Academic Learning Specialist, Athletics

Job Description

Budget title: Senior Staff Assistant (SL-3)

Salary: $60,250

Binghamton University Athletics invites applications for the position of Academic Learning Specialist-Athletics. This role is a key member of the Visions Center team and supports the academic success, retention, and graduation of Binghamton University student-athletes.

The Academic Learning Specialist-Athletics works collaboratively with athletics academic advisors, campus advisors, and student support offices to implement comprehensive learning support services for student-athletes who present high academic risk factors, diagnosed learning disabilities, or medical conditions impacting learning. Services provided generally include time management support, study skills development, English language development, tutoring coordination, and leveraging individual cognitive strengths to enhance academic performance.

This position also contributes to leadership, program development, and the establishment of best practices while ensuring strict adherence to NCAA, SUNY, and Binghamton University policies and regulations. The position reports to the Associate Director of Athletics-NCAA Compliance and Student Services.

Key Responsibilities

• Learning Specialist Responsibilities (50%)
  • Develop and deliver individualized academic support plans for student-athletes with high academic risk factors and education-impacting disabilities
  • Meet one to four times per week with an assigned caseload of student-athletes from a variety of sport programs in highly engaging, developmental sessions focused on: Time management and organization, Reading comprehension and writing development, Study strategies and academic skill building
  • Demonstrate an understanding of course expectations and general course content to support successful completion of academic objectives
  • Collaborate closely with Visions Center staff, Services for Students with Disabilities, faculty, and other campus partners to maximize available resources
  • Provide consistent and timely feedback to athletics academic advisors and coaches regarding student-athlete progress
  • Monitor and track academic performance across all enrolled courses
  • Prepare and distribute detailed academic progress and status reports
• Learning Services & Leadership (35%)
  • Provide learning services support across all Binghamton University varsity sport programs
  • Serve as a primary academic advisement support contact for selected teams
  • Assist in the development and implementation of departmental strategic plans, policies, and procedures
  • Provide leadership in the development, implementation, and assessment of learning services program goals and outcomes
  • Collaborate with athletics administration, coaches, and campus partners to implement consistent criteria guiding student-athletes support plans and resources
  • Provide oversight of the peer mentoring program
  • Support the Visions Center's summer bridge program for incoming first-year and transfer student-athletes
• Additional Divisional Responsibilities (10%)
  • Develop and implement educational initiatives, trainings, and workshops for student-athletes and staff, including tutor, study facilitation, and mentor training
  • Serve as an expert resource for Visions Center staff on learning strategies, student behaviors, course expectations, and university resources
  • Conduct ongoing evaluation of academic support programs and recommend improvements to the Senior Associate Athletic Director/Associate Athletic Director
  • Serve on campus and departmental committees, including search committees
  • Collaborate regularly with colleagues and campus partners to advance divisional and university goals
  • Co-teach a UNIV course with a designated faculty member, if applicable
• Divisional Contributions & Professional Development (5%)
  • Attend and actively participate in all Visions Center meetings, orientations, trainings, and events
  • Maintain current knowledge of and ensure compliance with NCAA, SUNY, and Binghamton University rules and regulations
  • Participate in professional development opportunities
  • Perform duties outside standard business hours, including evenings and weekends, as necessary

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (or higher)
• Experience teaching/implementing learning strategies and developing academic intervention plans for students
• Demonstrated ability to manage administrative responsibilities, including planning, organizing, and implementing programs and initiatives
• Decision-making, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse educational, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Effective written, oral, and computer skills

Preferred

• Master's degree in education, psychology, counseling, or related field
• Experience supporting students facing academic challenges, including under-preparation, skill gaps, motivation concerns, diagnosed learning disabilities, or English language developmental needs -OR- teaching experience in a related field
• Experience working with NCAA Division I student-athletes
• Experience supporting English language learners
• Experience developing and delivering student staff training programs