"Learning and Development Specialist, Office of Student Success Initiatives"

The City University of New York's (CUNY) Student Success Initiatives unit within the Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) at the Central Office encompasses a broad portfolio of programs that support CUNY's dual mission of access and excellence, spanning the college readiness, college transition, and degree completion continuum, working to improve the pathway into and through the University's colleges, and ultimately to increase timely graduation rates. Programs serve degree-seekers and non-degree seekers alike, as well as specific populations, such as public assistance recipients, and ESL and adult learners. Programs in the portfolio include Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP), Accelerate, Complete and Engage (ACE), Adult Literacy Program, CUNY Language Immersion Program (CLIP), CUNY Start & Math Start, CUNY EDGE, and CUNY Fatherhood Academy. Together, these programs serve approximately 40,000 students annually and operate across multiple campuses, largely under a consortia model involving close collaboration between Central Office OAA staff and participating colleges operating the programs locally to fulfill the programs' goals. The office also provides leadership on strategic priorities of OAA, including academic momentum and developmental education reform.

Reporting to the Senior University Director for Academic Advisement Initiatives and will collaborate as needed with the ASAP|ACE Associate Director for Staff Development and Program Initiatives, the Learning and Development Specialist supports the planning, delivery, and maintenance of online professional development programming and resources. This position is central to expanding the capacity of professional advisement staff across CUNY, with a particular focus on the ASAP|ACE network as well as the broader advisement community.

The Specialist brings strong technical and content development skills to manage the production, editing, and distribution of digital learning content; maintain and update the learning management system (LMS); and support event logistics and user engagement. This role requires a highly organized, detail-oriented individual who is committed to high-quality virtual learning experiences and who can operate independently in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

In addition to the CUNY Title Overview information, other key duties include, but will not be limited to the following:

• Execute the logistical and technical components of various learning initiatives, professional development events, including event setup, attendee communications, registration processes, and virtual platform configuration.
• Maintain accurate records and settings in the learning management system (LMS), including user access, account activations, permissions, digital badging, and certificates of completion.
• Edit and upload video content and multimedia files to the LMS and other online platforms, ensuring accessibility and quality standards are met.
• Prepare and distribute calendars, event announcements, and promotional materials for staff development offerings across multiple advisement areas.
• Serve as a co-producer for online events handling chat functions, recordings, participant engagement tools (e.g., polls, Q&A), and follow-up tasks.
• Support content development for asynchronous and synchronous training modules related to academic advisement, peer mentoring, career development, and technology.
• Plan and execute large-scale, multi-campus staff training events, including in-person convenings.
• Contribute to the creation of instructional support materials such as design templates, rubrics, FAQs, and assessment tools for workshop and webinar delivery.
• Facilitate travel and event logistics for members of the CUNY Advisement Council, including registration, lodging, and itinerary support for external events.
• Carry out additional assignments in support of academic advisement and staff development initiatives as needed.

Until further notice, this position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

MINIMUM: Bachelor's degree and four years' related experience required. PREFERRED: At least one (1) year of experience developing online content using an LMS and facilitating virtual events; experience in a higher education setting is a plus. Strong communication, presentation, project management, and relationship-building skills. Demonstrated ability to design and implement virtual learning experiences and asynchronous resources for staff development. Proficiency with virtual engagement tools such as Padlet, Mentimeter, and Poll Everywhere. Working knowledge of instructional design theory and adult learning principles. Experience designing and applying assessment strategies to evaluate learning effectiveness. Proficiency with learning management systems (Canvas, Thinkific, Brightspace preferred) and video editing tools used for digitized training content. Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in learning environments.