Primary Learning Specialist

Bucknell University; United States; On-site; USD 39,000 - 58,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Tuition remission (employees)

Paid holidays

Job summary

Bucknell University is seeking a part-time Primary Learning Specialist to support students in the Comprehensive EF Coaching Program Pilot. The role focuses on executive functioning development, academic planning, and coordinated efforts with faculty, OAR, advisors, and the Counseling Center.

Expect in-person interaction and a structured weekly schedule during the academic term. The position requires a Master’s degree and four years of relevant experience, with emphasis on proactive planning,

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field is required.
• Four years of experience in executive functioning challenges, learning disabilities, or ADHD in an academic setting.
• Strong knowledge of ADA accommodations and postsecondary student support structures.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual academic support, coaching, and weekly sessions.
• Monitor student progress, maintain records, and report to OAR and faculty.
• Coordinate monthly student-faculty meetings and prepare questions for office hours.

Skills

Executive functioning coaching

Education

Master’s degree in related field

Job description

Position Title: Primary Learning Specialist Position Type: Part time Scheduled Weekly Hours: Categories: Staff Non-exempt

The Primary Learning Specialist (PLS) is responsible for the direct support, academic coordination, and executive functioning development of assigned students participating in Bucknell’s Comprehensive EF Coaching Program Pilot. The PLS serves as the students central academic support figure, coordinating closely with other Learning Specialists, faculty, OAR staff, academic advisors, the Counseling Center, and other university offices. This position emphasizes proactive academic planning, skill development, consistent engagement with academic content, and cultivating strong faculty-student relationships. The PLS provides regular individualized support while maintaining comprehensive progress documentation and accountability measures throughout the academic term.

Job Duties

Reporting Relationship: Reports to the Director, Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR)

Work Setting/Schedule: This is an on campus, student facing position All meetings, planning sessions, and study support are expected to take in person, barring unforeseen circumstances that require virtual sessions This role will run from August - May 31st, working up to 28 hours per week, Monday - Friday during the hours of 9am-5pm. This is a one year appointment, renewal is subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

What You Will Do

Executive Functioning Support

Responsibilities involve student academic support and coaching. This includes an initial intake interview to understand each student's academic background, strengths, challenges, and interests. A key part of the support is helping students create realistic study schedules and patterns. The role consists of leading one weekly facilitated session and subsequently overseeing the drop-in Facilitated Study Space.

Content Review

Monitor and support students in completing their academic tasks, including readings, assignments, and note-taking. A key part of this support involves ensuring students can explain course material during sessions to boost their retention and comprehension.

Demonstration of Content Knowledge

Ensuring student engagement and performance in both formal (exams, quizzes) and informal (participation, discussions) assessments. It also involves tracking student class participation and communicating with faculty regarding student involvement and performance.

Faculty Engagement

Facilitating and tracking bi-weekly student-faculty meetings and coaching students to prepare meaningful questions for office hours and class.

Syllabus and Assignment Planning

Reviewing syllabi and major assignments with students, creating an assignment calendar highlighting key academic periods, and coordinating with OAR for additional accommodations.

Work Plan Development

Guiding students in creating detailed assignment work plans with dates, tasks, and time estimates, then monitoring their weekly progress and validating completion.

Grade & Performance Tracking

Tracking all submitted work, grades, and participation, monitoring learning management systems for feedback and grade trends, and setting/revising performance benchmarks in consultation with students and faculty.

Accountability & Team Coordination

Establishing clear expectations with students and coordinating a monthly review team comprising the student's Dean, Academic Advisor, OAR Director, a Counseling Center staff member, and another Learning Specialist. It also includes recommending and supporting ongoing therapeutic relationships for student well-being.

Progress Reporting

Generating and sharing weekly progress reports (including session summaries, work plan updates, grade tracking, faculty engagement, and general observations) with students, OAR, and other stakeholders (e.g., advisor, parent, Dean), starting after the first week of classes. Gathering & maintaining data will be an important part of the role.

Non Essential Functions

The job description's listed responsibilities and tasks are not exhaustive, additional non-essential tasks and responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

What You Will Bring

Required

Master’s degree in related field

Professional Work Experience

Four years of experience in executive functioning challenges, learning disabilities, or ADHD in an academic environment

Knowledge Areas and Skills

Advanced understanding of executive function coaching models; familiarity with ADA accommodations and postsecondary student support structures.

Preferred, but not Required

• Professional Certification or License: Credentialed coaching certifications (e.g., ICF, ADHD-CCSP)
• Experience supporting students with learning differences or executive functioning challenges

Physical Requirements

Ability to sit for extended periods; frequent in-person meetings; Able to travel between facilities.

Job Exempt

No

Salary Range: 35.00-35.00 The offer rate will be based on a review of the candidate's credentials compared to the qualifications of the position, internal equity, and our overall compensation philosophy. This role is not budgeted for visa sponsorship, all candidates must be authorized to work in the US without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.

Benefits

Eligible full- and part-time employees are compensated beyond base salary through our total rewards package that includes (but is not limited to):

• Flexible scheduling options determined by role
• Medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance options
• An outstanding 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan (no contribution requirement for non-exempt positions)
• Generous paid time off, including vacation and sick time, a community service day, and 19 paid holidays (including two full weeks off for Winter Break!)
• Full-time & part-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for themselves. Additionally, full-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for their spouse/spousal equivalent and are eligible for various tuition programs for their children. Credit for full-time benefits eligible employment at other institutions of higher education will be applied to waiting periods.
• A comprehensive employee wellness program including program incentives
• A myriad of other benefits, including parental leave, an employee assistance program, fitness center membership, and the power of your Bucknell ID card

Inclusive Excellence

Bucknell is committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports the growth and development of a diverse campus community. We endeavor to enhance our capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings. We encourage all individuals to apply and do not discriminate in admissions, employment, educational programs and/or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, or genetic information. If this position is approved for hybrid/remote work this position is open to candidates located in the following states: CA, CT, FL, GA, IN, MA, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, PA, SC, TX, and VA. Candidates must be physically located and authorized to work in one of these approved states by the start date of employment and throughout employment. E-Verify Bucknell University participates with the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) E-Verify program. We will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For additional information regarding Bucknell's E-Verify requirements, please contact the office of Talent, Culture & Human Resources [phone] or email [e-mail].

About Bucknell

Founded in 1846 and located along the banks of the Susquehanna River in historic Lewisburg, Pa., Bucknell University is an undergraduate-focused institution that stands uniquely at the intersection of top-ranked liberal arts, engineering and management programs. Our students choose from more than 60 majors and 70 minors in the arts, engineering, humanities, management, and natural and social sciences, as well as extensive global study, service-learning and research opportunities. Bucknell’s 3,700 undergraduate and 30 graduate students enjoy a low 9:1 student-faculty ratio and exceptional opportunities to collaborate with faculty mentors on scholarly and artistic projects. Bucknell’s beautiful 450-acre campus includes first-rate facilities and is home to more than 90 percent of its undergraduate students. Student life is vibrant with about 200 student-run organizations, 27 NCAA Division I athletics teams, a robust arts culture, and a commitment among many of the students to community and global service work.

Bucknell is committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, and we seek candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports the growth and development of a diverse campus community. The University provides equal opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran status or disability in admissions, employment and in all of its educational programs and activities. We encourage individuals from historically underrepresented groups to apply.

The Community Lewisburg (pop. 5,700) is located in central Pennsylvania and features beautiful Victorian homes, the restored art deco Campus Theatre (owned by the University), a variety of restaurants, shops and boutiques, and the Barnes & Noble at Bucknell University Bookstore. It is the seat of Union County, which has about 44,000 residents. The city of Williamsport is about a 30-minute drive from campus, and Penn State University’s main campus is about an hour away, as is Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s state capital. Bucknell is within a three-hour drive of New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The cost of living is low compared to that of major U.S. cities and suburbs. Bucknell’s surroundings yield fresh produce, cultural activities and events, and outstanding opportunities for outdoor activity on the Susquehanna River and in the nearby state parks and forests. The Lewisburg Area School District receives excellent reviews for its schools at all grade levels. Lewisburg Area High School consistently ranks among the top 50 high schools in Pennsylvania for SAT scores and statewide exams.