Athletics Learning Specialist

The University of Virginia (UVA) is a highly competitive Division I program committed to the academic and athletic experience of student-athletes. The Department of Athletics is seeking to fill the position of Learning Specialist to support a direct caseload of student-athletes and development of student support programming.

Learning Specialists demonstrate expertise in evidence-based learning and study strategies and their application to diverse learner profiles. In collaboration with Academic Coordinators, they provide comprehensive academic support and encourage the growth of students as learners by teaching skills to effectively engage with academic material and resources at the University. Their work is mainly independent, with some oversight and with a strong emphasis on communication, attention to detail, integrity, and collaboration.

Primary Responsibilities of the Learning Specialist:

• Supporting a diverse, at-risk caseload of student-athletes with daily academic strategy instruction, skill development, and course-driven task completion.
• Collaborating with internal and external constituents to develop and implement educational supports and programming for student-athletes.
• Monitoring student-athlete academic progress and varying support strategies, as needed.
• Contributing to the collective work of the Student Success team, including performance analysis.
• Upholding NCAA, ACC, and University rules and regulations.
• Compiling and maintaining appropriate reports and records.
• Performing miscellaneous administrative related duties when necessary.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities – Learning Specialist

The University of Virginia (UVA) is a highly competitive Division I program committed to the academic and athletic experience of student-athletes. The Department of Athletics is seeking to fill the position of Learning Specialist to support a direct caseload of student-athletes and development of student support programming.

Learning Specialists demonstrate expertise in evidence-based learning and study strategies and their application to diverse learner profiles. In collaboration with Academic Coordinators, they provide comprehensive academic support and encourage the growth of students as learners by teaching skills to effectively engage with academic material and resources at the University. Their work is mainly independent, with some oversight and with a strong emphasis on communication, attention to detail, integrity, and collaboration.

Primary Responsibilities of the Learning Specialist:

• Supporting a diverse, at-risk caseload of student-athletes with daily academic strategy instruction, skill development, and course-driven task completion.
• Collaborating with internal and external constituents to develop and implement educational supports and programming for student-athletes.
• Monitoring student-athlete academic progress and varying support strategies, as needed.
• Contributing to the collective work of the Student Success team, including performance analysis.
• Upholding NCAA, ACC, and University rules and regulations.
• Compiling and maintaining appropriate reports and records.
• Performing miscellaneous administrative related duties when necessary.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities – Learning Specialist

• Commitment to supporting both individual work and programmatic efforts.
• Experience applying and teaching a wide range of learning strategies and study skill development techniques.
• Familiarity with educational testing and assessments; demonstrated ability to teach both students and staff learning strategies relevant to individual learning needs.
• Attention to detail in reporting and communication.
• Knowledge of current evidence-based practices for at-risk populations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to develop educational programming, specifically for tutoring and Summer Bridge Programs, maintain quality, and analyze effectiveness over time.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, maintain records, and prepare reports.
• Knowledge of collegiate academic structures/processes.
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills.
• Working knowledge of NCAA academic eligibility and recruiting rules and regulations.
• A strong commitment to the highest level of academic integrity.

Required Qualifications – Learning Specialist

• Education : A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Experience : Some related experience working in academic advising, teaching, counseling, student affairs, or a related field is required. Experience supporting students with the development of academic skills.
• Availability: 40 hours a week from Monday through Friday. A weekly schedule will include weekend and evening hours to meet the needs of students and the Student Success unit.  

Preferred qualifications:

• Education : A Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Experience : 4yrs related experience working in academic advising, teaching, counseling, student affairs, or a related field. Experience supporting student-athletes with the development of academic skills in a Collegiate environment.
• Availability: 40 hours a week from Monday through Friday. A weekly schedule will include weekend and evening hours to meet the needs of students and the Student Success unit.  

Physical Requirements

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

About the Position

The salary range for this position will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The selected candidate will pass a background check. This position will not sponsor applicants for work visas. This is a full-time position with UVa benefits. Employees benefits package highlights include:

• Moving and relocation reimbursement assistance
• 22 days of paid time off, increasing with service; 13+ paid holidays each year, in addition to paid time off
• Parental and Community Service Leave
• Health plan with options to meet healthcare and financial needs available immediately
• Retirement benefits
• Tuition and professional development benefits after the first six months of employment
• Employee wellness program featuring activities to earn up to $500/year.

To Apply

Please do not submit application materials directly to staff of the Department of Athletics, as only applications received through this system will be accepted. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching ‘Find Jobs.’ Complete an application online with the following documents: 

• Resume
• Cover letter 
• Contact information for three references

The preferred deadline for applications is June 5, 2025. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration. For questions about the application process, please contact Michele Jarman, Academic Recruiter.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.

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