemplary written and verbal communication skills.
Time Expectations:
Full-Time Program Mentors are expected to work approximately 40 hours per week but on occasion it may vary depending on needs of the assigned group of learners.

Part-Time Program Mentors are expected to work approximately 20 hours per week but on occasion it may vary depending on the needs of the assigned group of learners. The role is not expected to exceed 29 hours per week.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Acts as a steward for carrying out WGU’s mission and strategic vision.
The Program Mentor must demonstrate a high level of commitment to student success as evidenced in goal setting, student outcomes, and student notes. Student success, by MSS standards, includes identifying urgent student needs as reflected in LCD and Caseload tools, as well as notes and documentation for each student; responding to emails and phone calls in a timely manner; and overall attention to urgent student needs.
Offers direct, comprehensive support, coaching, and guidance to a load of assigned students.
Provides WGU and program-level expertise to students and maintains that expertise through ongoing development activities.
Fosters student learning through innovative and motivational teaching and coaching practices.
Responds urgently to meet students' needs and communicates professionally and respectfully with students and all other members of the WGU community.
Maintains a consistent, student-friendly schedule with a selection of outside hours to accommodate various student needs.
Monitors the progress of assigned students and provides proactive support and outreach to them.
Uses technology-based teaching and communication platforms to support students' academic progress.
Collaborates with other professionals within the university to promote a positive, student-obsessed atmosphere.
Consistently exhibits WGU Leadership Principles.
Maintains knowledge within the assigned college.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities:
Well-organized, conscientious, and thorough with attention to detail.
Must demonstrate technological competency: Data entry, email, calendar, word processing, and database programs.
Extraordinary customer service and communication skills.
Strong interpersonal and written communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly, concisely, and accurately; friendly, persuasive speaking and writing style.
Job Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:
Master's or Advanced degree and all applicable licenses or certifications for a degree program.
Minimum 3 years of experience providing student support, mentoring, coaching, and/or instruction.
Demonstrated ability to work with diverse learner profiles.
Ability to work a student-friendly schedule (evenings/weekends).
Preferred Qualifications:
Strong experience with distance education and distance learning students is preferred.
Coaching certification (ICF ACC/PCC/MCC or similar).
Physical Requirements:
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
Works primarily from home within the continental United States and is available to travel to meetings as required.
This position requires occasional travel of up to 20%, including required attendance at designated company summits (typically one to two per year). Additional travel may include conferences, visits to company locations, and other business-related events as needed. Additional travel may be assigned as needed to support business requirements.

Position & Application Details

Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.

Additional Information

Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive.

Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected].

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.