Academic Progress & Success Mentor

Job Title: Academic Progress & Success Mentor

Location: On-Site, VCAD – ManchesterSalary Range: £42k - £48k per annumContract Type: PermanentWork Schedule: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm

Department: Academic Progress & Success TeamReporting to: Academic Dean (AUP)Job PurposeThe Academic Progress & Success Mentor will play a key role in supporting students to engage with their studies, meet module learning outcomes, and successfully progress through their programmes.Working as part of the Academic Progress & Success Team, the postholder will provide targeted academic support to individual students who are at risk of non-submission, reassessment, or underperformance.

This includes maintaining regular contact with an assigned cohort of students, offering practical guidance on assessments, and supporting students to reach a point where they are confident and prepared to submit their work.The role is focused on improving submission rates, first-time pass rates, and overall student continuation, through timely and structured academic support.Key ResponsibilitiesStudent Engagement and Support:Maintain regular contact with an allocated group of students, providing consistent and structured academic supportProactively engage students who are disengaged or at risk of non-submissionBuild supportive working relationships that encourage accountability and sustained engagementSupport students in developing effective study habits and independent learning skillsAcademic Guidance:Support students in understanding module learning outcomes, assessment requirements, and submission expectationsProvide clear guidance on how to approach assignments in line with academic standardsAssist students in interpreting feedback and applying it to future workSupport the development of academic writing, research, and assessment skillsDraft Review and Formative Feedback:Review draft work, where appropriate, and provide constructive, formative feedback to support improvement prior to submissionOffer feedback through appropriate channels (e.g. email, one-to-one sessions), focusing on clarity, structure, and alignment with learning outcomesHighlight areas for development while ensuring students retain responsibility for their own workEnsure all support remains within institutional academic integrity guidelinesMonitoring and Follow-up:Track student engagement, progress, and readiness for submissionFollow up with students in advance of key deadlines to support timely submissionIdentify early signs of academic risk and take appropriate actionMaintain accurate records of student interactions and interventionsTargeted Interventions:Provide additional support to students identified as at risk of non-submission, requiring reassessment, borderline in achieving module outcomes, work with students to break down assignments into manageable stages and support re-engagement following periods of absence or low participation.Contribution to Outcomes:Contribute to improvements in submission rates, first-time pass rates, student progression and continuation and work towards agreed targets for student engagement and success within the allocated cohortCollaboration:Work closely with Academic Deans, Programme Leaders, and Module Leaders to support student progress, liaise with Registry and other professional services where appropriate and contribute to team discussions and the ongoing development of the Academic Progress & Success Team.Teaching Support and Cover Responsibilities:Provide teaching cover as required to support continuity of academic delivery. This may include undertaking lecturing responsibilities during periods of staff absence, annual leave, or sickness, as well as providing support in emergency situations.The postholder will deliver scheduled teaching sessions where necessary, ensuring alignment with module learning outcomes, maintaining academic standards, and supporting a consistent student experience.This responsibility is intended to provide flexibility within the academic team and ensure minimal disruption to teaching provision.Key Performance IndicatorsStudent submission rates within assigned cohortFirst-time pass ratesReduction in reassessment volumesEngagement levels of identified at-risk studentsStudent feedback on support receivedPerson SpecificationEssential:Experience of working in a higher education or student support environmentUnderstanding of assessment processes and academic requirements within HEAbility to support and motivate students from a range of academic backgroundsStrong communication and interpersonal skillsGood organisational skills, with the ability to manage a defined caseloadAbility to monitor and respond to student data and engagement indicatorsDesirable:Experience in academic advising, tutoring, or coachingFamiliarity with virtual learning environments (e.g. Moodle)Understanding of academic integrity and good academic practiceExperience supporting students at risk of non-progressionKey AttributesApproachable and supportive mannerClear and practical communication styleAbility to build trust while maintaining professional boundariesProactive and well organisedFocused on student outcomes and continuous improvementBenefitsAnnual leave (7.2 weeks)Workplace pension scheme.Company Sick Pay.Statutory maternity and paternity pay.Employee Assistance Programme (HA Wisdom Wellbeing)Virtual GP access (Livi)'Speak Up Service' - confidential support service to report any workplace concernsSpecialist physical and mental wellbeing support services with 24/7 confidential counselling support (Wisdom)Specialist menopause support, including online CBT (Wisdom)Financial, legal and medical advice services provided (Wisdom)Life & Leadership coaching (Wisdom)Financial coaching (MUNNY)Discounts and perks, offering savings on shopping, activities and more (Bright Exchange)Career development and training opportunities.Training and self-development opportunities.