Writing Support Assistant

McMaster University; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

McMaster University seeks two writing advisors to help students develop effective academic writing through individual and group sessions, and to deliver workshops on writing and related skills. You will design instructional materials and learning sessions using research, working under guidance and established procedures.

The role involves one-on-one appointments, small-group sessions, and collaboration with academic staff to support student success across disciplines.

Qualifications

• Experience in a research/writing environment or related coursework is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized academic writing support to students through one-on-one appointments.
• Facilitate small-group learning sessions (e.g., writing circles) to support writing development.
• Deliver workshops and class presentations on writing and related academic strategies.
• Maintain routine records related to student interactions and programs.
• Assist with development or review of instructional materials and learning resources.
• Support pedagogical research by literature reviews, information gathering, and basic data analysis.
• Collaborate with academic skills staff and faculty partners as needed.

Skills

Academic writing

One-on-one coaching

Workshop delivery

Student support

Education

Completed an undergraduate program

Job description

Department, Unit or Project Description

The Student Success Centre (SSC) provides an array of programs/services to students related to transition and academic success support (orientation, study and writing skills support), career development and employment, experiential opportunities and provides support services for international students.

The mission of the Centre states: “We engage students and alumni in diverse learning opportunities to support their academic, personal and professional growth.”

Operating in service of this purpose, the SSC employs a team of writing advisors who provide students with one-on-one support. We are seeking 2 writing advisors who are interested in seeking personal and professional growth by helping others to improve their written communication skills.

Job Summary

Provides support to McMaster students in developing effective academic writing practices through individualized and group writing sessions and delivers workshops or class presentations on writing and related academic skills. The position will design and facilitate various instructional materials, and learning sessions using research. Work is performed under general guidance and direction and in accordance with established procedures and practices.

Accountabilities

• Provide individualized academic writing support to students through one-on-one appointments.
• Facilitate small-group learning sessions (e.g., writing circles) to support writing development and peer learning.
• Deliver workshops and class presentations on writing and related academic strategies.
• Maintain routine records related to student interactions, programming, and activities.
• Assist with the development or review of instructional materials and learning resources.
• Support pedagogical research or course/curriculum initiatives by conducting literature reviews, gathering information, and assisting with basic data analysis.
• Work collaboratively with academic skills staff and faculty partners and seek guidance as needed.

Qualifications

• Education: Completed a relevant undergraduate program.
• Experience: Prior experience in a research/writing environment or related coursework would be an asset.

Assets

• Prior experience providing one-on-one writing support.
• Working knowledge of the writing process
• PhD students preferred
• Experience being a Teaching Assistant preferred
• Comfortable supporting students at all levels and disciplines

Additional Information

• Include a cover letter, resume and academic writing sample in your application

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self‑identification in relation to equity‑seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on‑site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.