Student-Athlete Academic Skills Coach

Southern Methodist University; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

SMU seeks a Learning Skills Specialist to provide individualized academic coaching and evidence-based strategies to support student-athletes' success on campus. You will collaborate with Academic Counselors and the Learning Support Team to assess needs and implement targeted interventions.

The role focuses on strengthening executive functioning, study skills, and self-advocacy, while maintaining confidentiality and coordinating with tutors and counselors.

Qualifications

• Master's degree is required.
• A background in Counseling, Education, Psychology, Social Work, or Sport Administration is preferred.
• At least 1 year of experience addressing attention, memory, language, and executive functioning challenges.
• Experience delivering differentiated instruction to diverse learners (IEPs, 504s, accommodations) preferred.
• Experience with college student-athletes or learning differences is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct individualized and small-group coaching in reading comprehension, note-taking, test-taking strategies, time management, executive functioning, organization, and other learning strategies.
• Administer and interpret learning assessments; collaborate to create data-informed interventions.
• Implement individualized learning plans and provide targeted instruction while maintaining confidentiality.
• Meet regularly with student-athletes and communicate recommendations to their learning teams.
• Assist with Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies (DASS) processes and accommodation requests.
• Maintain documentation and coordinate with tutors, counselors, and the Learning Support Team.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and apply research-based practices to improve learning outcomes.
• Occasionally work evenings, weekends, or holidays; travel for professional development may be required.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Time management

Differentiated instruction

Education

Master's degree

Job description

SMU seeks a Learning Skills Specialist to provide individualized academic coaching and evidence-based strategies to support student-athletes' success on campus. You will collaborate with Academic Counselors and the Learning Support Team to assess needs and implement targeted interventions.

The role focuses on strengthening executive functioning, study skills, and self-advocacy, while maintaining confidentiality and coordinating with tutors and counselors.