Academic Writing Consultant / Sr. Academic Writing Consultant

What we are looking for
Academic writing consultants are research and academic writing experts who partner with graduate faculty to guide the development and evaluation of dissertations and assist with doctoral candidacy and defense-ready decisions in Baylor’s EdD program in Learning and Organizational Change (EdD-LOC).

They play a fundamental role in the educational advancement of doctoral students by providing research and writing expertise in the EdD-LOC’s Research and Writing Development Center. Position responsibilities include oversight of academic writing development, graduate instruction and mentorship, and administrative program service. Academic writing consultants also develop and produce educational videos and resources to foster doctoral students’ professional writing development.

An academic writing consultant’s instructional contributions extend beyond formal coursework and are performed in conjunction with key dissertation courses and academic immersion experiences. The role entails overseeing writing development progress throughout a doctoral student’s program of study via leading writing workshops, providing in-class instruction, and conducting one-on-one writing consultation sessions. 

Upon appointment as Baylor affiliate faculty, academic writing consultants serve on EdD dissertation committees each trimester. They lead students through the stages of the writing process, ranging from rhetorically structuring arguments to the final formatting of the dissertation according to the Baylor University Dissertation and Thesis Formatting Guidelines. They oversee and track students’ writing progress to ensure timely completion of the dissertation and carefully guide students through the degree completion process. As research and writing experts, academic writing consultants must function independently while also interfacing with students, partnering with faculty, and serving as a liaison to various Baylor University offices to coordinate support for students. The following duties detail the general expectations of this position.

A EdD or PhD in Social Sciences, English, Composition or equivalent terminal degree (ABD will be considered) and two years of relevant work experience are required. 

A EdD or PhD in Social Sciences, English, Composition or equivalent terminal degree and five years of relevant work experience are preferred.  

Applications must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Other Required Qualifications:

• The ability to teach and work with persons from culturally diverse backgrounds
• Scholarship record sufficient to secure and maintain graduate faculty status at Baylor University
• Experience producing or reviewing interdisciplinary scholarship
• Extensive experience reviewing written documents
• Experience with copy-editing and conforming to style guidelines
• Excellent English written and oral communication skills
• Experience with both classroom and one-on-one instruction
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Excellent time and project management skills
• Demonstrated abilities in problem analysis and resolution
• At least 2 years’ experience working with graduate students
• Strong editorial background and knowledge of the dissertation production process
• Advanced Microsoft Word familiarity.

What you will do

• Student instruction
  • Serve as a third committee member on 4–12 EdD dissertations per trimester in conjunction with the Dissertation Capstone course (EDC 6393), delivering expert academic writing feedback to help students produce the strongest document possible for archiving in the ProQuest database.
  • Review dissertations in collaboration with dissertation chairs to assist with doctoral candidacy and defense-ready decisions related to EDC 6391 & 6392, EDC 6333, and 6V99.
  • Administer one-on-one writing consultations to as part of their oversight of academic writing development throughout students’ program of study.
  • Develop and produce educational videos and resources that enhance academic writing development.
  • Teach in-person and virtual workshops on academic writing and publishing as part of the EdD-LOC immersion events and related educational program opportunities.
  • Perform final technical formatting and APA checks on completed dissertations and advise doctoral candidates on required revisions necessary to fulfill the requirements of Dissertation Capstone (EDC 6393).
• Research
  • Coauthor professional publications and presentations with EdD-LOC faculty and EdD-LOC students as appropriate.
  • Remain engaged in the industry of scholarly publishing to advise students through the process.
  • Contribute to the programs’ research and grant applications.
  • Publish and present research interests that align with program goals and/or further develop relevant skills for the role. 
• Program service and administration
  • Collaborate closely with program faculty and staff to envision and execute strategic initiatives to improve students’ educational experiences.
  • Oversee doctoral students’ writing progress and apply appropriate interventions that facilitate timely degree completion.
  • Deliver professional training to graduate assistants who serve as research and writing development consultants.
  • Serve as a peer mentor to provide and model best practices.
  • Coordinate consultation scheduling and field-related questions.
  • Participate on faculty committees and engage in opportunities for EdD-LOC program governance.
  • Serve as a liaison to Baylor University Graduate School personnel and systems to ensure students meet the Graduate School requirements for degree completion.
• Perform all other duties as assigned to support Baylor’s mission.
• Ability to comply with university policies.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

What you can expect
As part of the Baylor family, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off, tuition remission, and outstanding automatic retirement contributions. Baylor has a comprehensive benefits plan that supports you and your family’s wellbeing and allows you to be a part of the life of a vibrant and active college campus.  To learn more, go to Baylor Benefits & Advantages.

About us
Baylor University is a private not-for-profit university affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, Baylor is committed to compliance with all applicable anti-discrimination laws, including those regarding age, race, color, sex, national origin, military service, genetic information, and disability. As a religious educational institution, Baylor is lawfully permitted to consider an applicant’s religion as a selection criterion. Baylor encourages women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply.

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