Experienced Assistant Director of Writing Studio – Academic Support Services and Writing Program Development

Introduction to Delaware State University

Delaware State University, a prestigious institution dedicated to academic excellence and student success, is seeking an experienced and motivated Assistant Director of Writing Studio to join its team. As a 100% grant-funded position, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development and implementation of academic support services for writing, while working in a dynamic and supportive environment. With a strong focus on student success, the Office of Student Success at Delaware State University is committed to providing high-quality academic support services that cater to the diverse needs of undergraduate and graduate students.

Job Overview

The Assistant Director of Writing Studio will play a crucial role in planning and supervising all academic support services for writing, including academic programming, graduate/undergraduate tutor staff management, development, and administration of the Writing Studio. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Writing Center tutoring, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students to promote academic success. As a key member of the Office of Student Success team, the Assistant Director of Writing Studio will contribute to the mission and vision of the office, providing professional consultations, teaching Student Success courses, and serving as a resource for students, faculty, and staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement academic support programs with faculty collaboration to meet undergraduate and graduate student needs, focusing on writing workshops, research, APA/MLA writing, themed writing, basic skills, and writing-across-the-curriculum.
• Assess outcomes of Writing Studio and academic programs for effectiveness, with a focus on continuous improvement of program content and customer service.
• Manage efficient year-round operations of the Writing Studio, including recruitment, hiring, training, scheduling, evaluation, and supervision of undergraduate and graduate writing tutors.
• Assist with monitoring online tutoring services provided by Tutor.com and provide marketing and outreach efforts to promote the Writing Studio and its services.
• Maintain documentation of tutorial session forms, collect, manage, and analyze data for statistical reports on tutorial sessions, student performance, and Writing Studio usage.
• Develop and perform outreach activities, including classroom visits, presentations to student organizations, new student orientations, Open House, Welcome Days, Spring Receptions, and other related University activities.
• Assist in the development and delivery of comprehensive training modules for the Office of Student Success' paraprofessional peer educator staff.
• Monitor and report budgetary expenditures of tutor wages regularly for Title III reporting and submit completion and quality of all work in basic research methods and writing according to established guidelines and procedures.

Essential Qualifications

• Master's Degree in English, Education, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years' experience teaching and working at the university level, with prior administrative experience developing writing support programs.
• Supervisory and/or training experience is required.
• Excellent analytical skills for evaluation, analysis, and interpretation.
• Excellent communication skills with students, staff, and faculty are essential.
• Maintain effective working relationships with other people.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) training and certification of tutors is preferred.
• Knowledge of student development theory and/or learning theory, instruction, and study skills methods.
• Ability to expand knowledge by keeping abreast of current literature and readings in the field and on student success.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Programs (Outlook Calendar, Word, Excel, Power Point, and Publisher) and willingness to learn other database systems (such as BANNER).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively make public presentations.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong background in Writing Center tutoring, including experience with writing workshops, research, APA/MLA writing, themed writing, basic skills, and writing-across-the-curriculum.
• Ability to utilize tutor tracking software for collecting data to document the effectiveness of writing sessions and workshops/programs and its impact on student success.
• Knowledge of grammar, punctuation, vocabulary concerns; the writing process; rhetoric and composition theory and pedagogy; Writing center theory and pedagogy; best practices for student tutoring and training, and versed in various writing styles (i.e., APA, MLA, etc.).
• Must possess sensitivity to cultural diversity and ability to communicate and interact effectively with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
• Must be optimistic, positive, and supportive in all interactions with others.

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

As an Assistant Director of Writing Studio at Delaware State University, you will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic and supportive environment, with a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about student success. You will have access to professional development opportunities, including training and workshops, to enhance your skills and knowledge in writing center tutoring, academic support services, and student success. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the development and implementation of new programs and services, and to collaborate with faculty and staff to promote academic excellence and student success.

Work Environment and Company Culture

Delaware State University is committed to creating a positive and inclusive work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Office of Student Success is a dynamic and supportive team that is dedicated to providing high-quality academic support services to students. As an Assistant Director of Writing Studio, you will be part of a team that is passionate about student success and is committed to creating a positive and supportive learning environment.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

Delaware State University offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan, and paid time off. As a 100% grant-funded position, this role offers a unique opportunity to work on a project that is dedicated to promoting student success and academic excellence. Additionally, you will have access to professional development opportunities, including training and workshops, to enhance your skills and knowledge in writing center tutoring, academic support services, and student success.

Conclusion

If you are a motivated and experienced professional who is passionate about student success and academic excellence, we encourage you to apply for the Assistant Director of Writing Studio position at Delaware State University. This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic and supportive team, and to contribute to the development and implementation of academic support services that promote student success. With a competitive salary and benefits package, and opportunities for professional development and growth, this is an ideal role for someone who is looking to make a positive impact in the lives of students and to advance their career in higher education.

How to Apply

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please submit your application, including your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references. We look forward to hearing from you and exploring how you can contribute to the success of our students and our institution.