Learning Specialist

The Learning Specialist is responsible for the design, development, and implementation of learning plans for identified caseloads of students who utilize academic support services through the Center for Academic Achievement (CAA). This position works closely with the CAA’s campus partners including the Hartley Academic Resource Center (HARC) to provide support and assistance to student-athletes in reaching their full academic potential. The Learning Specialist will manage a caseload of special populations including student-athletes, first-year students, and/or academically at-risk students to provide them with connections to campus resources, design unique learning plans, and develop sustainable academic success habits.

FGCU is building a culture of curiosity, commitment and collaboration. We value employees who successfully work with others and drive positive change through critical thinking and decisive action. If you thrive in an environment of innovation, accountability and mutual respect, you will find a good home here.

At Florida Gulf Coast University, employees are expected to work on campus as part of a collaborative, mission-driven environment. On-site presence is essential to supporting the university’s operations and advancing student learning across the institution.

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• Designs and implements academic support services that will increase retention and graduation rates of undergraduate students.
• Works one-on-one or in small groups with student populations such as first-year students, student-athletes, academically at-risk students to build fundamental academic skills using direct pedagogies and appropriate learning strategies. Provides individualized academic coaching to students to promote the development of college success skills.
• Develops achievement/learning plans with students and provide guidance on transferrable skills including time management, effective study strategies, schedule planning, utilizing appropriate campus resources, etc.
• Facilitates learning and academic success plans for students with unique learning needs.
• Serves as the first point of contact/meeting with at risk student populations and oversight/development of peer coaching case management population for student athletes.
• Collaborates with Academic Success Programs team and the Hartley Academic Resource Center team regarding individual learning needs and academic progress of students.
• Connects students with academic support services and programs within the Center for Academic Achievement (CAA).
• Conducts small and/or large group study halls.
• Designs and implements student success workshops focused on academic and personal success.
• Provides timely communications and reports to supervisor and team.
• Recommends strategies and initiatives to collect data, evaluate retention efforts, analyze retention data, and improve graduation and retention rates.
• Maintains data collection, evaluation, and analysis for reporting and program assessment.
• Maintains the department policies and procedures, as well as day-to-day operations and management.
• Promotes the CAA through orientation, campus partnerships, and outreach opportunities.
• Assists with the recruitment, training, and supervision of student workers, volunteers, and mentors.
• Completes all mandatory staff and campus trainings including but not limited to NCAA compliance, Title IX, and Ethics.

Other Duties:

• May serve as a team leader and oversee the work of lower-level personnel and/or student employees in assigned area.
• Remains current on issues and trends related to college students, academic success, and retention.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications:

• This position requires either eight years of directly related full-time experience or, as an alternative, a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field and four years of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
• Experience in education, advising, student success and retention, or other closely related areas.
• Experience operating a personal computer and proficient in Microsoft office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree from an accredited institution in Higher Education, Advising, or closely related field.
• Experience in a college/university learning center or academic resource center, higher-education advising, and/or teaching integrative-learning pedagogies to expansive student populations.
• Experience in designing learning plans, implementing active-learning pedagogies, addressing special characteristics, learning needs, and background. 
• Experience teaching and/or supporting various student populations. 
• Experience designing and implementing academic support initiatives.
• Experience designing and facilitating academic skill-focused workshops for college students.
• Experience collecting and researching data for assessment.
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proven ability to think strategically and approach challenges with creativity.
• Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, and holding oneself accountable.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively across teams.
• Knowledge of policies, procedures, and regulations pertaining to the position.
• Knowledge of and ability to adhere to FERPA, NCAA, and Title IX regulations and requirements.
• Knowledge of and ability to adhere to university student conduct regulations.
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Knowledge of program planning, development, implementation, and leadership skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of student learning outcomes, and skill in designing and implementing valid tools to assess those outcomes.
• Knowledge of higher education in the areas of academic assistance or similar administrative, teaching, or legal practice experience.
• Knowledge of learning theories and best practices in effective pedagogy, formative and summative assessment and educational learning theory.
• Knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook) applications.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.

Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectation:

In this role, the successful candidate will be expected to:

• Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open for feedback and new ideas.
• Lead with integrity; consistently produce high-quality work; persevere to overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achieve deliverables.
• Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnerships across departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues to achieve common goals.

Pay Grade 16

Applications received prior to October 22, 2026, will receive priority review.

FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.