Director of Graduate and Professional Writing and Academic Support Center

The Director of the Graduate Writing and Academic Support Center is responsible for leading and overseeing all aspects of the Center's operations, with a primary focus on providing comprehensive, meaningful writing and academic support services to graduate and professional students. The Director will play a crucial role in fostering a culture of academic excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement through data-driven programming and decision making. The Director will ensure a meaningful online program of writing and academic support as well as accessible in-person services to a diverse student population in a wide variety of disciplines. The director will collaborate with deans, faculty, and other academic support professionals throughout the graduate and professional divisions.

1. Leadership and Strategy
   • Develop and implement a strategic vision for the Graduate and Professional Writing and Academic Support Center aligned with the institution's goals.
   • Provide visionary leadership to a team of writing specialists, academic coaches, and support staff.
2. Program Development
   • Design and implement online and in-person programs and workshops to enhance graduate and professional students' writing skills, academic success (e.g., test takings skills, time management), and research capabilities.
   • Stay abreast of current trends in graduate and professional education and tailor support services accordingly.
3. Individualized Support
   • Collaborate with staff to provide individualized writing consultations, academic coaching, and workshops to meet the diverse needs of graduate and professional students.
   • Implement best practices in supporting thesis/dissertation writing, research projects and routine class writing assignments.
   • Implement best practices for coaching students on exam taking skills and time management skills, among other skills needed for academic success.
   • The Director will also be an active provider of student writing and academic support services.
4. Collaboration and Outreach:
   • Foster partnerships with deans of academic schools/departments, faculty, and other campus resources to enhance the integration of writing and academic support across disciplines.
   • Engage with graduate and professional student organizations to understand their needs and facilitate relevant programming.
5. Assessment and Data Analysis
   • Develop and implement assessment strategies to measure the effectiveness of writing and academic support services.
   • Use data-driven insights to continuously improve programs and services.
6. Supervision and Professional Development
   • Recruit, train, and supervise a team of writing specialists, academic coaches, tutors, and administrative staff.
   • Support professional development opportunities for staff to enhance their skills and expertise.
7. Resource Management
   • Develop and manage the center's budget, allocate resources efficiently, and seek external funding opportunities.
   • Oversee the procurement of necessary materials and technology to support center operations.
   • Maintain and routinely update the Center’s website and available online training programs and tutorials.

Education/ Experience

• Terminal degree in a relevant field (e.g., English, (Special) Education, Writing Studies).
• Significant experience in providing writing and academic support services, preferably at the graduate and professional level.

Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities

• Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including experience in team supervision.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and strategic planning abilities.
• Familiarity with assessment practices and data analysis in the context of academic support services.
• Must be proficient in Office Suite including Excel and PowerPoint
• Familiarity with Canvas LMS is a plus

Travel

• Ability to travel between various University campus locations

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit for long periods of time