Writing Center Director

Title: Writing Center Director, Ranked Faculty, 12-month position

Department/Location: Writing Center, Elsah, IL

Organizational Relationships: Reports to Assistant Dean of Academic Services (Writing Center) and Associate Dean of Academic Assessment and Curriculum (Writing Program)

Summary: The Writing Center Director oversees the Writing Center, including all Writing Center personnel, and works with the faculty for the administration and delivery of the all-college writing program, which is monitored by the General Education Committee. The Director is responsible for department hiring, personnel management, course management, and program management (advancement of Writing Center mission, attainment of objectives, budget management). The Director partners with the General Education Committee and Writing Advisory Board to envision, develop, and assess the all-college writing program. Works with the Associate Dean of Academic Assessment and Curriculum, and Academic Assessment Data Manager to ensure assessment of the writing program consistent with best practices. In order to support the development and successful implementation of the all-college writing program, the Director will partner and collaborate with key faculty stakeholders, such as the General Education Committee, the Library, and the Director of Faculty Development. The Director provides input for Writing Advisory Board agendas, participates in all Writing Advisory Board meetings, and may chair the Board. As a ranked faculty position, this position is governed by the Faculty Handbook. Given the current reimagination of the general education curriculum, this job description will likely change during the next three-year period.

The Director serves as primary lead in developing and delivering Writing Center programming to support faculty with writing instruction and offer writing support for a broad range of student writers/learners. Meets one-on-one and in groups as needed with student writers. Depending on expertise, may provide support for students in areas that contribute to writing development such as MLL support or reading support. The Director oversees the training and management of the writing tutors, including teaching the course used to prepare new writing tutors. Partners with other departments on college-wide initiatives such as General Education (First-Year Experience) and Artificial Intelligence. Additional key duties include contributing in scholarly and/or creative ways to the discipline and promoting Christian Science-based character education in accord with Principia’s mission as outlined in Education at The Principia.

Who We Are

At our award-winning pre-K–12 school in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education—blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia’s team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of Alumni & Friends.

At Principia College, our globally-focused curriculum honors diverse perspectives and develops creative changemakers who use their academic skills for good in service to themselves, their communities, and the world. In-depth study meets real-world experience through study abroad programs, internships, capstone projects, and a robust slate of student activities, including a world-renowned mediation team, top-ranked solar car team, and the nation’s oldest student-run public affairs conference.

Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued.

Key collaborations:

Director of Faculty Development, General Education Committee, First-Year Experience Coordinator, Library

Work Performed - Essential Duties*:

• Writing Center
  • Leads Writing Center in achieving strategic and operational initiatives, including data collection and assessment of program and department activities
  • Responsible for day-to-day operations concerns, including office space and supplies
  • Hires Writing Center personnel, including visiting faculty
  • Manages Writing Center personnel including visiting faculty, department Post-Graduate Teaching Intern, and writing tutor student workers
  • Manages Writing Center operations and programming, including budget
  • Oversees departmental messaging and marketing, including website and social media
  • Works with Assistant Director to develop, deliver, and assess WRIT course offerings
• Writing Program
  • Guides stakeholder process for envisioning and implementing the all-college Writing Program, including curricular and supplemental writing initiatives in accordance with the College Catalog, Curriculum Committee, and General Education Committee
  • Oversees and supports Assistant Director in monitoring, managing and assessing the Writing Program; may assess writing portfolios as secondary assessor in support of the Writing Program portion of General Education program
  • Provides updates to and receives input from the Associate Dean of Academic Assessment and Curriculum and General Education Committee concerning the assessment of the Writing Program
• Writing tutor training and management/Teaching and student support
  • Develops and teaches college academic courses (up to 6 SH/year)
  • Provides one-on-one and group writing support for students including students referred to Writing Center for specific or general instruction/guidance
  • Manages and directs the Writing Tutor program, including training (teaches WRIT 350: Teaching the Writing Process) and managing writing tutors and providing ongoing professional development; assesses Writing Tutor program; is responsible for maintaining CRLA-ITTPC external program certification
• Faculty Development for writing
  • Lead responsibility for professional development of faculty in writing instruction
• Other
  • Guides Writing Center partnerships with General Education, which may include First-Year Experience programming; faculty development; and Library services and programming
  • Serves on General Education Committee and other college-wide committees as appropriate (normal load is two committee assignments)
  • Member of Writing Advisory Board (could serve as chair)
  • Liaises with administration and academic units for programmatic, curricular, and general initiatives/activities/concerns

Depending on schedules and other needs, some duties may be covered at times by the Assistant Director.

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics
• Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities
• Managing People - Includes staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement; Takes responsibility for subordinates’ activities; Makes self available to staff; Provides regular performance feedback; Develops subordinates’ skills and encourages growth; Improves processes, products and services; Continually works to improve supervisory skills
• Team Work - Balances team and individual responsibilities- Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Supports everyone’s efforts to succeed; Recognizes accomplishments of other team members
• Diversity - Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences while providing a safe learning environment
• Innovation - Generates suggestions for improving work; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention
• Oral and Written Communication - Speaks and writes clearly; Listens effectively; Responds well to questions; Participates in meetings; Varies writing style to meet needs
• Interpersonal - Maintains confidentiality; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position
• Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time

Minimum Qualifications:

• Student of Christian Science
• Supportive of Principia’s mission, vision, and values as articulated here https://www.principia.edu/about/mission
• Master’s Degree in related field (e.g. composition/rhetoric, English, writing, communication)
• Ph.D or terminal degree in related field (e.g. composition/rhetoric, English, writing, communication) preferred
• 3-5 years of full-time college-level teaching at a comparable institution
• Demonstrated experience in writing program administration and faculty development of writing preferred
• Team leader and/or personnel management role experience
• Ability to work with a range of students and skill levels
• The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed, but are not to be seen as a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary range for this position: $77,000-$96,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

In addition to salary, our comprehensive total rewards package includes:

• Generous Employee Tuition Discount: Enjoy a 90% discount on tuition (pro-rated for part-time staff) for your eligible children enrolled from Pre-K3 through College (infant and acorn programs excluded).
• Relocation: Principia provides a relocation imbursement of up to 12% of your annual salary, when moving from outside a radius of more than 50 miles
• Professional Development: Access to learning opportunities, training programs, and career growth support.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Learn more about all our benefits here, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, paid time off, a 403(b) retirement plan with Principia matching, and more.

Equal Opportunity

Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status.

In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principia—as an institution with a religious mission—gives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.

• The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed, but are not to be seen as a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.