Medical Education Learning Specialist

The Medical Education Learning Specialist reports to the Director of Learner Development with the Office of Student Affairs and plays a critical role in employing evidence-based methods and best practices towards individual and group advancement of academic success, which is essential to a successful medical student experience. Most importantly, this role will be responsible for providing diagnostic assessment and skills-based techniques in the development of unique and specific educational approaches to student learning needs.

Position Summary
The University of Minnesota Medical School's Office of Student Affairs invites applicants for the position of Medical Education Learning Specialist. Reporting to the Director of Learner Development, this position will develop and facilitate programs, services, and resources that support student progression, academic success, and individualized support throughout their undergraduate medical education. The position is based in the Twin Cities campus but also serves the Duluth and St. Cloud campuses and may occasionally require travel to other sites. The position is remote-friendly. This Medical Education Learning Specialist position is a full time, one-year appointment, renewable annually based on performance and funding availability.

Duties & Responsibilities

40% Academic Coaching

• Develop individualized collaborative study plans for medical students to address enhanced learning skills, time and study management, knowledge organization, testing skills/ preparation, and other areas of academic concern;
• Organize comprehensive NBME Shelf, USMLE Step 1, and Step 2 CK preparation plans and workshops for medical students;
• Respond to student concerns and suggestions for improving academic support services and programs;
• Research and identify best practices and future trends in order to continuously improve offerings to students;
• Ensure that high-quality, innovative, and effective learning solutions are delivered in a coordinated fashion with the Director of Learner Development.;
• Other duties and/or projects as assigned.

20% Instruction and Curriculum Development

• Develop and conduct high quality learning strategies group seminars, workshops and/or videos to improve student learning strategies and study skill;
• Collaborate with faculty to offer supplementary academic services to complement coursework and assist in developing individualized plans for students, including individualized academic counseling for students to promote successful matriculation;
• Prepare and manage training materials; communicate with internal/external trainers, volunteers, and attendees regarding training sessions and/or meetings;

20% Academic Progression Support

• Work collaboratively with academic advising staff to track progress of students pursuing remediation efforts;
• Serve as key consultant, in close collaboration with the Director of Learner Development and relevant UME committees, in the development of interventions and support strategies, along with faculty, deans, clerkship directors, to monitor student progress and provide strategic academic case management services;

20% Administrative Duties

• Compile and analyze statistics through a data management system to evaluate and document academic support services contributing to successful matriculation of medical students. Track all activities of student encounters; document and distribute evaluation materials;
• Work with the Director of Learner Development in the hiring, training, and support of Peer Tutors in best practices and theories of learning strategies;
• Plan and carry out departmental projects as assigned by the Director of Learner Development including: oversight of departmental programs, presenting programs during orientation, and preparing and reviewing reports;

Salary: $50,000 - $54,000

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Higher Education, Educational Psychology, Sciences, Medical Education, plus at least four years of relevant experience
• Minimum of two years of experience working with diverse adult learners in higher education or medical education settings
• Familiar with high-impact learning and study strategies
• Excellent oral, written and presentation communication and customer service skillsMust be highly proficient in all Microsoft processing and related applications (such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Demonstrated commitment to collaboration with diverse stakeholders

Preferred

• Master's in Education, Teaching, Educational Psychology, Educational Counseling, Sciences, Medical Education, Medicine, or related fields
• Experience working with students in the medical education or other health profession
• Academic coaching experience
• Teaching experience
• Experience administering a tutoring or peer support program
• Familiar with standardized examinations that apply to medical students (i.e. MCAT, USMLE, etc.)
• Must demonstrate ability to multi-task and exercise self-directed qualities with minimal supervision

Required Application Materials

Application materials to be uploaded must include:

• Statement of interest that addresses enthusiasm and readiness for the responsibilities of the position, highlighting specific strengths related to this position, including previous professional experience and accomplishments in advising and teaching;
• Statement of commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (please limit to one page or less);
• Curriculum vitae; and
• Names and contact information of three references (not to be contacted without the permission of the applicant).

About the Department

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.

The mission of the regional campus located in Duluth is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. In partnership with CentraCare, the regional campus in St. Cloud offers a wide range of patient experiences throughout students' education in Greater Minnesota and prepares them to become exceptional clinicians and leaders for rural and immigrant populations.

Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Medical School has three campuses. A four-year MD program and the MD/PhD program are located on the Twin Cities campus in addition to MD programs at regional campuses in Duluth and St. Cloud.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Required Application Materials

Application materials to be uploaded must include:

• Statement of interest that addresses enthusiasm and readiness for the responsibilities of the position, highlighting specific strengths related to this position, including previous professional experience and accomplishments in advising and teaching;
• Statement of commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (please limit to one page or less);
• Curriculum vitae; and
• Names and contact information of three references (not to be contacted without the permission of the applicant).

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).