Academic Support Specialist
Location: Hickory, North Carolina
The primary responsibility of this part-time position is to coordinate effective academic support for all students in need, including those in the Academic Recovery Program. This individual will work closely with the Coordinator of Peer-Learning Assistance and the Director of BEAR Central to implement best practices for promoting student academic success.
BEAR Central is Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Student Success department and includes Undergraduate Academic Advising, Undergraduate and Graduate Student Success Services, Academic Support Services (including Tutoring and Peer Coaching), and Writing and Speaking Services.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Coordinator of Peer-Learning Assistance in the operations, hiring, evaluation and management of academic support staff.
- Assist in the development and implementation of College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) training for academic support staff.
- Help develop and manage front desk staff for BEAR Central.
- Manage and troubleshoot the TracCloud academic support platform.
- Hold academic coaching appointments with undergraduate and graduate students.
- Serve as an academic coach for upper-level students in the Academic Recovery Program.
- Collaborate with the Director of BEAR Central to plan, organize and implement events and initiatives, including those focused on first-generation students.
- Serve as a liaison between the Director of BEAR Central and graduate assistants, supporting event organization and implementation.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree (completed or in progress).
- Experience working in a higher education setting.
- CRLA Peer Educator Certification (completed or willingness to complete).
- Experience developing and implementing training programs for staff.
- Ability to report and organize data that informs academic support services decision-making.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and willingness to learn additional platforms (e.g., degree audit and appointment scheduling software).
- Availability to work 20 hours per week, 12 months per year.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to collaborate with a wide variety of constituents.
- Strong planning and organizational skills.
About Lenoir-Rhyne University
Lenoir-Rhyne University is a co-educational, private masters comprehensive liberal arts institution founded in 1891, with its traditional campus located in Hickory, N.C., a town of more than 40,000. The university has additional off-campus instructional sites in Asheville, N.C. and Columbia, S.C. The university now offers more than 45 undergraduate and 20 graduate degree programs to approximately 2,400 students. Lenoir-Rhyne University seeks to liberate mind and spirit, clarify personal faith, foster physical wholeness, build a sense of community, and promote responsible leadership for service in the world. Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Lenoir-Rhyne promotes campuses open to people from all religious and non-religious backgrounds.
Lenoir-Rhyne University promotes a welcoming campus environment that is integral to the university's commitment to excellence in engagement and education. We are particularly interested in candidates who have demonstrated experience nurturing a welcoming community, working with faculty, staff, and/or students from all walks of life and/or incorporating varied perspectives and traditions in their current or previous positions. This commitment is rooted in our Lutheran tradition of fostering wisdom, nurturing vocation, and preparing students for lives of purpose while serving the common good.
Notice of Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment
Lenoir-Rhyne University does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, political affiliation, age, marital status, sex/gender, physical or mental disability, genetic information, pregnancy or veteran status in any educational program or activity, including admissions. This policy extends to all aspects of employment: recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits and more. LR is committed to providing an inclusive, nondiscriminatory environment for faculty, staff, students, contractors, volunteers and visitors.