The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is accepting applications for the position of Learning Specialist. This is a career, full-time position with a targeted annual salary range of $56,300.00 - $65,000.00, with full health benefits and membership in the UC Retirement Plan. The Office of Academic Excellence, jointly administered through the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Division of Undergraduate Education - College of Letters & Science, provides support to more than 650 student-athletes in 25 sports throughout the academic year and summer sessions.

The Learning Specialist reports directly to the Associate Athletic Director of Academic Excellence to support the unique needs of each student-athlete by providing individualized academic support, academic counseling, and student-athlete development programming. Our student-centered approach empowers student-athletes to maximize their educational experience while pursuing academic, athletic, and personal goals. Our mission centers on graduating self-sufficient learners who successfully embark on life after college. 

The Learning Specialist embodies the Academic Excellence mission by encouraging student-athletes to explore, implement and maximize academic and personal talents, interests and opportunities. The Learning Specialist utilizes student-athletes’ educational history, placement results, educational interviews, and athletic medicine and coaching input to collaboratively develop, implement and monitor student-athletes’ individualized academic support plans, which may include weekly learning specialist, academic mentor and/or peer learning (tutoring) support, for assigned student-athletes. 

The Learning Specialist supports a caseload of student-athletes utilizing a self-regulated approach that promotes active learning strategies to develop and enhance critical thinking, close reading, and academic writing. In addition, the Learning Specialist serves as a liaison to campus and department resources to promote access and inclusion for meaningful engagement with academic, co-curricular, and health and wellness resources and tools. 

Working jointly with the College academic counselors, other learning specialists, peer learning and compliance staff, as well as campus resources, the Learning Specialist provides initial and ongoing training for academic mentors and peer learning facilitators (tutors) pertaining to student development theory, self-regulated learning strategies, and University resources. As needed, the Learning Specialist team provides orientation and training regarding University and Department resources to staff and campus partners. 

The Learning Specialist will also collaborate with multiple support service providers on campus and within athletics to develop and implement policies and programs to provide enriched student-athlete academic support. The Learning Specialist develops proactive and responsive programming founded on campus academic integrity policies that also honor FERPA confidentiality safeguards. The Learning Specialist will also have knowledge of NCAA, Conference, UCLA Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and University policies, rules and regulations.

Finally, the Learning Specialist fulfills several administrative roles, including contributing to unit-wide programming including Eligibility Check-in meetings, Bruin Bridge (summer orientation program), class rank meetings and orientation sessions, as well as events like the Scholar-Athlete Banquet, and Student-Athlete Graduation Celebration.

All applicants should demonstrate the following abilities and requirements: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience required; Master’s Degree in Education or Counseling is preferred; Knowledge of effective learning strategies, and academic development; Knowledge of regulations and laws associated with ADA and accommodations for students with diagnosed learning disabilities; Demonstrate ability to exercise sound judgment and handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and according to FERPA guidelines; Skill in working independently and following through on duties with minimal direction; 7. Ability to effectively counsel and refer students to campus resources for assistance with professional, academic, and/or personal matters; Ability to interact diplomatically with individuals of diverse social, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds; Outstanding communication skills both oral and written, including skill in writing memos/reports and using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation; Ability to establish and interact collaboratively and effectively with other staff, student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and the UCLA community; Outstanding listening, analytical, and problem-solving skills in work with academics staff and student-athletes; Working knowledge of collegiate athletics and student-athlete demands; Ability to work collaboratively in situations that may be time sensitive or otherwise highly pressured, with a variety of individuals including students, coaches, academic personnel, faculty and staff; Ability to operate Windows-based PC using Microsoft Office suite; Demonstrated ability to adhere to and comply with NCAA, conference and University rules and regulations; Working knowledge of NCAA, conference, UCLA Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and University policies, rules, and regulations.

Expressions of interest must be received by 11/14/2022. All applicants must submit their cover letter, resume and references.

*Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background check performed by Universal Background Screening and UCLA Athletics. UCLA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, and Intercollegiate Athletics has a strong commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its coaches and staff. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy