Writing Specialist

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 37,505 - 53,416; Part time

Job summary

Northeastern University is seeking a Writing Specialist to teach OWL lab courses and provide one‑on‑one coaching to students in CPS Online Writing Laboratory. This part‑time, non‑tenure track role includes an intensive training period and collaboration with English and organizational communications faculty.

The position requires an MFA in Creative Writing or an MA in English/Communications, plus 3–5 years of experience in collegiate writing courses. Evening hours are required.

Qualifications

• MFA in Creative Writing or MA in English/Communications or related field.
• 3–5 years of collegiate‑level writing instruction experience preferred.
• Experience in writing centers and professional writing is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Teach OWL lab courses throughout the academic year.
• Lead 1-credit lab sections connected to ENGLISH and ORG COMM courses.
• Complete a 6-week training program for writing specialists.

Skills

Teaching writing

Student feedback

Course coordination

Education

MFA in Creative Writing

MA in English/Communications

Tools

Canvas

OWL labs

Job description

Writing Specialist

The College of Professional Studies (CPS) at Northeastern University invites applications for a part‑time non‑tenure track Writing Specialist in CPS Online Writing Laboratory (OWL).

About the Opportunity

The CPS OWL functions as a 1‑credit lab course attached to other CPS courses. Through sophisticated feedback that follows best practices in the teaching of writing and composition, OWL provides students with individual coaching to improve their writing skills. OWL also serves as a practicum where students can submit drafts, receive praise and strategies for improvement, revise their writing, and submit final drafts for grading to the accompanying course. OWL has the potential to expand into other programs to help students improve their writing skills.

The Writing Specialist may be assigned to an OWL associated with undergraduate first‑year English courses or an intensive writing course associated with the graduate program in Organizational Communications.

Responsibilities

• Teach OWL lab courses throughout the academic year.
• Teach 1‑credit laboratory courses connected to 5 ENGLISH courses and 1 ORG COMM course.
• Participate in an extensive 6‑week online training course for writing specialists prior to assignment to courses.
• Respond to student writing by writing letters of analysis to each individual student who submits drafts to the OWL.
• Assign a grade of U or S at the end of each term to participating students.
• Collaborate and communicate with faculty assigned to the courses that the OWL labs accompany.
• Maintain technological proficiency in Northeastern University’s online platform (Canvas and the OWL labs) and use this proficiency to communicate with students and faculty.
• Keep up to date and in contact with academic director and faculty members regarding appropriateness of course/program content and student issues of concern (e.g., plagiarism).

Additional Information

This is a non‑tenure track, renewable position. The position requires a flexible work schedule that includes required evening hours.

Qualifications

• The position requires an MFA in Creative Writing or Composition, or an MA in English, Communications, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of experience working with students in composition courses or other writing courses at the collegiate level. Experience in writing centers strongly desired. Professional writing experience also desired.
• Writing Specialists must be versed in the theories of writing as a process; responding to writing through an organized process that encompasses all writing skills, particularly higher‑order writing skills; and theories which support student autonomy by asking students to respond to and assess their own writing.

Position Type

Temporary

Benefits

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education, and skills when extending an offer. Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit‑eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement, as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Pay Rate

$33/hour

To Apply

Visit https://northeastern.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/careers/job/Boston-MA-Main-Campus/Writing-Specialist_R140912 to apply.