Academic Support Specialist

The University Of Chicago; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 58,656 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago is seeking an Academic Support Specialist to empower undergraduates with subject matter skill development and targeted academic assistance. You will design engaging workshops, coach students facing challenges, and coordinate referrals with campus partners to address unique needs.

Hybrid work schedule and 37.5 weekly hours are typical; the role emphasizes collaboration, growth mindset, and data-informed support across the College’s ARC.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 2–5 years of relevant work experience.
• Experience with student records or academic support services.
• Knowledge of FERPA and data confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Designs and delivers customized lesson plans and workshops for undergraduates needing academic skill development and support.
• Meets regularly with students facing academic difficulties in various formats.
• Receives and provides referrals between campus partners to address each student’s needs.
• Maintains a caseload of academic coaching students ensuring timely follow-ups and resource referrals.
• Assists in the implementation and maintenance of platforms, reports, webpages, and training materials related to academic support services.
• Collaborates with colleagues to provide a high-quality student experience within the College.
• Represents the office on committees, at meetings, and during events as needed.
• Supports the department’s overall operations and records for degree programs.

Skills

Teaching experience

Student coaching

Time management

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

FERPA knowledge

Student information systems

Learning management systems

Microsoft Office

Adobe/Box/Google Drive/Workday

Job description

Department College Academic Resource Center

Job Summary: Under the guidance of the Assistant Director of Academic Support Services, the Academic Support Specialist provides UChicago undergraduates with the subject matter skill development and academic support needed to thrive in related coursework. The Academic Support Specialist plays an instrumental role in positioning the Academic Resource Center (ARC) as a trusted partner for students, faculty, and staff in the College, relaying timely and accurate information to the appropriate parties so they can succeed in their respective roles.

Responsibilities

• Designs and delivers engaging, customized lesson plans and workshops for undergraduates needing academic skill development and support.
• Meets regularly with students facing academic difficulties in a variety of forms, including but not limited to, students on academic probation or encountering academic challenges while pursuing their coursework in the College.
• Receives and provides referrals between campus partners, addressing each student’s unique needs.
• Demonstrates an institutional commitment to forwarding a culture of growth mindset, addressing structural equity gaps in education, and implementing the tools necessary to embrace the spectrum of student learning differences present on campus.
• Assists in the implementation and maintenance of platforms, reports, webpages, and training materials related to academic support services.
• Manages a caseload of academic coaching students to ensure student’s receive timely follow‑ups and resource referrals.
• Collaborates with colleagues effectively with the goal of collectively providing a high‑quality experience for students in the College.
• Represents the office on committees, at meetings, and during events as needed.
• Assists in the overall successful operations of the department.
• Advises students with minor academic difficulties and counseling while responding to queries from faculty, staff and parents.
• Keeps records of student degree programs and notes on student conversations.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Certifications: ---

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Advanced degree in a related field.
• Subject matter expertise in the Humanities, arts, and social sciences or the physical sciences, especially physics, mathematics, or computer science preferred.
• Experience: 3-5 years of experience in higher education, with emphasis on student-facing responsibilities and academic support.
• Teaching, including working with students individually within an academic setting.
• Background in lesson‑planning, curriculum design, or supplemental and co‑curricular instruction.

Technical Skills or Knowledge

• Thorough understanding of student confidentiality under FERPA guidelines and overall familiarity with risk assessment practices.
• Working knowledge of a variety of technological platforms utilized in higher education, including but not limited to, academic/student information systems and learning management systems.
• Proficiency utilizing a variety of office resources, such as Microsoft Office, Adobe, Box, Google Drive, and Workday.
• Familiarity with research-based approaches to time management, organization, overcoming procrastination, and learning strategies in higher education.
• Proficiency collecting and interpreting data on a frequent basis, while troubleshooting and recalibrating as needed to uphold data integrity.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Sound reasoning, problem solving, and decision‑making skills under pressure.
• Intercultural competence and demonstrated equitable and inclusive mindset.
• Work collaboratively, professionally, and effectively with supervisor, colleagues, and other partners for sustained periods of time.
• Lead and/or initiate in a variety of contexts.
• Self‑starter disposition, with the capacity to navigate available resources and discern when to consult others.
• Successfully manage concurrent projects and meet competing deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including editing/proofreading ability.

Working Conditions

• Fast‑paced office environment.
• Hybrid work schedule.
• Occasional evening and weekend work.
• Sit at a computer for 4-6 hours.
• Limited travel for meetings and/or trainings.
• Periodic walking to other campus locations.
• Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.

Job Details

• Job Family: Student Affairs & Services
• Role Impact: Individual Contributor
• Scheduled Weekly Hours: 37.5
• Drug Test Required: No
• Health Screen Required: No
• Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required: No
• Pay Rate Type: Salary
• FLSA Status: Exempt

Pay Range

• $58,656.00 - $65,000.00

Benefits

• Benefits Eligible Yes: The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773‑702‑5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case‑by‑case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

Other Information

The University of Chicago uses AI‑assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to our global campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world. We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum. Through graduate programs, students test their ideas with UChicago scholars, and become the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government. To learn more about the university click here http://www.uchicago.edu/

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