Position Details
Position Information
Budget Title Academic Tutor
Campus Title Learning Specialist
School/Division Academic Affairs, Division of
Department The Learning Center
Staff Sub-Type Staff & Administration
Salary Level SL3
Salary Range $51,000 + depending on experience (DOE)
Salary Determination Starting salary rates are based on multiples factors which may include the position’s major responsibilities, the applicant’s background including education, work experience, and key competencies, the university’s strategic priorities, internal peer equity and external market analyses, applicable federal, state, and local laws and negotiated labor contracts.
Position Effort Full-Time
If Part-Time, enter FTE:
Is this a temporary position? No
If Temporary, enter End Date:
Position Summary The Learning Specialist supports students’ development into confident, self‑regulated learners by providing evidence‑based academic support rooted in learning science. This position provides one‑on‑one and small‑group sessions focused on metacognition, study strategies, time management, and academic skill development. The Learning Specialist collaborates with colleagues to co‑manage one of The Learning Center’s (TLC) student‑led academic support programs and assists in training and supervising student leaders. This is a full‑time, 11‑month professional position.
Starting Salary: $51,000 + depending on experience (DOE)
What makes SUNY Cortland a great place to work?
- Our positions provide predictable salary progressions, and many offer permanency.
- Generous benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, various retirement program options, paid family leave and/or parental leaves, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, long term disability and tuition reimbursement.
• SUNY Cortland prioritizes work-life balance and well-being in all forms. The university’s state-of-the-art Student Life Center is free for employees to use, with membership options for families. Alternate work schedules are available with a supervisor’s approval.
- Professional development opportunities exist through training, continuing education programs, tuition reimbursement and conference travel, based on funding.
- Cortland County and surrounding areas offer easy access to arts, entertainment, outdoor recreation and much more. Experience Cortland dives deep into the region’s offerings
Major Responsibilities Student Learning Support
- Provide individual learning sessions, including formal/informal assessments, to identify students’ academic strengths, challenges, and skill or knowledge development needs.
- Assist students to identify breakdowns in learning process through use of questioning, active listening techniques, and reviewing samples of work to guide students in developing and implementing a plan to address student’s goals and learning needs.
- Provide small‑group learning sessions for undergraduate and graduate students.
- Offer individualized academic guidance on topics such as study strategies, time management, test preparation, academic planning, and metacognitive skill development.
- Support students in developing strategies for learning discipline-specific material across writing, reading, humanities, math, and/or sciences.
- Assist students with diverse learning needs and varying academic backgrounds using learner-centered approaches.
- Adapt learning support practice in response to emerging needs of students and other constituents.
- Maintain accurate, confidential student records and document appropriate follow-up actions.
- Refer students to appropriate campus resources when additional support is needed.
Program & Curriculum Development
- Co‑coordinate one of The Learning Center’s student led academic support programs in partnership with a professional colleague.
- Collaborate in the scheduling, training, development, and day‑to‑day supervision of student leaders working within the assigned program.
- Collaborate on the design and delivery of workshops, seminars, presentations, and/or learning modules related to academic success and evidence-based learning strategies.
Faculty & Staff Collaboration
- Support faculty and instructional staff by sharing best practices which promote effective and inclusive learning in the classroom.
- Seek opportunities to collaborate with faculty and colleagues to integrate effective learning practices in the context of courses and academic programs.
- Partner with faculty and student success professionals to assist students experiencing academic, personal, or developmental challenges through appropriate outreach and resource connection.
Assessment & Continuous Improvement
- Contribute to assessment of student engagement and learning outcomes across academic support programs, workshops, and presentations.
- Document learning strategy interventions and track student progress.
- Contribute to data analysis to inform program improvement and support institutional student success initiatives.
- Assist in preparing reports, summaries, and materials that support departmental planning and assessment efforts.
Research & Best Practice
- Periodically review the literature on current developments and best practices in fields related to learning support.
- Apply evidence-based practices to student sessions, program development, and training.
- Participate in relevant professional development opportunities such as workshops, presentations, conferences, literature reviews, and networking with peers in the field.
Functional and Supervisory Relationships
- Report to the Director of The Learning Center
- Work closely with co-coordinator(s) of TLC program
- Train and supervise student support workers in a TLC program
- Work closely with other TLC Learning Specialists, the TLC administrative assistant, student assistants, and graduate assistants
- Collaborate with teaching faculty, associate deans, and other student support professionals and departments
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Experience supporting student learning in a higher education or educational setting. (e.g., tutoring, academic coaching, teaching, or student support roles)
- Experience using standard office software. (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools)
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Education, Psychology, Learning Science, Counseling, or a relevant field.
- Tutor certification or related professional training.
- Minimum of three years of experience providing learning support in a higher education or educational setting.
- Experience coordinating peer-led academic support programs, including training and supervising student leaders.
- Experience working with learners in a higher education environment.
- Experience using learning analytics or assessment tools to inform student support.
- Experience contributing to academic success or student support initiatives.
- Proficiency using Microsoft 365 tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, and/or Bookings.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of learning strategies, metacognition, self-regulated learning principles, and student learning development.
- Understanding of peer-led academic support program and student support services.
- Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse student populations.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
- Technical aptitude to learn and use student support technologies, scheduling systems, and related operational tools.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessible learning support.
About the University A top public university of approximately 6,600 students located in the geographic center of New York State, SUNY Cortland provides accessible, affordable education to students from across the U.S. body. One of 13 comprehensive universities in the State University of New York system, SUNY Cortland prides itself on its rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts, sciences, education, and professional studies. For more than 150 years, SUNY Cortland has provided unmistakable value for students seeking a well-rounded academic, athletic, and social experience. The University ranks among the top campuses in the nation on Money magazine’s “Best Colleges for Your Money List,” fields a powerhouse Division III athletics program and boasts an impressive network of alumni making a difference in education, business, government, fitness, medicine and many other fields.
EEO Statement
SUNY is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants, including individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application, interview, or hiring process may request an accommodation by contacting our HR ADA Coordinator in Miller Room 302, 607-753-2302, hr@cortland.edu. Requests for accommodation will be considered consistent with applicable law. This process is separate from, and does not require, any voluntary self-identification of disability status.
Job Close Date
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number S25089
Review Start Date 01/26/2026
Open Until Filled Yes
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting https://jobs.cortland.edu/postings/10992
Special Instructions
Special Instructions to Applicant
Special Instructions to Applicant
