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Learning Strategist - Job Opportunity at University of Toronto

Toronto, Canada

Part-time

Mid-level

Posted: June 27, 2025

On-site

CAD 84,813-108,463 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive university employee benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage

Professional development opportunities through Canada's leading research institution

Access to extensive university resources and continuing education programs

Union representation through USW providing job security and advocacy

Annual step progression salary increases ensuring predictable compensation growth

Work-life balance through part-time schedule allowing for other professional pursuits

Key Responsibilities

Design and implement multi-layered learning communities that strategically enhance academic outcomes for diverse student populations in Kinesiology and Physical Education

Drive cross-functional collaboration with faculty and staff to develop targeted programming that addresses specific academic skill gaps and learning challenges

Deliver high-impact individual and group interventions including course-specific presentations, peer-facilitated study sessions, and orientation workshops that directly improve student retention and success

Lead the development and training of peer mentors to scale program delivery and create sustainable learning support systems

Conduct comprehensive program assessment and analysis of student feedback to inform strategic planning and continuous improvement initiatives

Create innovative online learning materials and digital supports that extend program reach and accessibility

Facilitate psychoeducational workshops that build critical coping strategies and academic resilience among students

Requirements

Education

Master's Degree in a related program of study (e.g. education) or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience

Minimum four years experience in academic support in a multi-disciplinary setting to undergraduate and graduate students at the university-level

Required Skills

Must be an experienced and recognized facilitator of groups Must have experience developing peer mentoring programs Must be able to demonstrate success in facilitating partnerships with constituents from a variety of institutional areas Demonstrated experience in coaching Excellent computer skills (e.g. Access, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) Superb interpersonal, listening, and communication skills for fostering student development and negotiating conflict Excellence in understanding anti-oppression frameworks and delivering programming to enhance equity Excellence in managing projects through effective setting of priorities Honed organizational skills Creative problem solving skills Ability to initiate independent collaborations with faculty and staff to enhance students' learning experiences and sense of belonging Ability to work as part of a team Demonstrated initiative to maintain awareness of current and emerging trends in university-level learning and to incorporate them into their work

Certifications

Certification in Learning Strategies, Coaching, or Supplemental Instruction (preferred but not required)

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Higher education institutions are increasingly investing in specialized learning support roles as student mental health challenges and diverse learning needs continue to rise post-pandemic. Universities are recognizing that traditional teaching methods alone are insufficient to support today's academically diverse student populations, leading to expanded funding for learning strategist positions. There is a significant shift toward peer-to-peer learning models in Canadian universities, with institutions recognizing that students often learn better from trained peer mentors than from traditional faculty-led instruction. This trend is driving demand for professionals who can develop and manage these peer mentoring programs effectively. Anti-oppression and equity-focused programming has become a core requirement rather than a nice-to-have in Canadian higher education, particularly following increased awareness of systemic barriers facing Indigenous, Black, and racialized students. Learning strategists are now expected to embed these frameworks into all aspects of their work. Digital learning support and hybrid programming models have become permanent fixtures in university student services, requiring learning strategists to be proficient in both online content creation and virtual facilitation techniques that were previously considered optional skills.

Salary Evaluation

The posted salary range of CAD 84,813-108,463 annually for a part-time position is highly competitive in the Canadian higher education market. When calculated as full-time equivalent, this translates to approximately CAD 169,626-216,926, which significantly exceeds typical learning strategist salaries and reflects the University of Toronto's premium compensation structure and the specialized nature of faculty-specific programming.

Role Significance

Typically manages a network of 8-15 peer mentors while collaborating with a broader team of 3-5 professional staff within the Centre for Learning Strategy Support. The role involves extensive cross-functional work with faculty members, accessibility services staff, and other student life professionals.

This is a specialized mid-level professional role with significant autonomy and strategic impact. The position requires independent program development and cross-functional collaboration, indicating substantial responsibility within the university's student success ecosystem. The role sits at the intersection of academic affairs and student services, requiring both educational expertise and strategic thinking.

Key Projects

Development and implementation of faculty-specific learning support curricula tailored to Kinesiology and Physical Education academic requirements Creation of comprehensive peer mentor training programs that can be scaled across multiple departments Design of assessment frameworks that measure both individual student outcomes and program-wide effectiveness Implementation of equity-focused programming that addresses specific learning barriers faced by underrepresented student populations

Success Factors

Ability to build authentic relationships with students from diverse backgrounds while maintaining professional boundaries and providing effective academic support Strategic thinking skills to design programs that align with both student needs and institutional priorities, requiring understanding of higher education administration and student development theory Cultural competency and deep understanding of anti-oppression frameworks to effectively serve Indigenous, Black, racialized, and other equity-deserving student populations Strong project management and assessment skills to demonstrate program effectiveness and secure continued institutional support and funding

Market Demand

High demand driven by increasing recognition of the critical role learning strategists play in student retention and success outcomes, particularly as universities face enrollment pressures and competition for student satisfaction rankings.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Group facilitation expertise is absolutely essential as the role centers on creating and managing learning communities. The ability to effectively facilitate diverse groups of students with varying academic backgrounds and learning needs directly impacts program success and student outcomes. Peer mentoring program development is a specialized skill that is increasingly in demand across higher education. The ability to recruit, train, and support peer mentors creates scalable learning support systems that extend the reach and impact of professional staff. Anti-oppression framework knowledge and application is critical for serving diverse student populations effectively and meeting institutional equity commitments. This skill ensures programming is accessible and culturally responsive to all students.

Beneficial Skills

E-learning platform proficiency and digital content creation skills are increasingly important as universities continue to blend online and in-person programming, providing flexibility and accessibility for students with varying schedules and learning preferences Knowledge of learning needs of students with disabilities enhances the specialist's ability to create inclusive programming and collaborate effectively with accessibility services, expanding the impact and reach of learning support initiatives Coaching certification provides additional credibility and structured approaches to individual student support, complementing group facilitation skills and enhancing the overall effectiveness of student interventions

Unique Aspects

Faculty-specific focus on Kinesiology and Physical Education represents a specialized niche requiring understanding of both the academic rigor and practical application aspects of these fields

Strong emphasis on peer mentoring program development, which is becoming increasingly valuable as universities recognize the effectiveness of peer-to-peer learning models

Explicit commitment to anti-oppression frameworks and equity-focused programming, reflecting leading-edge practice in Canadian higher education

Integration with the broader Student Life ecosystem provides exposure to comprehensive student services and potential for cross-functional career development

Career Growth

Career advancement typically occurs within 3-5 years given the specialized nature of the role and the strong foundation it provides in both educational programming and higher education administration.

Potential Next Roles

Director of Academic Success or Learning Strategy Support within 3-5 years, managing multiple learning strategists and overseeing department-wide programming Associate Director of Student Life Programs with broader responsibility for multiple student service areas beyond academic support Academic Success Coordinator at larger universities or multi-campus systems, requiring program scaling and staff management experience Consultant or contractor providing learning strategy expertise to multiple institutions or educational organizations

Company Overview

University of Toronto

The University of Toronto is Canada's leading research university and consistently ranks among the top 25 universities globally. With over 97,000 students across three campuses, U of T is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in North America, offering unparalleled resources and opportunities for professional development.

As Canada's top-ranked university and a globally recognized institution, U of T sets the standard for higher education in Canada and competes directly with Ivy League institutions for top students and faculty. The university's reputation provides significant career credibility and networking opportunities.

The St. George campus location in downtown Toronto provides access to Canada's largest city and financial center, offering extensive professional networking opportunities and cultural amenities. The campus is integrated into the urban fabric of Toronto, providing unique community partnership opportunities.

U of T maintains a collegial academic environment that values intellectual rigor, diversity, and innovation. The institution has a strong commitment to equity and inclusion, with substantial resources dedicated to supporting underrepresented populations. The work environment tends to be collaborative but fast-paced, with high expectations for professional excellence.

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Learning Strategist - Job Opportunity at University of Toronto

Benefits

Key Responsibilities

Requirements

Education

Experience

Required Skills

Certifications

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Salary Evaluation

Role Significance

Key Projects

Success Factors

Market Demand

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Beneficial Skills

Unique Aspects

Career Growth

Potential Next Roles

Company Overview

University of Toronto

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

Sauge AI Market Intelligence