Learning Specialist in Peer Education

Rice University•Houston, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Rice University’s Office of Academic Support for Undergraduate Students (OASUS) is a learning center that provides professional and peer-led learning assistance and equitable assessment opportunities to undergraduate students. Our peer educator development program prepares students as tutors, consultants, and teaching assistants through pedagogical and professional learning opportunities that are open to student educators across campus. The Learning Specialist in Peer Education will have the opportunity to shape this growing program as well as provide direct learning support. Reporting to the Director of OASUS, the Learning Specialist in Peer Education is responsible for peer educator training curriculum and programming and oversees related graduate and undergraduate fellowship programs. The person in this position also provides course-based academic support for students in the areas of neurodiverse learning approaches and/or academic reading skills. The Learning Specialist in Peer Education collaborates closely with faculty and other student support units and plays a key role in cross-office learning initiatives.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a relevant academic discipline
3+ years of experience at a four-year college or university delivering academic and learning support to students
At least one year of experience working with peer educator programming (tutors, consultants, TAs, etc.), ideally in a formal tutoring program
Demonstrated knowledge of the needs of neurodiverse learners and/or academic literacy development
Curriculum development and training facilitation experience
Excellent written and communication skills, and the ability to communicate clearly and concisely with diverse audiences
Comfort with giving and receiving feedback
Excellent analytical skills
Ability to prioritize work assignments under a sustained heavy workload
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively with staff and faculty within and across offices and departments
Substantial knowledge and skills in current educational technologies and learning platforms

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. in a relevant academic discipline
Familiarity with distinct models of peer education
Demonstrated experience developing student-oriented programming in a higher education environment
At least one year of experience teaching undergraduate students at a four-year college or university
Experience supervising student educators
Experience working in cross-office collaborative initiatives

Responsibilities

Develop curriculum and lead the delivery of the Foundational Peer Educator Training program
Select 4–6 Whitten Fellows annually and oversee fellowship activities and projects
Supervise 8–10 Lead Peer Educators
In collaboration with campus partners, develop and lead the Rice Peer Educator Network
Develop learning support resources related to neurodiverse learning approaches and/or academic reading skills
Provide course-based academic support to individual students in the areas of neurodiverse learning approaches and/or academic reading skills
Contribute pedagogical leadership to office-wide initiatives and program development
Collaborate closely with faculty and other campus partners to respond to student learning needs
Participate in data-driven program assessment
Contribute to campus conversations related to student success and evolving learning support needs
Perform all other duties as assigned