Learning Specialist

University of Alberta; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work option (up to 1 day/week)

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The University of Alberta is seeking a Learning Specialist to develop and deliver effective learning supports for undergraduate, graduate, and professional learners. The role includes providing academic coaching, workshops, and one‑to‑one strategies across diverse cohorts, including international and professional students.

Part of the team reporting to the Director of Writing and Learning, this role includes up to 2 days per week of French language learning support at Campus Saint‑Jean and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in a related field with experience in post‑secondary academic advising/learning strategy.
• Two years of teaching experience, preferably at post‑secondary level.
• Fluency in French and English.

Responsibilities

• Identify students’ learning needs and challenges in time management, note‑taking, exam prep, and presentation skills.
• Deliver non‑credit in‑person or online learning workshops and courses.
• Provide effective individual academic strategies support across diverse programs and cohorts.
• Discuss responsible use of AI for studying.
• Develop and facilitate customized programs for campus units and student groups.
• Adapt approaches to students’ program requirements and diverse educational backgrounds.

Skills

Academic coaching

Bilingual English/French

Instructional design

Interpersonal communication

Cross-cultural sensitivity

Education

Master’s degree in a related field

Two years of post-secondary advising/learning strategist experience

PhD preferred

Tools

Canvas

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Job description

Job Description

This position has a term length of 12 months.

Location

Work primarily takes place at North Campus and Campus Saint-Jean, Edmonton, and there may be the possibility of up to 1 remote day per week after the onboarding period.

Reporting to the Director, Writing and Learning, Student Success and Experience, the Learning Specialist is responsible for the development and delivery of effective and efficient transitional, undergraduate, and/or graduate student learning supports.

Offering professional academic coaching to post‑secondary learners, the Learning Specialist may be assigned to and/or specialize in various programs, areas of support, or specific student cohorts, including, among others: transition to university; undergraduate students; graduate students; international students; student‑athletes; learners in professional programs (e.g., law students, nursing students, pharmacy students, medical students, medical residents); academic integrity; students on academic probation or enrolled in Fresh Start; adaptive technologies; learning disabilities; neurodivergent learners; and, First Nations, Metis, and Inuit students.

The Learning Specialist provides professional academic strategies support to students in all University of Alberta programs and at all achievement levels.

The Learning Specialist in this role will dedicate some time (approximately up to 2 days per week) providing learning support in French to Campus Saint‑Jean (CSJ) students. The Learning Specialist will work some of the hours allocated to providing learning support in French at La Centrale on the CSJ campus. The remaining hours will be spent providing learning support to students on North Campus.

Responsibilities

• Identification of students’ learning needs and any challenges in the areas of time management, note‑taking, exam prep, and presentation skills.
• Provision of non‑credit in‑person and/or online learning workshops and courses.
• Provision of effective individual academic strategies support to students in a wide range of campus programs, as well as with diverse backgrounds, learning needs, and skill sets.
• Discussion of responsible use of AI for studying.
• Development and facilitation of customized programming as requested by campus units, student groups, and other interested parties.
• Adaptation of approaches in the context of students’ academic program requirements, intersectional identities, and educational and cultural backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field required, with a minimum of two years working in a post‑secondary academic advising and/or learning strategist position; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered. PhD preferred.
• Minimum two years’ teaching experience, preferably at post‑secondary level.
• Must be fluent in French and English.
• Computer proficiency in relation to electronic records, curriculum development, communication, and e‑learning technologies; intermediate or higher skills with Microsoft Suite, Word, Excel, Google Suite, and Canvas preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of post‑secondary learning environments and University of Alberta services.
• Experience with diverse post‑secondary student cohorts and challenges, including at‑risk, English as a second/additional language, and special needs learners, as well as learners with learning accommodation requirements is an asset.
• Knowledge of University of Alberta policies, processes, faculties, and services, including SAIP, HIAR, POPA, and HSE.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work with highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Knowledge of AI tools to answer questions about responsible use.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail and deadlines.
• Ability to make complex decisions under pressure in a fast‑paced environment, balancing competing deadlines and priorities.
• Ability to triage and appropriately refer students who are in distress.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Ability to interact knowledgeably, comfortably, positively and respectfully with diverse individuals with a broad range of credentials, abilities, and literacy/language skills.
• Familiarity with video‑conferencing applications, including Google Meet and Zoom.
• Ability to conduct periodic evening and weekend programs and events.

About Us

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross‑section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l’université à postuler.

About The Team

Student Success and Experience (formerly Office of the Dean of Students) holds student support at the heart of everything we do. We provide services focused on student well‑being and flourishing both in the classroom and beyond. We offer a wide range of services, including career guidance, health and wellness resources, academic support, and assistance for students facing unexpected challenges or personal difficulties. We also work closely with faculty and staff across campus to ensure students receive coordinated support when they need it most.