Student-Athlete Learning Specialist

Position Specifications

The Morgan Academic Center (MAC) Student Athlete Learning Specialist reports to the Assistant Director of Learning Services, supports an assigned caseload of student-athletes (football and Olympic sports), and assists with ongoing projects as assigned to enhance the overall operation of the MAC’s Learning Services (tutoring, mentoring, study hall, technology education, etc.). The Student Athlete Learning Specialist develops and implements individualized learning plans for a caseload of student athletes;

provides academic support, tools, resources, and learning strategies to enhance academic success; monitors student growth and identifies the need for intervention; interacts with students and parents to address academic, educational, or personal needs; contributes to the delivery of effective and responsive services within a student athlete learning center.

• Design, coordinate, and deliver comprehensive academic support services and evidence-based interventions to an assigned caseload of student athletes across diverse academic disciplines and skill levels
• Develop individualized learning plans through comprehensive assessment of each student athlete's academic strengths, challenges, and learning preferences, incorporating both academic and athletic schedule considerations
• Provide targeted instruction and mentoring in essential academic success competencies, including time management strategies, critical thinking and analytical reasoning, effective note-taking strategies, test preparation strategies, and proper research skills
• Conduct comprehensive screening, assessment, and diagnostic evaluations of student athletes using validated assessment tools and evidence-based practices to identify learning differences, academic risks, and support needs
• Analyze assessment data to identify at‑risk student athletes and develop early intervention strategies to prevent academic difficulties
• Coordinate referrals to external specialists and testing centers for comprehensive psychological, educational, or medical evaluations when indicated
• Plan, coordinate, and execute summer bridge programs and academic enrichment initiatives designed to ease the transition to university-level academics for incoming student-athletes
• Stay current with best practices in learning support, disability services, and student athlete development through ongoing professional development and research
• Develop training materials, resources, and assessment tools that enhance staff capacity to serve diverse student athlete populations
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with campus disability services offices, academic advisors, mental health counselors, and coaching staff to create integrated support networks
• Maintain comprehensive, confidential student records and documentation systems in full compliance with FERPA, ADA, and institutional privacy policies
• Utilize student information systems and learning management platforms to track academic progress, intervention effectiveness, and program outcomes; prepare comprehensive annual reports documenting program impact, student success metrics, and recommendations for continuous improvement
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Bachelor's Degree

1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Required

Certifications:

None

• PA State Police Criminal Background Check
• PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form
• Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa.

• Salary range: $44,628.00 - $64,668.00
• Competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off including holidays, vacation and sick time
• Generous 75% tuition discount available to employees, eligible spouses and children