Learning Specialist – Academic Skills, STEM Reasoning

The Community Solution Education System•Chicago, IL

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Academic Support Center (ASC) at The Chicago School is hiring a Learning Specialist to serve as a vital component in the holistic academic support system for students in the Illinois College of Osteopathic Medicine (IllinoisCOM). This role will also support pre-professional students enrolled in the Master of Science in Biomedical Science program in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, as well as other students enrolled at The Chicago School. The Learning Specialist will work collaboratively to ensure the delivery of effective student-centered academic support services. The Learning Specialist will provide supplemental academic skills instruction for students enrolled in classroom, online, and/or laboratory courses in a variety of formats such as one-on-one sessions, group sessions, peer mentor sessions, and seminars in multiple modalities. The ideal candidate will possess experience supporting pre-professional or medical students, knowledge of learning theories, and proficiency with educational technologies for support adult learners. Reporting to the Associate Director of Academic Support and Learning, the Learning Specialist will collaborate closely with Library Staff, faculty, administrators, and other institutional stakeholders to help support the academic success and development of pre-professional and osteopathic medical students. This position is in-person at The Chicago Campus with some opportunities for remote work. The Chicago School educates the next generation of change-makers in innovative theory and culturally competent practice to strengthen the integrated health of individuals, organizations, and communities. We enroll over 6,000 students across 40+ academic programs culminating in a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree or a professional certificate, and our unique approach to impact-focused education has made us a leading nonprofit university for over 40 years. As an employee at The Chicago School, you can become a member of a university community committed to true inclusion and equity. At The Chicago School, we celebrate individuals of all backgrounds and identities for who they are and what they can contribute. We take pride in hiring and retaining the most dynamic, talented, and passionate professionals who will help us continue to innovate for decades to come. The University is building IllinoisCOM , anticipated to open for its first class of students in summer 2026 with a Mission to train exceptional physicians to leverage the interconnection of physical and mental health to provide compassionate, patient-centered care of the highest quality.

Requirements

Master’s degree in biological sciences, education, educational psychology, statistics, or a related field.
Minimum of three years of experience in teaching and creating effective study strategies, time management, test-taking skills, and other academic success techniques for adult learners.
Familiarity with quantitative reasoning, skills, abilities, and assessments
Strong track record of developing and delivering training sessions and workshops for diverse audiences.
Strong data analysis and interpretation skills, with attention to educational assessments used to inform instructional decisions
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with faculty and other academic stakeholders
Excellent organizational and time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Experience with blended and online learning environments, including learning management systems, educational technology and software
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, including the ability to work independently in remote or hybrid spaces

Nice To Haves

Doctoral degree in biological sciences, education, educational psychology, statistics, or a related field.
Prior experience supporting student learning at a medical school or health sciences environment
Experience managing programs or leading academic support initiatives in higher education, including collaborative curriculum development and assessment
Prior experience advising pre-professional students.
Prior experience managing/administrating Qualtrics subscriptions
Strong knowledge of instructional design principles and techniques
Proficiency in utilizing educational technologies and data analysis tools to inform programmatic decisions.

Responsibilities

Work one-on-one with students to assess and identify learning needs and gaps, connected to STEM reasoning
Develop and monitor holistic and individualized academic coaching plans in both synchronous and asynchronous modalities
Make data-driven recommendations to optimize individual student learning strategies, including using student assessments to guide individualized planning
Assist students in developing strategies for academic resilience, time management, organization, and study habits
Refer students for additional support services, such as subject area tutoring, mental health counseling, or further evaluation, as appropriate
Support Bachelor and Master-level students in preparing for medical and health professions applications, including the MS in Biomedical Sciences, IllinoisCOM, and additional programs under development
Assist students in developing quantitative, scientific, and medical reasoning skills through workshops, course interventions, and resource creation.
Advise and coach students on quantitative methodologies, statistical analysis, and Qualtrics engagement
Create and maintain collaborative peer-based study groups
Support faculty members in research planning, pedagogical choices for STEM instruction, and course development
Hire, train, and supervise a limited number of Federal Work Study peer quantitative consultants
Collaboratively develop and facilitate interactive workshops, webinars, and interventions aimed at enhancing student learning and holistic success.
Develop resources, including guides, tutorials, and other materials to support diverse learning needs and ensure equity in student success.
Serve as a liaison between the ASC and IllinoisCOM, and other institutional stakeholders to address student academic concerns and shape supportive policies and academic support strategies.
Collaborate with institutional and College committee to ensure that students engage ethically with Artificial Intelligence and emergent technologies
Collaborate with ASC staff to co-create and implement comprehensive academic support strategies to promote student success across all academic programs
Collaborate with the Associate Director of Academic Support and Learning to establish data-driven strategic initiatives, assess program effectiveness, and recommend improvements.
Consistently participate in and share information from professional development opportunities to help inform departmental decisions and resource development