Position Summary

Under the general supervision and guidance of the Executive Associate Athletic Director of Student-Athlete Academic Support Services, this position operates with a high degree of autonomy and will monitor the academic progress of assigned student-athletes in accordance with NCAA, conference, and university requirements and provide leadership in the areas of academic advisement, academic coordination, and orientation. 

The Learning Specialist is dedicated to assisting student-athletes navigate through their careers at San Diego State University by providing individualized academic support for them.  This position will work closely with the Student Ability Success Center and Assistant Learning Specialists to coordinate appropriate support services to best meet the academic needs of assigned student-athletes. This position will work closely with the assistant learning specialists to ensure student-athletes have the appropriate access and allocation of academic resources necessary to foster academic success.  This position will work with a caseload of student-athletes to devise an integrated plan to include tutoring, writing support, time management, and campus resources in order to maximize the student athlete's academic success. This plan will include regular communication with the student-athletes via in-person meetings, drop-in visits, and email.  Weekly progress reports will be submitted to appropriate stakeholders.  

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This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits-eligible, temporary position anticipated to end on or before June 30, 2023, with the possibility for reappointment and/or permanency. This position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation. Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.

The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration, or a job-related field. Additional specialized experience during which the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the knowledge and abilities shown below may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Possession of the required knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent of two years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas or in a related field; experience should give evidence of competence and indicate the potential for further growth. A Master’s degree in a job-related field may be substituted for one year of professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master or postgraduate degree in a related field.

• Two or more years of experience advising/tutoring/mentoring collegiate student-athletes.

• Knowledge of NCAA initial and continuing eligibility requirements.

• Previous experience teaching.

• Previous experience working with student-athletes who have documented education impacting disabilities.

• Ability to work some evenings and weekends and travel.

Specialized Skills 

• Experience in advising, tutoring, collecting and analyzing data, curriculum advising, and program development.

• Excellent organizational, and leadership skills.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective relationships with administration, faculty, coaches, parents, student-athletes, constituents within the university, and the university community.

Compliance with all NCAA, conference, and San Diego State University rules, policies, and procedures are of paramount importance to the university.  All position responsibilities should be carried out in full compliance with all such rules and regulations.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department’s fiscal resources. Starting salary upon appointment is not expected to exceed $4,304 per month. 

San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. For more information regarding SDSU benefits, please click here.

CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,304- $6,120 per month. 

SDSU COVID-19 Vaccine Policy

In accordance with the California State University systemwide policy, students, faculty, and staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or provide a valid medical or religious exemption in order to access campus. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated for five months after their final dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or for two months after receiving the only dose of a single-dose vaccine. Afterward, a COVID-19 booster is required to continue to be considered fully vaccinated. 

The individual hired into this role will be required to submit their completed vaccination documentation to the university’s secure online health portal prior to beginning work.  Individuals with an approved medical or religious exemption on file with the university will be required to participate in SDSU’s COVID-19 testing program.

Supplemental Information

Initial review of the required application materials, including cover letters and resumes, will begin on May 20, 2022. To receive full consideration, apply by May 19, 2022. The position will remain open until filled.

University employees that have direct job responsibilities involving intercollegiate athletics are expected to have knowledge and understanding of NCAA, conference, and University rules, policies, and procedures governing intercollegiate athletics.  Additionally, he or she is required to notify the appropriate personnel of any knowledge of, or should have known of, any violation or suspected violation of NCAA, conference, or University regulations.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

SDSU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, or covered veteran status.

Applicants with disabilities and applicants who require assistance completing an application may contact Noemi Bravo-Rojas at nbravorojas@sdsu.edu