Learning Specialist

EXPIRED

The University of Virginia (UVA) is a highly competitive Division I program committed to the academic and athletic experience of student-athletes. The Department of Athletics is seeking to fill the position of Learning Specialist to support student-athletes through the support of the Cavalier Academic Support Team (CAST), direct service to a caseload of students, and development of student support programming.

The Learning Services team is tasked with implementing quality tutoring and academic mentoring support services for all of UVA’s student-athletes. These services are highly individualized and responsive to student needs. Learning Specialists work directly with a small caseload of at-risk student-athletes to enhance academic strategy development and support student success.

Learning Specialists support the overall CAST through various administrative functions such as training and quality control for our academic mentoring and tutoring programs. Learning Specialists demonstrate expertise in evidence-based learning and study strategies and their application to diverse learner profiles. In collaboration with the Learning Services staff and Academic Coordinators, they provide comprehensive academic support and encourage the growth of students as learners by teaching skills to effectively engage with academic material and resources at the University. Their work is mainly independent, with some oversight and with a strong emphasis on communication, attention to detail, integrity, and collaboration.

The Primary Responsibilities of the Learning Specialist:

The University of Virginia (UVA) is a highly competitive Division I program committed to the academic and athletic experience of student-athletes. The Department of Athletics is seeking to fill the position of Learning Specialist to support student-athletes through the support of the Cavalier Academic Support Team (CAST), direct service to a caseload of students, and development of student support programming.

The Learning Services team is tasked with implementing quality tutoring and academic mentoring support services for all of UVA’s student-athletes. These services are highly individualized and responsive to student needs. Learning Specialists work directly with a small caseload of at-risk student-athletes to enhance academic strategy development and support student success.

Learning Specialists support the overall CAST through various administrative functions such as training and quality control for our academic mentoring and tutoring programs. Learning Specialists demonstrate expertise in evidence-based learning and study strategies and their application to diverse learner profiles. In collaboration with the Learning Services staff and Academic Coordinators, they provide comprehensive academic support and encourage the growth of students as learners by teaching skills to effectively engage with academic material and resources at the University. Their work is mainly independent, with some oversight and with a strong emphasis on communication, attention to detail, integrity, and collaboration.

The Primary Responsibilities of the Learning Specialist:

• Supporting a diverse, at-risk caseload of student-athletes with daily academic strategy instruction, skill development, and course-driven task completion.

• Assisting in day to day operation of the CAST Program, including training, quality control, education, ongoing education and the continued development of a Summer Bridge program. CAST management also includes scheduling and management of our resources to meet the needs of our student-athletes.

• Developing and coordinating our tutoring department which includes Content Specialists that provide drop in services, group tutoring sessions, and arranging one on one sessions, hiring tutors, quality control, and training.

• Designing and teaching hourly wage staff strategies and skills to support diverse student learning needs.

• Collaborating with internal and external constituents (e.g., Academic Affairs staff, Learning Services team, CAST team members, etc.) to develop and implement educational supports and programming for student-athletes.

• Monitoring student-athlete academic progress and varying support strategies, as needed.

• Contributing to the collective work of the Learning Services team, including performance analysis.

• Upholding NCAA, ACC, and University rules and regulations.

• Compiling and maintaining appropriate reports and records.

• Coordinating our tutoring department which includes Content Specialists who provide drop in services, group tutoring sessions, and arranging one on one sessions, hiring tutors, quality control, and training.

• Performing miscellaneous administrative related duties when necessary.

This position will work 40 hours a week, Sunday through Thursday. A regular schedule will include some non-traditional hours, including weekend and evening hours depending on program needs.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities – Learning Specialist

• Commitment to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in both individual work and programmatic efforts.

• Experience applying and teaching a wide range of learning strategies and study skill development techniques.

• Familiarity with educational testing and assessments; demonstrated ability to teach both students and staff learning strategies relevant to individual learning needs.

• Attention to detail in reporting and communication.

• Knowledge of current evidence-based practices for at-risk populations.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

• Ability to develop educational programming, specifically for tutoring and Summer Bridge Programs, maintain quality, and analyze effectiveness over time.

• Awareness and sensitivity to the academic, athletic, and social pressures faced by student-athletes at the college level.

• Ability to gather data, compile information, maintain records, and prepare reports.

• Knowledge of collegiate academic structures/processes.

• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills.

• Working knowledge of NCAA academic eligibility and recruiting rules and regulations.

• A strong commitment to the highest level of academic integrity.

Required Qualifications – Learning Specialist

• Education : A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

• Experience : Some related experience working in academic advising, teaching, counseling, student affairs, or a related field is required. Experience supporting students with the development of academic skills.

• Availability: 40 hours a week from Sunday through Thursday. A weekly schedule will include weekend and evening hours to meet the needs of students and the CAST program.

Preferred qualifications:

• Education : A Master’s degree in a relevant field.

• Experience : Four years of related experience working in academic advising, teaching, counseling, student affairs, or a related field. Experience supporting student-athletes with the development of academic skills in a Collegiate environment.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $44,000 - $55,000, dependent upon qualifications. The selected candidate will pass a background check. This is a full-time position with UVA benefits. Employees benefits package highlights include:

• Moving and relocation reimbursement assistance

• 22 days of paid time off, increasing with service; 13+ paid holidays each year, in addition to paid time off

• Parental and Community Service Leave

• Health plan with options to meet healthcare and financial needs available immediately

• Retirement benefits

• Tuition and professional development benefits after six months of employment

• Employee wellness program featuring activities to earn up to $500/year.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please do not submit application materials directly to staff of the Department of Athletics, as only applications received through the UVA job board will be considered. Complete an application online and include the following documents:

• Resume

• Cover letter 

• Contact information for three references

Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching ‘Find Jobs.’ Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration. For questions about the application process, please contact Michele Jarman, Academic Recruiter. This position will not sponsor applications for immigration.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.  We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences.  We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.