What are the responsibilities and job description for the Learning Specialist Rural Scholars & Pathways position at University of Missouri-Columbia?
Hiring Department
Department of School of Medicine Expansion
Job Description
This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating academic support services that promote the success of undergraduate pathway participants and medical students. The role provides individualized coaching, learning strategy instruction, and examination preparation designed to improve academic readiness, matriculation, retention, progression, and licensure outcomes. Emphasis is placed on supporting learners from rural and nontraditional backgrounds. The position contributes to the School of Medicine's strategic priorities by strengthening the physician workforce pipeline and supporting the preparation of physicians who will serve communities across Missouri.
Core Responsibilities
Provide Individualized Academic Coaching and Student Success Support – 30%
Provide longitudinal academic coaching and learning support for students across pathway, pre-admission, and medical education programs. Develop individualized strategies that strengthen study skills, time management, self-directed learning, and academic performance. Support learners through academic challenges, educational transitions, and key progression milestones using evidence-based interventions.
Support Entrance and Licensure Examination Preparation – 20%
Guide students in preparing for high-stakes examinations, including the MCAT, USMLE Step 1, and USMLE Step 2 CK. Assist learners in developing personalized study plans, preparation timelines, and effective test-taking strategies. Monitor readiness through performance metrics and provide targeted support to enhance examination outcomes.
Develop and Deliver Academic Success Programming and Resources – 15%
Design, implement, and evaluate workshops, presentations, and educational resources that promote academic success, learning effectiveness, resilience, and examination readiness. Create scalable programming that supports learners across multiple stages of the educational continuum.
Monitor Academic Performance and Conduct Proactive Outreach – 15%
Utilize academic performance data and referral processes to identify learners who may benefit from additional support. Conduct timely outreach and implement targeted interventions that promote academic progression, engagement, retention, and student success.
Collaborate with Faculty, Staff, and Academic Leaders – 10%
Partner with Student Affairs, faculty, pathway program leaders, and curriculum stakeholders to align academic support services with learner needs and institutional goals. Participate in initiatives that strengthen student success, educational outcomes, and workforce development objectives.
Support Cross-Campus Services, Assessment, and Continuous Improvement – 10%
Coordinate academic support services across the Columbia and Springfield campuses to ensure equitable access and consistent delivery. Collect, analyze, and report student success metrics to support program evaluation, accreditation activities, continuous quality improvement, and strategic decision-making.
Shift
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary
Preferred Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Years of Experience: 2
Additional Training: Understanding of pre-medical pathways, experience supporting undergraduate learners, medical education knowledge, and higher education experience
Anticipated Hiring Range
Salary Range: $54,000 - $67,000 annually
Grade: GGS - 010
University Title: SENIOR STUDENT SUCCESS COACH
Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.
Application Materials
In addition to the Online Application, please provide Resume and cover letter.
Sponsorship Information
Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Other Information
The University of Missouri School of Medicine is entering a period of strategic growth and innovation, highlighted by the UM Board of Curators’ approval to expand the Springfield clinical campus into a full four-year medical program. This expansion will increase total enrollment across Columbia and Springfield to more than 670 medical students and strengthen the university’s commitment to addressing Missouri’s physician shortage, particularly in rural regions. Beginning in 2027, first-year students will be welcomed to the Springfield campus, with fully identical curricula delivered across both sites through shared faculty, expanded simulation resources, and bi-directional livestreamed instruction. This milestone underscores the university’s broader mission to enhance statewide access to high-quality medical education and clinical care.
Complementing this statewide investment, the School of Medicine’s MOmentum curriculum redesign is transforming how future physicians are trained. MOmentum builds on MU’s long-standing learner-centered approach by integrating cutting-edge technology, innovative teaching strategies, and comprehensive support systems to create a dynamic and effective learning environment. The redesigned curriculum emphasizes evidence-based education, active learning, individualized support, early clinical exposure, and the development of lifelong, self-directed learners prepared to navigate an increasingly complex health care landscape. Through MOmentum, the School of Medicine is charting a bold path forward, ensuring students graduate with the advanced skills, adaptability, and patient-centered mindset needed to excel in modern medicine.
Community Information
Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!
Benefit Eligibility
This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.
Department of School of Medicine Expansion
Job Description
This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating academic support services that promote the success of undergraduate pathway participants and medical students. The role provides individualized coaching, learning strategy instruction, and examination preparation designed to improve academic readiness, matriculation, retention, progression, and licensure outcomes. Emphasis is placed on supporting learners from rural and nontraditional backgrounds. The position contributes to the School of Medicine's strategic priorities by strengthening the physician workforce pipeline and supporting the preparation of physicians who will serve communities across Missouri.
Core Responsibilities
Provide Individualized Academic Coaching and Student Success Support – 30%
Provide longitudinal academic coaching and learning support for students across pathway, pre-admission, and medical education programs. Develop individualized strategies that strengthen study skills, time management, self-directed learning, and academic performance. Support learners through academic challenges, educational transitions, and key progression milestones using evidence-based interventions.
Support Entrance and Licensure Examination Preparation – 20%
Guide students in preparing for high-stakes examinations, including the MCAT, USMLE Step 1, and USMLE Step 2 CK. Assist learners in developing personalized study plans, preparation timelines, and effective test-taking strategies. Monitor readiness through performance metrics and provide targeted support to enhance examination outcomes.
Develop and Deliver Academic Success Programming and Resources – 15%
Design, implement, and evaluate workshops, presentations, and educational resources that promote academic success, learning effectiveness, resilience, and examination readiness. Create scalable programming that supports learners across multiple stages of the educational continuum.
Monitor Academic Performance and Conduct Proactive Outreach – 15%
Utilize academic performance data and referral processes to identify learners who may benefit from additional support. Conduct timely outreach and implement targeted interventions that promote academic progression, engagement, retention, and student success.
Collaborate with Faculty, Staff, and Academic Leaders – 10%
Partner with Student Affairs, faculty, pathway program leaders, and curriculum stakeholders to align academic support services with learner needs and institutional goals. Participate in initiatives that strengthen student success, educational outcomes, and workforce development objectives.
Support Cross-Campus Services, Assessment, and Continuous Improvement – 10%
Coordinate academic support services across the Columbia and Springfield campuses to ensure equitable access and consistent delivery. Collect, analyze, and report student success metrics to support program evaluation, accreditation activities, continuous quality improvement, and strategic decision-making.
Shift
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary
Preferred Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Years of Experience: 2
Additional Training: Understanding of pre-medical pathways, experience supporting undergraduate learners, medical education knowledge, and higher education experience
Anticipated Hiring Range
Salary Range: $54,000 - $67,000 annually
Grade: GGS - 010
University Title: SENIOR STUDENT SUCCESS COACH
Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.
Application Materials
In addition to the Online Application, please provide Resume and cover letter.
Sponsorship Information
Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Other Information
The University of Missouri School of Medicine is entering a period of strategic growth and innovation, highlighted by the UM Board of Curators’ approval to expand the Springfield clinical campus into a full four-year medical program. This expansion will increase total enrollment across Columbia and Springfield to more than 670 medical students and strengthen the university’s commitment to addressing Missouri’s physician shortage, particularly in rural regions. Beginning in 2027, first-year students will be welcomed to the Springfield campus, with fully identical curricula delivered across both sites through shared faculty, expanded simulation resources, and bi-directional livestreamed instruction. This milestone underscores the university’s broader mission to enhance statewide access to high-quality medical education and clinical care.
Complementing this statewide investment, the School of Medicine’s MOmentum curriculum redesign is transforming how future physicians are trained. MOmentum builds on MU’s long-standing learner-centered approach by integrating cutting-edge technology, innovative teaching strategies, and comprehensive support systems to create a dynamic and effective learning environment. The redesigned curriculum emphasizes evidence-based education, active learning, individualized support, early clinical exposure, and the development of lifelong, self-directed learners prepared to navigate an increasingly complex health care landscape. Through MOmentum, the School of Medicine is charting a bold path forward, ensuring students graduate with the advanced skills, adaptability, and patient-centered mindset needed to excel in modern medicine.
Community Information
Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!
Benefit Eligibility
This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.
Salary : $54,000 - $67,000