Aspiring Scholars Academic Specialist

Location: California State University San Marcos Corporation (CSUSM Corporation)

Appointment: Full-time, Regular with Benefits, Exempt

*Based on health insurance coverage for employee + family

Competitive salary with outstanding benefits package to include a full health insurance program offering 100% paid premium options for employees and their dependents, 403(b) Retirement Plan with an 8% Employer Contribution - 100% immediate vesting - with a 3% Employee Contribution, and so much more! Full benefits and other information can be found on the CSUSM Corporation website, https://www.csusm.edu/corp/hr/benefits/summary.html.

Posted: December 5, 2025

Application Deadline: First review December 22, 2025 - Open Until Filled

Summary

The Academic Specialist for the CSUSM Aspiring Scholars Program provides essential support and guidance to the ongoing development and daily implementation of the Aspiring Scholars’ Program. Under the direction of program directors/coordinators, primary activities include, but are not limited to, overseeing and supporting students in enrollment and attendance of college courses, ensuring necessary accommodations and supports are provided. Collaborates with course instructors, while supporting students to create and provide student profiles to their professors each semester. Supports Aspiring Scholars student success outside of the classroom, as needed, which may include but is not limited to, facilitating study sessions, providing advisement about campus resources, and/or consulting with other program staff to resolve challenges and promote student success. The Academic Specialist also oversees and coordinates peer mentors for students in their academic courses. This is a grant-funded position providing support for the CSUSM Aspiring Scholars Program, an inclusive post-secondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities seeking an inclusive college experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field; equivalent experience may be considered
• Three years of experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Effectiveness in a fast-paced and collaborative work environment
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities in educational settings
• Knowledge, experience, and commitment to inclusive education of students with intellectual disabilities
• Understanding of curriculum accommodations and modifications
• Effectiveness in written and oral communication, as well as interpersonal skills, in professional settings
• Ability to function effectively with individual students and their families, student employees and volunteers, and to collaborate with university faculty, staff, and administrators
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and common university-level learning management systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student information, and other information as directed
• Ability interpreting and applying appropriate laws, rules and regulations as they apply to various student services programs
• Must possess initiative and professional judgment indicative of a successful self-starter

Other Employment Requirements:

The person holding this position is considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect
Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21,
2017 as a condition of employment.

Mandated Reporter Classification = Limited Reporter

This position is subject to a background check including, but not limited to, employment verification, education
verification, reference checks and criminal record checks. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may
affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSUSM Corporation employees who apply
for the position.

Must participate in CSUSM Corporation, CSU, and university-wide trainings as required.

Must have a valid driver’s license and excellent driver’s record. Will be required to participate in the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Employer Pull Notice Program (EPN).  

The marginal functions of this position have not been included. This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties to be performed. An employee will be required to follow any job-related instruction and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor or other managers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist Aspiring Scholars in enrolling in courses each semester and support students to update their student profiles, providing them with visual schedules as needed
• Train mentors and provide ongoing guidance on how best to support students with intellectual disabilities in academic classes
• Assist in the development of the program master schedule each semester, coordinating peer mentors for each student
• Recruit peer mentors and complete intern and service-learning students' evaluations. Send peer mentor feedback surveys and certificates of service to peer mentors at the end of each semester
• Collaborate with CSUSM faculty/staff, communicating with professors/lecturers about students' needs and progress as needed
• Supervise peer mentors and manage master schedule, accounting for and making necessary adjustments when mentors are absent
• Assist with study sessions for students and their peer mentors
• Conduct role duties and responsibilities in alignment with program policies and procedures, internal and external grant requirements, and guidance from supervisors
• Provide support to other Aspiring Scholars Program components, as assigned

Supervision

• Possible supervision of 1-6 paid peer coaches (student workers). Academic Specialist will have the authority to review performance.
• Supervise 30-80 peer mentors (student volunteers and interns, non-employees). Academic Specialist will have the authority to review performance.

Latitude and Judgment

The Academic Specialist exercises significant independent judgment in coordinating and supporting the academic success of students with intellectual disabilities enrolled in inclusive college courses. Within the framework of university policies, disability services regulations, and program goals, this position ensures that students receive appropriate academic accommodations and supports in collaboration with faculty, campus partners, and support staff.

The Academic Specialist independently assesses student needs, interprets accommodation documentation, and determines appropriate instructional or environmental supports in college-level classes. The Specialist makes daily decisions regarding scheduling, assignment of peer mentors, and communication with instructors to facilitate inclusive participation. The position also interprets and applies federal and institutional guidelines (e.g., ADA, FERPA) to ensure compliance and equitable access to coursework.

Errors in judgment or failure to follow established procedures could have serious ramifications, including noncompliance with federal disability laws, violation of student confidentiality, or denial of appropriate academic access and support. Such errors may also lead to institutional liability, loss of trust among faculty or families, or a negative impact on student retention and program reputation.

While the Academic Specialist works under the general supervision of the Program Directors, this position independently manages most day-to-day decisions related to academic planning, coordination of accommodations, and problem-solving. The incumbent seeks supervisory input primarily for complex cases, policy interpretation, or situations involving significant budget or compliance implications.

Work Environment

• The work environment will include normal office conditions, daily use of a computer, and normal classroom conditions.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

"JEANNE CLERY ACT AND CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY RIGHT-TO-KNOW LAW" NOTIFICATION - See website located at http://www.csusm.edu/clery/.

Application Procedure:

Please apply by clicking "Apply" and be sure to submit a cover letter and resume. CSUSM Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is strongly committed to promoting diversity in all areas of the campus community. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, physical or mental disability, gender or sex, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, ancestry, and veteran or military status or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws.

For questions or if you experience any difficulties with the online application process, please contact CSUSM Corporation Human Resources at (760) 750-4700 or hrcorp@csusm.edu.