Learning Specialist - Educational Affairs

Penn State University • Tallahassee, FL

5d • $54,060 - $78,444 • Hybrid

About The Position

Penn State College of Medicine seeks an experienced and student-centered Learning Specialist to join our dynamic team of medical educators and academic support professionals. The Learning Specialist will provide individualized academic support, develop evidence-based learning interventions, and collaborate with faculty and student affairs professionals to promote student success throughout the medical education curriculum. This position will report to the Associate Dean for Student Assessment and Program Evaluation.

Requirements

• Master's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• Master's, Ed.D., or Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology, Educational Psychology, Adult Education, Learning Sciences, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in assessing learning skills and diagnosing barriers to effective learning.
• Significant experience providing academic coaching, counseling, or learning support services to undergraduate, graduate, or professional students in STEM disciplines.
• Experience supporting medical students or other health professions learners preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, administrators, and student affairs professionals.
• Experience developing educational programming, workshops, and student success initiatives informed by learning science and educational research.

Responsibilities

• Assess students’ learning needs and help them develop effective, evidence-based learning and study strategies.
• Maintain expertise in innovative educational practices, learning science, instructional technologies, and resources that support student success.
• Develop and facilitate workshops, seminars, and online learning modules that promote active learning and effective study strategies for diverse learners.
• Identify and support students experiencing academic difficulty through individualized academic assessments and coaching.
• Develop personalized study and remediation plans, including measurable goals, timelines, and progress monitoring.
• Establish clear expectations for academic performance and monitor student progress toward achieving academic success.
• Design, implement, and manage the mandatory Student Success Program for students identified as academically at risk.
• Enroll students in the program following three borderline grades or one Did Not Meet (DNM) performance designation.
• Evaluate the need for disability accommodations and facilitate appropriate referrals when warranted.
• Conduct weekly individual meetings with participating students.
• Review and provide feedback on required weekly study plans.
• Review at least one student-generated study product each week and provide targeted coaching and recommendations.
• Monitor student progress and determine continued participation in the program.
• Support students in the program until they achieve a passing score above borderline on their next summative assessment.
• Meet regularly with Student Affairs and Educational Affairs teams to support student success initiatives.
• Collaborate with College of Medicine leadership and support services to facilitate referrals to tutoring, counseling, disability services, society advisor coaches, and career advising resources.
• Assist in the recruitment, training, and development of peer tutors and attend peer-led tutoring sessions as appropriate.
• Collaborate with leadership to design and deliver faculty development workshops, consultations, and educational programming.
• Maintain student records and documentation in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Collect, analyze, and report programmatic data to identify trends in student needs and inform continuous program improvement.
• Support student-focused events and activities, including orientation, transitions programming, graduation, and related functions.
• Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the responsibilities of the position.

Benefits

• comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• robust retirement plans
• substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level