Student Success Manager - Coastal Community Foundation
Thank you for your interest in joining the Coastal Community Foundation team. Coastal Community Foundation works to create communities rich in equity, opportunity, and well-being by uniting people and investing resources so that all community members have a pathway to achieve their goals. Established in 1974, it is the largest community foundation in South Carolina, serving the nine counties on the coast: Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, and Jasper counties. CCF manages more than 700 charitable funds established by individuals, families, and organizations and awards tens of millions of dollars in grants and scholarships each year.
Financial resources are among the many tools we employ in our purpose to create vibrant communities. Throughout our history, we have served as a community convener to bring residents and leaders together to tackle major structural challenges, such as housing shortages or inequitable school systems. We also have a long history of helping nonprofits build their capacity, and incubating grassroots causes to provide them with structural support, so they grow into fully operational organizations.
Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is an Equal Opportunity Employer with offices in North Charleston and Beaufort, as well as three affiliate foundations.
Why Work for Us?
When you join Coastal Community Foundation, you join a dedicated staff and Board of Directors who have earned the trust of donors and grantees alike, helping them advance positive outcomes in the communities they seek to serve and adapting to their evolving needs so that our region thrives together.
We take that same approach and dedication to supporting our staff members to ensure their success at work and outside of the work environment. We offer a competitive salary and a full benefits package, including Paid Time Off, Holidays, Insurance (health, dental, vision, life, disability), 401(k), and professional training and development opportunities.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement
Inclusion with equity is one of our four core values at Coastal Community Foundation, so we not only work to recruit diverse candidates, but we also work to ensure our team members have all the tools they need to be successful. Our purpose is most effectively fulfilled through proactively supporting the values of equity, inclusion, and diversity. Diversity may be measured by, but is not limited to, differences in age, ethnicity, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, economic circumstance, class, religion, disability, geography, and profession. We acknowledge and respect the many differences that comprise thriving communities and seek diversity in our staff to ensure that a range of perspectives, opinions and experiences are recognized and acted upon in achieving our purpose.
It is our intention to promote a fully equitable philanthropic sector that justly represents and serves all our constituencies. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from candidates of color, of LGBTQ+ identity and of other historically marginalized communities.
About this Position
The Student Success Manager is responsible for project management and coordination of the Reverend Pinckney College Readiness Program. The Reverend Pinckney College Readiness and Scholarship Programs (Pinckney Programs) were established to break down systemic barriers in local communities in South Carolina that face educational and wealth disparities. Through support, financial resources, programming and community, the Pinckney Programs help ensure students’ success leading up to, during and after college.
The College Readiness Program offers high school students personalized support and resources throughout the college application process. Students receive guidance in preparing for college, as well as researching, comparing, and applying to the institution that best fits their needs based on academic offerings, campus culture, enrollment size and more. The program also provides one-on-one support, skill building, college admissions test prep (ACT/SAT), and funds college tours. Students participating in the program are called visionaries, a tribute honoring Rev. Pinckney who was known as a visionary leader committed to justice, education, and contributing to a better future for his community.
The Student Success Manager reports to the Senior Director of Scholarships & Programs and works collaboratively with the team to provide compassionate, equitable community-centered programming.   This position can be fully in-person, remote, or hybrid pending discussions with the supervisor.
The Student Success Manager will agree with and demonstrate respect for the Foundation’s belief that “diversity” means the active inclusion of the entire community as welcomed participants in all Foundation activities; support the Foundation’s practice of encouraging diversity, equity and inclusiveness as the cornerstones of all that the Foundation does.
Essential Functions
Grantmaking & Community Leadership Responsibilities
Manages all aspects of program execution, including but not limited to marketing and outreach, recruitment, dissemination of applications, organization of selection process, comprehensive support including one-on-one visits with students and their families, and the planning and execution of trainings and/or events associated with the program.
Works in tandem with Southern Lowcountry Student Success Manager for planning and coordination, each with separate portfolio of students, to ensure programming consistency.
Creates detailed outreach plans designed to reach qualified candidates in Beaufort, Charleston, Jasper, Hampton and Colleton counties, as assigned, including specific steps for reaching underserved communities.
Researches and evaluates programs and practices nationally and brings best practices to the execution of the program, including the procurement of dynamic professionals to be contracted to lead student training sessions.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with Charleston County School District guidance counselors, administration, and those contracted for the program.
Provides support and guidance on all options of college planning, including but not limited to, admissions, scholarships, financial aid/literacy, learning skills, time management, career, and college exploration.
Hosts monthly group meetings around pertinent personal and professional development, along with college access activities.
Meets in-person, when possible, with program participants to provide individualized guidance and counseling.
Interprets and applies college admissions standards and policies in determining student eligibility and standing.
Provides information about various types of financial aid and assists with the completion of applications for financial aid.
Provides opportunities to visit selected colleges and universities.
Coordinates with appropriate departments to provide holistic and streamlined services.
Maintains student records on program’s online platform.
General Responsibilities
Assists donors, students, families, high school personnel and the general public in a courteous, helpful and respectful manner, with everyone given equal consideration.
Assuming responsibility for special projects, as requested by the Senior Director of Scholarships & Programs.
Responds to requests for information regarding the Reverend Pinckney College Readiness Program.
Required Skills/Abilities
Effective written communication and presentation skills, and the ability to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations, providing services, and/or program planning and implementation.
A strong work ethic, including ability to work independently and collaboratively, plan, set goals and objectives, organize, follow through, and meet deadlines.
Capacity to manage multiple responsibilities at once and to prioritize projects to align with organizational needs.
Ability to work collaboratively and collegially with other team members for effective, time-bound results.
Demonstrated proficiency in the use of common software programs including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and the ability to learn to use a scholarship management database system
Ability to manage sensitive materials confidentially.
Commitment to the mission of the Foundation.
Education and Experience
College degree required.
2 – 3 years’ experience in school counseling, college admissions, financial aid or related field.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to sit and work at a computer for long periods of time.
Needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. and lift small items (less than 20 pounds).
Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity equipment, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
Frequently communicates with colleagues and the public. Must be able to exchange accurate information.
Use of personal vehicle for moderate day-time travel to area high schools required.
After hours and weekend availability necessary on a limited basis
Application Deadline
Please apply as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed, and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.
Additional Info
Job Type : Full-Time
Education Level : Bachelors Degree
Experience Level : Entry Level
Job Function : Other
Job Application Deadline : 4/11/2025
Institution : Coastal Community Foundation
Job Title : Student Success Manager
Job City, State : Charleston, SC
Location where the employee will be working : Hybrid
Link to public posting : https://coastalcommunityfoundation.org/who-we-are/career-opportunities/