Academic Support Specialist

Academic Support Specialist

Under the guidance of the Assistant Director of Academic Support Services, the Academic Support Specialist provides UChicago undergraduates with the subject matter skill development and academic support needed to thrive in related coursework. The Academic Support Specialist plays an instrumental role in positioning the Academic Resource Center (ARC) as a trusted partner for students, faculty, and staff in the College, relaying timely and accurate information to the appropriate parties so they can succeed in their respective roles.

Responsibilities

• Designs and delivers engaging, customized lesson plans and workshops for undergraduates needing academic skill development and support.
• Meets regularly with students facing academic difficulties in a variety of forms, including but not limited to, students on academic probation or encountering academic challenges while pursuing their coursework in the College.
• Receives and provides referrals between campus partners, addressing each student's unique needs.
• Demonstrates an institutional commitment to forwarding a culture of growth mindset, addressing structural equity gaps in education, and implementing the tools necessary to embrace the spectrum of student learning differences present on campus.
• Assists in the implementation and maintenance of platforms, reports, webpages, and training materials related to academic support services.
• Manages a caseload of academic coaching students to ensure student's receive timely follow-ups and resource referrals.
• Collaborates with colleagues effectively with the goal of collectively providing a high-quality experience for students in the College.
• Represents the office on committees, at meetings, and during events as needed.
• Assists in the overall successful operations of the department.
• Advises students with minor academic difficulties and counseling while responding to queries from faculty, staff and parents.
• Keeps records of student degree programs and notes on student conversations.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Advanced degree in a related field.
• Subject matter expertise in the Humanities, arts, and social sciences or the physical sciences, especially physics, mathematics, or computer science preferred.

Experience:

• 3-5 years of experience in higher education, with emphasis on student-facing responsibilities and academic support.
• Teaching, including working with students individually within an academic setting.
• Background in lesson-planning, curriculum design, or supplemental and co-curricular instruction

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Thorough understanding of student confidentiality under FERPA guidelines and overall familiarity with risk assessment practices.
• Working knowledge of a variety of technological platforms utilized in higher education, including but not limited to, academic/student information systems and learning management systems.
• Proficiency utilizing a variety of office resources, such as Microsoft Office, Adobe, Box, Google Drive, and Workday.
• Familiarity with research-based approaches to time management, organization, overcoming procrastination, and learning strategies in higher education.
• Proficiency collecting and interpreting data on a frequent basis, while troubleshooting and recalibrating as needed to uphold data integrity.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Sound reasoning, problem solving, and decision-making skills under pressure.
• Intercultural competence and demonstrated equitable and inclusive mindset.
• Work collaboratively, professionally, and effectively with supervisor, colleagues, and other partners for sustained periods of time.
• Lead and/or initiate in a variety of contexts.
• Self-starter disposition, with the capacity to navigate available resources and discern when to consult others.
• Successfully manage concurrent projects and meet competing deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including editing/proofreading ability.

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced office environment.
• Hybrid work schedule.
• Occasional evening and weekend work.
• Sit at a computer for 4-6 hours.
• Limited travel for meetings and/or trainings.
• Periodic walking to other campus locations.
• Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter, which is to include your interest in this position (required)
• References Contact Information (3) (required)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions. When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.