Learning Specialist

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a Learning Specialist to support student-athletes’ academic success. The role includes one-on-one and small group instruction in reading and writing, plus developing learning strategies and materials across all sports.

The position partners with Learning Specialists and Accessibility Services to assist students with learning differences, ADHD, and course planning. Some evenings/weekends and travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Post-Baccalaureate degree required; or a relevant Bachelor's degree with 3+ years of experience.
• Knowledge of best practices in undergraduate student retention and transitions for student-athletes.
• Experience with diverse student populations and at-risk students.
• Nightly and weekend work required, year-round.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with staff and colleagues.
• Preferred: 2+ years in special education, counseling, academic support programs, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one and small-group instruction in reading, writing, and learning strategies for student-athletes.
• Develop and implement academic programming and materials for students struggling to meet standards.
• Support students with documented learning disabilities/ADHD and coordinate MAP with accessibility services.
• Some evenings and weekends may be required; travel may be expected.
• Follow NCAA/ACC/university policies; report to the Director of ASPSA.

Skills

Student services

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Post-Baccalaureate degree

Bachelor's degree + 3+ years relevant experience

Job description

Posting Information

• Department: Acad Sup Prog Student-Athletes-521000
• Career Area: Student Services
• Posting Open Date: 09/24/2026
• Application Deadline: 10/14/2026
• Open Until Filled: No
• Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
• Working Title: Learning Specialist
• Appointment Type: EHRA Non-Faculty
• Position Number: 01003824
• Vacancy ID: NF0010066
• Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time Permanent
• FTE: 1
• Hours per week: 40
• Position Location: North Carolina, US
• Proposed Start Date: 01/04/2027

Be a Tar Heel!

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The Academic Support Program for Student-Athletes (ASPSA) serves and supports the academic needs of UNC student-athletes throughout their collegiate experience as they pursue their educational goals and prepare for the next stage of their lives. The ASPSA reports directly to the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost and is uniquely positioned to collaborate with faculty, the Department of Athletics, and the campus community to support student-athletes as they excel in the classroom and compete in athletics. In addition to the Director/Assistant Provost, the ASPSA staff includes academic counselors, learning specialists, and tutors. The ASPSA provides numerous academic services including tutoring, secondary academic and career advising, assistance with University and NCAA eligibility, and coordination of academic honors and awards. ASPSA staff members work together to guide and support student-athletes throughout their career at Carolina, beginning with an introduction to academics at UNC during the recruiting process through graduation and beyond. Academic counselors assist student-athletes with academic coaching in areas including time management and academic learning strategies; they reinforce information provided by campus academic advisors and educate students on NCAA and institutional eligibility requirements; and in conjunction with campus partners, guide students on course and major selection and career planning. Academic Counselors meet with students on a regular basis to monitor academic progress, review reports from faculty and tutors on students' academic progress, class attendance and grades. Additionally, they provide detailed, weekly reports to coaches, conduct and attend team meetings, compile semester grade/eligibility reports and assist with the preparation of each team's Academic Progress Rate (APR) and Graduation Success rate (GSR). All incoming student-athletes, as well as those in need of additional academic support, participate in the My Academic Plan (MAP) program. Academic counselors and learning specialists work with each student-athlete to customize his or her MAP based on academic preparedness, course schedule, and individual need. Learning specialists provide services including helping students explore and adopt new learning strategies and utilize assistive technology, focus on academic skill development, provide support to students who suspect or have a documented learning disability or medical condition, and liaise with UNC's Accessibility Resource and Services. Approximately ninety tutors conduct sessions that are available for all students in either individual, small or large group, and drop-in sessions. The ASPSA is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and the University's Carolina Next initiatives to strengthen student success and build our community together. Maintaining the highest standard of integrity and complying with all NCAA, ACC, and University policies and procedures is imperative. ASPSA is dedicated to providing an inclusive learning environment and comprehensive academic support for Carolina's Tar Heel student-athletes.

Position Summary

As part of our commitment to attracting top talent, the selected candidate may be eligible to receive a sign on bonus up to the lessor of 20% of the position annual base salary or $2,000. Payment of and the amount of any sign-on bonus, if offered, is subject to university, Board of Trustee and Board of Governor policies, local market data and pay factors, and funding availability.

The Academic Support Program for Student-Athletes is located in the Center for Student Success and Academic Counseling, within Undergraduate Education in the College of Arts and Sciences. Responsibilities for the Learning Specialist include providing one-on-one and small group instruction in reading, writing, and learning strategies to student-athletes across all sports and developing academic programming and materials for student-athletes struggling to meet academic standards. The position will work closely with the Learning Specialists who provide support to student-athletes with documented Learning Disabilities ADHD. Some evening and weekend work is required; some travel may be expected. General supervision will be provided by the Director of the Academic Support Program for Student-Athletes. The person must follow and comply with all NCAA, ACC, and University policies and procedures.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent educational or instructional activities related to tutoring, supplemental instruction, or direction of programs that enhance educational experiences of enrolled or prospective students, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Knowledge of best practices in undergraduate student retention and familiarity with issues related to student-athletes' academic progress and transition issues.
• Experience working with diverse student populations and at-risk students.
• Nightly and weekend work required, all year round.
• Demonstrated effectiveness working collaboratively with staff and colleagues.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• A minimum of 2 years experience working in special education, counseling, academic support programs, or related field.
• Academic skills development in reading and writing in a teaching environment, Writing Center, or Learning Center.
• Programs for students struggling to meet academic standards.
• Diverse student populations with a student-centered approach.
• Demonstrated experience as a learning specialist working with student-athletes within a college or university environment.
• Knowledge of current research and proven strategies to work with at-risk students and students with diagnosed disabilities.
• Knowledge of learning disability diagnostic tools and learning strategies related to supporting students with learning disabilities.
• Advanced written and oral communication skills
• Experience working with NCAA policies.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/325901

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title: Ivan Shurtygin

Department Contact Telephone or Email: [e-mail]; [phone]

Office of Human Resources Contact Information: If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail] Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.