Learning Specialist – Academic Skills, Health & Medical Sciences

Job Description:

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 courses in a variety of formats such as one-on-one sessions, group sessions, peer mentor sessions, and seminars through multiple modalities. The ideal candidate will possess experience supporting pre-professional and 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.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY

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.  
 

The University opened IllinoisCOM 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.  

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

Individual Student Support

• Work one-on-one with students to assess and identify learning needs and gaps

• Develop and monitor holistic and individualized academic coaching plans in both synchronous and asynchronous modalities

• Assist students in meeting Academic Development Plan requirements

• Make data-driven recommendations to optimize individual student learning strategies, including using student outcomes to guide individualized learning plans

• 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
   

Health & Pre-Health Professions Support

• Participate in early intervention processes and associated academic development plan creation to support student academic progress

• Support student readiness as they prepare for transitions to advanced academic programming

• Advise and coach pre-professional students standardized exam readiness, using assessment analysis and test-taking strategies

• Create and maintain collaborative peer-based study groups 

Academic Support Center Collaborations & Development

• 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 ASC staff to co-create and implement comprehensive academic support strategies to promote student success across all academic programs.

• Collaborate with institutional and College committee to ensure that students engage ethically with Artificial Intelligence and emergent technologies

• 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

Basic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in education, educational psychology, 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 pre-health and health professions 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in education, educational psychology, or 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.

• Strong knowledge of instructional design principles and techniques

• Proficiency in utilizing educational technologies and data analysis tools to inform programmatic decisions.

POSITION DETAILS 

• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States

• Priority review deadline to apply: 1 September, 2026

• Expected start date: 5 October, 2026

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed

Compensation & Benefits

This opportunity is budgeted at $55,000 - $65,000 base compensation. Additional compensation factors may impact total compensation. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, click the link below.

https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/career-opportunities/

The Chicago School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please note: For the protection of faculty, staff, students, and all who enter our facilities, The Chicago School strongly recommends that all employees are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 per CDC guidance.