Learning Specialist

Job ID: Undergraduate Studies/Academic Services - Athletics

About the role

The Learning Specialist will provide comprehensive academic support to an assigned group of student-athletes, with a focus on those with learning disabilities, neurodivergence, or significant academic challenges. Responsibilities include developing individualized learning plans, fostering academic skill development, and promoting independence, self-advocacy, and long-term success. The role requires interaction with a wide range of constituents, including student-athletes, athletics staff, faculty, and campus partners, while ensuring compliance with USF, AAC, and NCAA policies. A flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed, is required.

Responsibilities

• Caseload Support: Provide individualized academic support through one-on-one and small group sessions. Develop, implement, and monitor academic plans, assess academic progress, and maintain detailed and accurate session reports.
• Learning Support Programming: Design and implement individualized and group-based learning strategies and techniques. Develop and assist with workshops and programming focused on the BullsLearn skills (reading, writing, note-taking, study/test-taking, time management/organization).
• Testing & Evaluation: Support the facilitation of the intake and academic screening process for incoming student-athletes. Interpret learning assessments and disability documentation and coordinate referrals where applicable.
• Collaboration & Training: Assist in the development and implementation of the Summer Bridge program. Provide training and guidance to tutors and/or academic mentors on learning strategies. Collaborate with academic staff, faculty, and coaches to support student-athletes. Work in conjunction with the Assistant Director of Learning Services.
• Other Responsibilities: Ensure compliance with NCAA, AAC, and University of South Florida policies and procedures. May teach courses related to student-athlete transition. May be responsible for training, assisting, or assigning tasks to others.

Requirements

• Master's degree in education or a field of study related to the academic program, or a Bachelor's degree in those same fields with a minimum of two years of experience.
• Four years of direct experience may substitute for a bachelor’s degree (per Florida Senate Bill 1310).
• Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience as a Learning Specialist, Teacher/Instructor, or related position.
• Experience working with student-athletes in a collegiate setting.
• Expertise in working closely with learning challenges and/or learning deficiencies, developing relevant programming related to the appropriate use of learning strategies and techniques.
• Experience selecting and utilizing testing instruments to assess population.
• Experience working with student-athletes, support staff, and administration in an intercollegiate athletics department at the Division I level.
• Experience with public speaking and motivational techniques.
• Experience reading educational assessments and psych-educational testing results and implementing effective strategies and support.
• Experience utilizing Teamwork.
• Knowledge of NCAA eligibility requirements governing continuing eligibility.
• Bilingual or multilingual proficiency is preferred.

About Us

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged, and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF’s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities.

Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental, and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee, and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference.

Pay

Annual salary: $50,000 - $53,000