Learning Specialist in Peer Education at Rice University · Houston

LEARNING SPECIALIST IN PEER EDUCATION Location: Houston, TX, United States Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format to avoid any formatting issues. About Rice: Boasting a 300-acre, tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and a residential college system that supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities. Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff, and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. These values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They are evident in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence. Position Summary: Rice University’s Office of Academic Support for Undergraduate Students (OASUS) is a learning center that provides professional and peer-led learning assistance and equitable assessment opportunities to undergraduate students. Our peer educator development program prepares students as tutors, consultants, and teaching assistants through pedagogical and professional learning opportunities that are open to student educators across campus. The Learning Specialist in Peer Education will have the opportunity to shape this growing program as well as provide direct learning support. Reporting to the Director of OASUS, the Learning Specialist in Peer Education is responsible for peer educator training curriculum and programming and oversees related graduate and undergraduate fellowship programs. The person in this position also provides course-based academic support for students in the areas of neurodiverse learning approaches and/or academic reading skills. The Learning Specialist in Peer Education collaborates closely with faculty and other student support units and plays a key role in cross-office learning initiatives. Ideal Candidate Statement: The successful candidate will: 1) be an experienced educator whose professional record demonstrates a commitment to academic excellence, inclusivity, and equitable student success; 2) demonstrate deep knowledge of theory, leading practices, and emerging initiatives related to peer pedagogy, learning sciences, and academic support in higher education; 3) possess a strong background in the needs of neurodiverse learners and/or academic literacy development; and 4) have experience providing academic support to university students.  Workplace Requirements: Workplace Location: Rice University, Fondren Library Hybrid position: This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change. Hiring Range: $75,000 - $80,000 *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.  Minimum Requirements: • Master’s degree in a relevant academic discipline • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis. • 3+ years of experience at a four-year college or university delivering academic and learning support to students • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis. • At least one year of experience working with peer educator programming (tutors, consultants, TAs, etc.), ideally in a formal tutoring program Skills: • Demonstrated knowledge of the needs of neurodiverse learners and/or academic literacy development • Curriculum development and training facilitation experience • Excellent written and communication skills, and the ability to communicate clearly and concisely with diverse audiences • Comfort with giving and receiving feedback • Excellent analytical skills • Ability to prioritize work assignments under a sustained heavy workload • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively with staff and faculty within and across offices and departments • Substantial knowledge and skills in current educational technologies and learning platforms Preferences: • Ph.D. in a relevant academic discipline • Familiarity with distinct models of peer education • Demonstrated experience developing student-oriented programming in a higher education environment • At least one year of experience teaching undergraduate students at a four-year college or university • Experience supervising student educators • Experience working in cross-office collaborative initiatives Essential Functions: • Develop curriculum and lead the delivery of the Foundational Peer Educator Training program • Select 4–6 Whitten Fellows annually and oversee fellowship activities and projects • Supervise 8–10 Lead Peer Educators • In collaboration with campus partners, develop and lead the Rice Peer Educator Network • Develop learning support resources related to neurodiverse learning approaches and/or academic reading skills • Provide course-based academic support to individual students in the areas of neurodiverse learning approaches and/or academic reading skills • Contribute pedagogical leadership to office-wide initiatives and program development • Collaborate closely with faculty and other campus partners to respond to student learning needs • Participate in data-driven program assessment • Contribute to campus conversations related to student success and evolving learning support needs Additional Functions: • Perform all other duties as assigned Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits  Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University  Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support. If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.