Director of Academic Support

The Director of Academic Support provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the academic support programs serving undergraduate medical students at the UC Davis School of Medicine. The Director is responsible for designing, implementing, and continuously improving comprehensive academic support services that promote student learning, academic success, and progression through the medical curriculum. These services include programs focused on cognitive and metacognitive skills, effective study and learning strategies, preparation for high stakes exams, time management, and academic resilience.

Apply By Date June 4, 2026 at 11:59PM; Interviews and recruiting process may occur at any time.

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Advanced degree in education, psychology, learning sciences, counseling, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience providing academic or learning support in higher education, preferably in health professions or medical education.
• Experience supervising professional staff.
• Strong knowledge of cognitive learning theory, study strategies, and academic skill development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with undergraduate medical students.
• Familiarity with medical school curricula, assessment systems, medical licensure exams (e.g, USMLE) and accreditation standards (e.g., LCME).
• Experience using data to assess program effectiveness and guide improvement efforts.
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting a population of diverse learners

Key Responsibilities

• 60% - Program Leadership and Development
• 40% - Faculty and Curriculum Collaboration

Department Overview

The Office of Student Learning and Educational Resources (OSLER) is a comprehensive academic support unit created to promote a culture of academic excellence at UC Davis School of Medicine. OSLER provides services designed to assist students at all levels of medical education in developing sophisticated learning strategies to support academic success in medical school and to promote life-long learning. Educational Skills Specialists are available to work one-on-one with students helping them to assess their academic needs and develop and implement individualized learning plans. OSLER also provides services to support medical students as developing professionals including workshops related to effective learning techniques, study tools and resources, and preparation for exams.

Department Specific Job Scope

Working collaboratively with course and clerkship faculty, student affairs leadership, and other educational stakeholders, the Director ensures that academic support services are aligned with curricular goals, institutional standards, and best practices in medical education. The Director supervises learning specialists and contributes to a supportive, inclusive learning environment that meets needs of medical students in all four years of the medical school curriculum.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $8,533.33 - $16,866.67
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 25
• UC Job Title: HEALTH PROFNS EDUC SPEC 5
• UC Job Code: 004385
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday thru Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Location: Education Building (HSP033)
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks