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Academic Coach, Neurodiversity Focus

Employer
Stanford University
Location
Stanford, CA
View more categoriesView less categories
Employment Type
Full Time
Institution Type
Four-Year Institution

Job Details

Job Title: Student Services Officer 2

VPUE Unit: Center for Teaching and Learning

Location: Stanford Main Campus; Hybrid (3 or more days/week on site)

Job Code: 7502

Budgeted Salary Range: $100,000-$109,000

 

Heralded as a hub of undergraduate innovation, the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education (VPUE) creates and sustains meaningful interactions between students and faculty both within and outside the classroom. As a collaborative team member of VPUE, you have a unique opportunity to advance and support programs that touch and enhance the lives of every undergraduate student at Stanford. As a team member in a unit that is also affiliated with the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Education (VPGE), your positive impact on graduate students and their teaching and learning will also be substantial.

 

The Stanford Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) supports the university’s core educational mission. We help faculty, lecturers, and teaching assistants (TAs) design, teach, and improve courses and curricula. We partner with schools, departments, and programs to ensure ongoing, meaningful teaching and learning. We help students thrive in their studies through academic coaching, peer tutoring, language conversation practice, and specialized support for neurodiversity. The latest evidence about what works in higher education is woven through our programs and services. 

 

CTL’s student learning programs serve over 2,000 undergraduates and graduate students each year. Academic skills programs are grounded in a "whole-person” educational model, which recognizes the interrelationships among the intellectual, social, and personal aspects of academic life and learning.  Our resources enhance the learning experiences of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students at Stanford through academic coaching, workshops, and online materials. These programs assist students with topics such as test-taking, effective time management, reading strategies, academic motivation and resilience, and more. 

Under the general direction of the Senior Associate Director for Student Learning Programs, the Academic Coach uses a direct-service model that translates research from the learning sciences into holistic academic support for students in both individual and group settings, with a particular emphasis on neurodivergent students, including those managing ADHD, learning differences, autism, and related profiles. This position is highly focused on working with students directly, with academic coaches typically holding up to 20 one-to-one sessions per week.

In this role, you will

Provide individualized coaching for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students to address academic difficulties, compensatory strategies, executive functioning skills, and other manifestations of neurodivergence, including ADHD and/or learning differences. Additionally, meet regularly with undergraduate students on academic status (such as on probation, deferred suspension and returning from suspension) who are also neurodivergent.Draw from research in the learning sciences to develop and facilitate a range of skills-based group interventions, such as workshops, academic programs, and group coaching, as well as asynchronous resources for neurodivergent students. These include workshops tailored to specific courses and campus programs on topics such as: time management, procrastination, academic motivation, exam preparation, effective study strategies, reading strategies, goal-setting, resilience, growth mindset, dissertation preparation, and more.Oversee and manage group coaching programs for neurodivergent students, including assessing student needs, assigning students to appropriate groups, and coordinating group logistics and facilitation.Support the training and professional development of peer academic coaches, a cohort that includes advanced graduate and professional students, by contributing to training (such as providing feedback on mock coaching sessions) and supporting their ongoing development around neurodiversity-related topics.Contribute to CTL’s broader portfolio of neurodiversity-focused programs, including a pre-orientation for incoming students, an academic skills course, and workshops and trainings for students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, contribute to the development and implementation of innovative pilot projects in support of neurodivergent students. Collaborate with the Office of Accessible Education to ensure seamless support for neurodivergent students.Collaborate with various campus offices, such as New Student Orientation, Advising, and summer bridge programs to ensure awareness of CTL resources and that neurodivergent students are connected to appropriate support.Maintain current knowledge on research and evidence-based approaches and strategies to support neurodivergent students.Represent CTL at university-wide events such as New Student Orientation and Admit Weekend; work with the communication team to create outreach materials.The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience or combination of education, training, and relevant experienceStrong interpersonal skills to identify students' academic needs, make recommendations, and follow-upExcellent oral and written communication skillsExcellent analytical and organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks, especially complex projects with multiple deadlines Physical Requirements*: Frequently sit, perform desk-based computer tasks; occasionally stand, walk, twist, use fine manipulation, grasp, use a telephone, write by hand, sort and file paperwork, lift, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.* Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

In addition, preferred qualifications include:

Advanced degree (Masters or Doctorate); Master’s Degree or a Doctorate in counseling, education, special education, psychology, or related field is highly desirableExperience as a coach or learning specialist teaching skills related to neurodivergence, including ADHD and learning differences.Coursework or other formal training (such as ongoing professional development) related to supporting neurodivergent students, including those with ADHD and learning differencesExperience providing advanced academic support to university students in one or more areas related to college learning, such as peer tutoring programs, student development, counseling, teaching, reading and study skills, learning differences/disabilities, accommodations support, advising, and academic coachingExperience teaching or conducting workshops or other trainings in a postsecondary setting 

 

How to Apply:

Your complete application consists of two required portions:

Current C.V. or resumePersonal Statement: In no more than 500 words, please share a personal or professional story that demonstrates your approach to supporting neurodivergent learners. (Note: We value authentic personal reflection over polished AI-generated text. To complement this written submission, candidates invited to interview will complete a short, practical writing exercise as part of the on-site interview process.)

 

Completed applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning September 4, 2026.

The generic job description is below and may not reflect all aspects of the specific role described above. 

Responsibilities

Core Duties:

  • Administer an area or program in student services, evaluate andrecommend decisions on program eligibility. Review decisions recommendedby other staff.

  • Collaborate with others to help resolve program issues andconcerns, interpret policies, and mediate complex and sensitive issues. May be tasked with evaluating and recommending programimprovements.

  • Resolve multi-dimensional matters in response to students incrisis, at risk, or who have other program issues, counsel students andparents on sensitive and confidential issues.

  • Provide guidance and counsel, oversee and develop a wide range ofprograms and services, analyze effectiveness and make recommendationsfor future programs.

  • Reconcile complex issues; analyze diverse transactions frommultiple sources.

  • Summarize data from multiple sources, prepare manage reports andpresentations.

  • Identify and evaluate data needs, manage the implementation anddevelopment of technology.

  • Develop and implement plans for outreach efforts, develop andmaintain external community and university liaison, represent departmentand university at meetings and events.

  • Provide advice to students on a range of issues, including, butnot limited to, academic progress, academic program policies, careerplans, accessibility, community standards, etc., in order to guide themin making appropriate choices and decisions. May have to escalate issuesto a senior advisor.

  • Apprise students of research, fellowship and scholarshipopportunities, make recommendations and may award grants.

  • Serve as a subject matter expert to students and otherdepartments; represent unit/department.

  • May lead, create and contribute to development of businesspractices and organizational change to improve processes andworkflow.

  • May oversee, analyze and assist in financial processes anddevelopment of budgets.

  • Serve as a key member of a project team.

  • May train and supervise other staff, volunteers, student andtemporary workers.

Minimum Education andExperience:

Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience, orcombination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Strong communication skills to clearly and effectivelycommunicate information to internal and external audiences, clientgroups, and management.

  • Advanced analysis and problem solving skills.

  • Advanced computer skills, including experience with MicrosoftOffice Suite.

  • Advanced customer service skills.

  • Relevant computer systems/technology experience.

  • Understanding of financial transactions.

  • Ability to ensure and apply compliance with legal, financial, anduniversity policies and external regulations.

Organization

Change the world. And yourself.

Stanford University has changed the world, over and over again.

We are one of Silicon Valley's largest employers - and also one of the most unique. Our mission is to educate future leaders and promote interdisciplinary, world-class research and teaching. This passion makes Stanford an intensely creative, rewarding, and challenging place to work. At the same time, our traditions of respect and collaboration sustain a humane, supportive environment in which to pursue your life and your career. 

At Stanford you'll work with bright, diverse, dedicated people. You'll find encouragement to learn and grow. You'll enjoy excellent benefits and an outstanding environment.

Stanford Facts at a Glance

Opened 1891

Student Enrollment

  • Undergraduates: 6,980
  • Graduates: 8,897

Campus

  • 8,180 contiguous acres in six governmental jurisdictions
  • Nearly 700 major buildings
  • 97% of undergraduates live on campus

Research

  • 5,300 externally sponsored projects
  • $1.33 billion total budget

Faculty

  • 2,043 faculty members
  • 21 Nobel laureates are currently members of the Stanford community
  • 5:1 student to faculty ratio

Stanford University is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to recruiting and hiring qualified women, minorities, protected veterans and persons with disabilities.

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