Medical Student Academic Advisor & Learning Specialist

Required Qualifications

• Education: BA/BS degree plus at least four years of relevant work experience OR master’s degree plus at least two years of relevant work experience.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years working with diverse adult learners in a higher education or medical school setting.
  • Direct experience with high-impact learning strategies and an understanding of the unique pressures of medical education.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills; ability to translate complex academic policies for faculty and students.
• Technical Proficiency: High proficiency in Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Calendar) and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, Educational Psychology, Counseling, or a related field.
• Experience in medical education or other health professional student services.
• Background in academic coaching, classroom teaching, or administering peer support/tutoring programs.
• Familiarity with medical school standardized examinations (USMLE, NBME).
• Strong organizational skills and a history of student advocacy.

Key Competencies

• Empathy & Resilience: Ability to support students through high-stress academic and personal crises.
• Collaborative Mindset: Proven ability to engage across departments, from clinical faculty to the Office of Learner Development.
• Self-Direction: Highly motivated to manage a complex caseload with minimal supervision while maintaining meticulous documentation.

Position Overview

Under the direction of the Duluth campus Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education, and the Manager of Student Affairs, this role provides holistic support for medical students throughout their four-year journey, primarily serving the Duluth campus. Using an intrusive (proactive) advising model, the incumbent serves as the primary point of contact for Academic Advising and Case Management (80%), while integrating Specialized Learning Support (20%) to help students master the rigorous medical curriculum and milestone exams. This role will cover students matriculating on the Duluth Campus. If a student transitions to another campus, this position will continue to support these students when they transition to clinical sites across the system.

The incumbent acts as a critical bridge between administrative progression requirements and evidence-based study strategies. This position reports to the Manager of Student Affairs for advising duties and receives functional support from the Office of Learner Development for learning specialist responsibilities.

Duties/Responsibilities

80%: Academic Advising & Case Management

• Proactive Individualized Advising: Act as the first point of contact, providing guidance on curriculum, specialty-specific clinical electives, and graduation requirements.
• Progression Tracking & Advocacy: Monitor student progress to intervene early when academic difficulties arise; serve as the primary contact to the Committee on Student Scholastic Standing (COSSS).
• Strategic Case Management: Develop and document formal academic plans for remediations, decelerations, and leaves of absence. Coordinate with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) to ensure seamless accommodation compliance.
• Holistic Wellness Support: Utilize active listening and empathetic questioning to build rapport. Identify students in mental health distress and facilitate immediate referrals to appropriate professional resources.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Cultivate a robust network of relationships with faculty andbstaff to ensure successful implementation of academic plans.
• Diversity & Inclusion: Establish advising practices that respect and support individual student identities, diverse backgrounds, and unique learning needs.

20%: Integrated Learning Specialist Services

• Academic Coaching: Employ learning style diagnostic assessments to identify student learning needs; develop specific study plans focusing on time management, knowledge organization, and testing skills.
• Milestone Exam Support: Lead or assist in the delivery of workshops and preparation plans for high-stakes exams, including NBME Shelves, USMLE Step 1, and Step 2 CK.
• Instructional Content: Create and conduct high-quality learning strategy seminars, workshops, and video resources to improve student matriculation.
• Participate in Collaborative Student Affairs Efforts:
  • Peer Support Coordination: Collaborate with the Director of Learner Development to support the Peer Tutoring program, ensuring tutors are trained in evidence-based learning theories.
  • Assessment & Analytics: Collaborate with the Office of Learner development to analyze statistics through data management systems and evaluate the effectiveness of academic interventions and support services.

Work Environment

• Hybrid Structure: On-site in Duluth on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; remote options available Mondays and Fridays.
• Travel: While primarily based in Duluth, occasional travel to the Twin Cities or St. Cloud campuses may be required. Virtual support is provided for students who transition between campuses.

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

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.

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

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.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

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).