Senior Learning Specialist (Oro Valley, AZ)

The University of Arizona's College of Veterinary Medicine invites applicants for the position of Student Support Specialist. A successful candidate will develop and implement strategies, systems, processes, learning experiences, and networks that support the achievement of professional level students pursuing a doctorate in veterinary medicine. They have knowledge of a cohort professional education to support students academic and career outcomes, including the overall student experience within in an accelerated learning environment. They will assist students in successfully integrating into the institution's environment and to thrive personally and academically. The Student Support Specialist assists and empowers students to achieve academic success and social adjustment through a variety of activities including academic coaching, academic preparation and success coursework, tutoring, life skills support, and other services for adult learners.

The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine is shaping the future of veterinary professionals by preparing graduates to tackle today's challenges confidently. By emphasizing competency-based, hands-on, student-centered learning, the college has become a national leader in veterinary medical education.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Professional Education Learning Support:

• Develop and implement learning support systems and processes for professional level and accelerated year-round veterinary medical degree program.
• Identify, develop, monitor, evaluate and adjust individualized learning plans with learning strategies and academic techniques specific to professional level education and adult learners.
• Develop rapport and productive relationships with students by creating engaging, responsive, and welcoming environments for students to grow and gain new skills to prepare professional and graduate students for a career in veterinary medicine.
• Maintain and document contact with students in standard reporting structures of each department to communicate student progress to and with appropriate constituents, including colleagues, unit director, faculty, administrators.
• Initiate and respond to appropriate campus constituents on campus (faculty, academic colleges, academic advisors, campus departments) for the benefit of the student and department goals.
• Develop, plan, implement, and delivery of coursework (credit and non-credit) and related learning experiences that prepares individuals for an accelerated year-round professional curriculum experience and enhances academic success for a cohort, team based learning environment.

Curriculum Development and Implementation for Adult Learners:

• Utilize special in-depth expertise to coordinate and administer specific programs from design, implement, and evaluate co-curricula to prepare professional students for high-stakes licensure.
• Align educational content to licensure exam requirements and industry standards.
• Integrate feedback and data into curriculum enhancements.
• Utilizes in-depth knowledge of processes, policies, and regulations to coordinate and administer multiple programs and projects.
• Builds and delivers trainings.
• Utilizes university and college specific platform tools with excellent proficiency.
• Designs strategic programs that provide University of Arizona veterinary students the skills and tools to navigate medical education successfully.
• Works closely and collaboratively with management to fully understand policies and procedures to provide guidance to all students, support staff and professions. May make recommendations for improvement to management.

Leadership:

• May provide input to management for performance assessments for lower level staff.
• Oversees peer tutoring program, including hiring, training and supervising tutors.
• Implement continuous quality improvement processes and practices.

Stakeholder Engagement and External Relations:

• Effectively communicate and collaborator in multi-institutional or cross-sectoral partnerships.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders while balancing institutional priorities and compliance needs.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of high-stakes testing and licensure exam preparation for professional students.
• Knowledge of high-stakes testing environments, including structure, requirements, and implications for professional qualification.
• Understanding of regulatory frameworks and standards that govern licensure and certification in professional fields.
• Strong understanding of principles and best practices in adult learning and continuing education.
• Ability to assess and adapt curriculum to ensure engagement, retention, and knowledge transfer in professional contexts.
• Ability to analyze problems where existing solutions may not apply.
• Demonstrated experience developing new approaches, methods, or techniques to address novel or evolving challenges.
• Capacity for innovation and creativity in the face of ambiguity or complexity within a health professional cohort based degree program.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.

• Terminal degree preferred PhD, DVM, MD, DDS, JD.
• Experience supporting adult learners through rigorous professional licensing exam preparation processes.
• Experience designing and delivering professional education programs tailored to adult learners with varied backgrounds and learning preferences.