Learning Specialist

Florida Gulf Coast University; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida Gulf Coast University is seeking a Learning Specialist to design, develop, and implement learning plans for student populations within the Center for Academic Achievement (CAA).

The role focuses on one‑on‑one and group coaching, linking students to tutoring, coaching, and other resources to boost academic performance and persistence.

Qualifications

• Eight years of directly related full‑time experience, or a bachelor’s degree plus four years of related experience.
• Experience in education, advising, student success and retention, or related areas.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Responsibilities

• Design and implement academic support services to increase retention and graduation rates.
• Work one‑on‑one or in small groups with students to build fundamental academic skills.
• Provide individualized academic coaching to promote college success skills.
• Develop learning plans and guidance on time management and study strategies.
• Collaborate with campus teams to connect students with tutoring and coaching.
• Lead workshops on student success and maintain program data for assessment.

Skills

Student advising

Learning strategies

Time management

Pedagogy

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Summary

The Learning Specialist is responsible for the design, development, and implementation of learning plans for identified caseloads of students who utilize academic support services through the Center for Academic Achievement (CAA). The position works closely with campus partners to provide support and assistance to student-athletes in reaching their full academic potential. The Specialist manages a caseload of student‑athletes, first‑year students, and/or academically at‑risk students to provide them with connections to campus resources, design unique learning plans, and develop sustainable academic success habits. The Specialist also collaborates with Academic Support Coordinators to connect students with peer tutoring services, peer coaching opportunities, and other academic and instructional support resources.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement academic support services to increase retention and graduation rates of undergraduate students.
• Work one‑on‑one or in small groups with student populations such as first‑year students, student‑athletes, and academically at‑risk students to build fundamental academic skills using direct pedagogies and appropriate learning strategies.
• Provide individualized academic coaching to students to promote the development of college success skills.
• Develop achievement/learning plans with students and provide guidance on transferable skills including time management, effective study strategies, schedule planning, and utilization of appropriate campus resources.
• Facilitate learning and academic success plans for students with unique learning needs.
• Serve as the first point of contact/meeting with at‑risk student populations and oversee/develop peer coaching case management for student athletes.
• Collaborate with the Academic Success Programs team and the Hartley Academic Resource Center team regarding individual learning needs and academic progress of students.
• Connect students with academic support services and programs within the Center for Academic Achievement (CAA).
• Conduct small and/or large‑group study halls.
• Design and implement student success workshops focused on academic and personal success.
• Provide timely communications and reports to supervisor and team.
• Recommend strategies and initiatives to collect data, evaluate retention efforts, analyze retention data, and improve graduation and retention rates.
• Maintain data collection, evaluation, and analysis for reporting and program assessment.
• Maintain department policies and procedures, as well as day‑to‑day operations and management.
• Promote the CAA through orientation, campus partnerships, and outreach opportunities.
• Assist with recruitment, training, and supervision of student workers, volunteers, and mentors.
• Complete all mandatory staff and campus trainings including, but not limited to, NCAA compliance, TitleIX, and ethics.
• May serve as a team leader and oversee the work of lower‑level personnel and/or student employees in assigned area.
• Remain current on issues and trends related to college students, academic success, and retention.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Eight years of directly related full‑time experience, or as an alternative, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field and four years of full‑time experience directly related to the job functions.
• Experience in education, advising, student success and retention, or other closely related areas.
• Experience operating a personal computer and proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in higher education, advising, or a closely related field.
• Experience in a college/university learning center or academic resource center, higher‑education advising, and/or teaching integrative‑learning pedagogies to expansive student populations.
• Experience designing learning plans, implementing active‑learning pedagogies, addressing special characteristics, learning needs, and background.
• Experience teaching in higher‑education and/or K‑12 working with various student populations.
• Experience designing and implementing academic support initiatives.
• Experience designing and facilitating academic skill‑focused workshops for college students.
• Experience collecting and researching data for assessment.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities related to propelling higher‑education programs and ensuring compliance with mandatory mandates (e.g., FERPA, NCAA, TitleIX).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proven ability to think strategically and approach challenges with creativity.
• Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, and holding oneself accountable.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively across teams.
• Knowledge of policies, procedures, and regulations pertaining to the position.
• Knowledge and ability to adhere to FERPA, NCAA, and TitleIX regulations and requirements.
• Knowledge of and ability to adhere to university student conduct regulations.
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Knowledge of program planning, development, implementation, and leadership skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of student learning outcomes, and skill in designing and implementing valid tools to assess those outcomes.
• Knowledge of higher education in the areas of academic assistance or similar administrative, teaching, or legal practice experience.
• Knowledge of learning theories and best practices in effective pedagogy, formative and summative assessment and educational learning theory.
• Knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook) applications.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectation

• Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open for feedback and new ideas.
• Lead with integrity; consistently produce high‑quality work; persevere to overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achieve deliverables.
• Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnerships across departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues to achieve common goals.

Equal Opportunity Statement

FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.