Senior Learning Specialist

Alice L. Walton School of Medicine (AWSOM) is seeking experienced, motivated, and dedicated leaders and educators to participate in the design and delivery of an innovative four-year medical school curriculum that engages medical students in active and novel learning.

Required Documents to Apply:

The Senior Learning Specialist is vital in the educational support system for medical students at AWSOM. This position provides oversight and supervision of a team of learning specialists and ensures the development and delivery of innovative and effective academic support services. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in medical education, learning theories, and educational technologies for adult learners, along with demonstrated leadership and management experience.

Job Description:

About the Position
 

The Senior Learning Specialist is vital in the educational support system for medical students at AWSOM.  This position provides oversight and supervision of a team of learning specialists and ensures the development and delivery of innovative and effective academic support services.  The ideal candidate will possess expertise in medical education, learning theories, and educational technologies for adult learners, along with demonstrated leadership and management experience.

Major Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Leadership and Oversight

• Lead the implementation of a comprehensive academic support strategy to promote medical student success across all phases of the curriculum.
• Supervise, mentor, and provide professional development for a team of learning specialists, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and best practices.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs to establish strategic priorities, assess program effectiveness, and recommend improvements.
• Oversee the coordination and evaluation of workshops, resources, and interventions aimed at enhancing medical student learning and well-being.
• Serve as a key liaison between the Office of Student Affairs, Curricular Affairs, and other institutional stakeholders to address student academic concerns and shape supportive policies.

Direct Student Support

• Work one-on-one with medical students to identify their unique learning styles and challenges and provide expert guidance to optimize their learning strategies.
• Assist medical students in creating personalized study plans for national licensing board examinations and monitor their progress.
• Facilitate advanced workshops focused on academic success skills, such as leveraging artificial intelligence, advanced study techniques, and adaptive learning technologies.
• Lead the tutoring program, including advertising, hiring, training, and organizing a cadre of student tutors in each of the pre-clerkship courses.  Coordinate with the finance office in managing payroll and troubleshooting any issues.
• Refer students for additional support services, such as tutoring, mental health counseling, or evaluation for severe learning disabilities, as appropriate.

Data and Program Management

• Collect, analyze, and report programmatic data to identify trends in student needs and assess the effectiveness of interventions
• Create and implement proactive, data-driven student success initiatives to improve retention, performance, and satisfaction.
• Develop resources, including guides, tutorials, and other materials, to support diverse learning needs and ensure equity in student success.
   

Required
 

• Master's degree in education, educational psychology, or a related field.
• Expertise in effective study strategies, time management, test-taking skills, and other academic success techniques for adult learners.
• Experience supervising staff, managing programs, or leading academic support initiatives in higher education.
• Strong track record of developing and delivering training sessions and workshops for adult learners and faculty.

Preferred

• PhD or EdD in education, educational psychology, or related field
• Prior experience supporting student learning at a medical school or health sciences environment
• Proficiency in utilizing educational technologies and data analysis tools to inform programmatic decisions.
   

Skills Expected of All AWSOM Team Members
 

• Exemplary written, verbal and other communication skills
• Adaptable and flexible to the needs of the position and the school
• Collaborative Skills: Build and maintain relationships internal and external to the organization 
• Creative and Open-Minded: Enjoy exploring and supporting innovation in teaching strategies, topic areas, professional growth opportunities, and more
• Discerning: Ability to recognize and support innovation
• Highly self-directed, and reliable and accountable
• Strong commitment to self-care
• Committed to Diversity and Inclusion: Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders (e.g., co-workers, students, community members) 
• Ability to effectively mentor a diversity of individuals
• Commitment to meet and maintain professional development requirements related to this role