Career Center

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 a Learning Specialist to support students through the Academic Affairs Office. Athletics Learning Specialists work directly with a caseload of student-athletes to enhance academic strategy development and support student success. They also serve as an integral part of the Learning Services team, tasked with implementing quality tutoring and academic mentoring support services for all of UVA’s student-athletes. Learning Specialists demonstrate expertise in evidence-based learning and study strategies and their application to diverse learner profiles. In collaboration with 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, integrity, and collaboration.

The primary responsibilities of the Learning Specialist include:

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

• This position will work an eight hour shift with evening and weekend hours possible
• Collaborating with internal and external constituents (e.g., Academic Affairs staff, Learning Services team, Student Disability Access Center, etc.) to develop and implement educational supports and programming for student-athletes.

• Monitoring student-athlete academic progress and varying support strategies, as needed.
• Assisting with the hiring, training, and supervision of staff for the Cavalier Academic Support Team (CAST).
• Contributing to the collective work of the Learning Services team, including program development and performance analysis.
• Upholding NCAA, ACC, and University rules and regulations.
• Compiling and maintaining appropriate reports and records.
• Performing miscellaneous related duties when necessary.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $43,000 - $47,000, dependent upon qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• 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.
• Availability: This position will work an eight hour shift with evening and weekend hours expected

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Commitment to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in both individual work and programmatic efforts. Knowledge of a wide range of learning strategies and study skill development techniques. Demonstrated ability to teach college learning and study skills to at-risk student-athletes. Knowledge of current evidence-based practices for at-risk populations. Ability to instruct others who are working directly with students and to hold others accountable. Demonstrated commitment to developing skills and competencies around serving diverse communities. Attention to detail in reporting and communication. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Proven ability to collaborate with students and staff in understanding and applying specific strategies to improve/enhance learning of both individual student-athletes and larger identified cohorts. Demonstrated enthusiasm for creative problem solving. Ability to develop programming, maintain quality, and analyze effectiveness over time. Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team. Awareness and sensitivity to the academic, athletic, and social pressures faced by student-athletes at the college level. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to gather data, compile information, maintain records, and prepare reports. Ability to analyze, solve problems, and use independent judgment to manage and impart confidential information. Responsiveness to ever-changing needs of both students and programs. 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.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master's degree.
• Prior experience in education or counseling.
• Prior experience working with adult learners in a college environment.