"Writing Consultant - Part-Time"

Job Summary

Under general supervision, a part-time writing consultant will be expected to help undergraduate and graduate students (from all disciplines) become better writers and communicators through 1-on-1 appointments which will take place in-person, asynchronously, and via Zoom during the academic year; to carefully read, discuss, and make suggestions on a wide variety of student drafts, group projects, multimodal assignments, personal statements, and speeches; to monitor the official writing center email address; to partake in a series of mentoring programs, professional development, staff meetings, and trainings; to contribute to department initiatives and outreach; to facilitate informational class visits and writing workshops requested by faculty and staff; to provide feedback about logistical operations and student services; and to promote the mission behind the writing center which is to foster a culture of critically conscientious writers on campus.

Job Duties

• Read and act in accordance with the policies and procedures outlined by University Writing Services
• Participate in fall orientation prior to the start of the academic year
• Attend first-week training sessions and staff meetings scheduled throughout the semester
• Research and practice interdisciplinary formatting and citation styles
• Learn about representational and situational topics (e.g. anti-racist consulting, neurodiverse writers, how to write a philosophy paper) by completing an independent, asynchronous training
• Work with students from diverse backgrounds
• Help students navigate the various writing center locations and services offered across campus
• Hold one-on-one appointments with students in person, asynchronously, and via Zoom
• Model professional standards of behavior (e.g. show up on time, strive for excellence by setting goals, and display a willingness to improve)
• Equip students with handouts and online resources
• Make referrals to campus partners
• Keep accurate and thorough consultation records (e.g. consistently mark student attendance)
• Ask students to complete a survey and use feedback to influence consulting strategies
• Monitor the official University Writing Services email account
• Communicate and compose emails before and after appointments to faculty, staff, and students
• Participate in the Synchronous and Online Mentoring Programs
• After a minimum of 1 but ideally 2 semesters working at University Writing Services, mentor and observe new employees at designated times each semester
• Act as an unofficial mentor to other consultants
• Contribute to the English 3859 Practicum and Mentoring Program offered only during the spring semester
• Participate in outreach to Saint Louis University colleges, departments, programs, and schools
• Promote University Writing Services to undergraduate and graduate students
• Lead informational visits requested by faculty and staff
• Create, update, and present writing workshops requested by faculty and staff
• Write a Consultant Philosophy Statement (or complete an alternative project) to engage with writing center literature, stay informed about current practices, and continue professional development
• Contribute to department initiatives (e.g. writing retreats offered 3x per academic year)
• May be asked to facilitate a first-week training session or staff meeting
• May be asked to work at a satellite location (i.e. School of Nursing or Pius XII Memorial Library)
• May be asked to serve as a guest lecturer during writing retreats
• May be asked to develop or revise student and consultant resources (e.g. handouts, workshop materials, asynchronous training modules, videos)
• May be offered hours to work during winter and summer sessions depending on student demand
• Participate in a formal evaluation and discuss results with supervisor at the end of every academic year
• Give feedback on the effectiveness of University Writing Services programs and initiatives
• Think critically about ways to improve services for students
• May be asked to assist in the planning and preparation for the following academic year
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced communication skills (experience with providing verbal and written feedback)
• Customer service skills (active listening and problem-solving)
• Planning and organizational skills
• Presentation and facilitation skills
• Strong interpersonal and human relations skills

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelors degree; supplemented with (2) or more years of related work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Masters degree

Applicants must include: 1) a cover letter; 2) a resume/curriculum vitae. You can upload these items on the third page "My experience" of the application.

In-person/Work Schedule Expectations

This position is in-person and will require the individual to work primarily in the office.