Associate Director, Student Writing Support (SWS)

Company: University of Minnesota
Location: Minneapolis
Posted on: May 3, 2025

Job Description:

Associate Director, Student Writing Support (SWS)About the Job
Located in the Department of Writing Studies, Student Writing Support (SWS) seeks an associate director who will work closely with the Center for Writing director and administrator to engage in strategic planning and to support operations of SWS. Specifically, the associate director is responsible for managing day to day administration and operations of SWS, developing and maintaining program partnerships. The associate director will work closely with the center's administrator and director to ensure the success of programs and fulfillment of both the center's mission and its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This position requires strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills; a high level of independence, self-direction, and resourcefulness; and expert knowledge of administrative functions and University policies, procedures, and systems. This position reports to the center director. This role will have limited remote options and will be based in an office setting on the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus.
Job Responsibilities
Hiring, Supervision, Training and Ongoing Development (20%)

• In consultation with the director and administrator, create an annual staffing plan that is within budget and is responsive to usage data and reflective of the overall goals/strategies established for the center.
• Works with director to establish job descriptions, performance standards for consultants and professional staff and to conduct performance reviews
• Coordinates graduate and undergraduate consultant searches and assigns, monitors, and adjusts workloads for consultants.
• With the administrator, maintains a current handbook with relevant and updated policies, procedures, and resources to support staff
• Actively promotes an environment that supports inclusion and accessibility
• Develops and offers annual onboarding and training for incoming staff; training should be inclusive of supporting multilingual/international undergraduate and graduate students. Iterate training annually based on feedback and observations from staff.Administration (30%)
  • Oversees SWS communications (including the website) in coordination with the center administrator and director; includes review and design of content and user interface; ensuring an inclusive website that provides a welcoming public-facing introduction to services; ensure it complies with accessibility guidelines and facilitates an inviting interface for students, faculty, visitors
  • Maintains day to day operations of SWS sites (remote and in-person)
  • Supports the development and implementation of evaluation plan that collects and analyzes data related to the quality and impact of the services provided
  • Engages in ongoing monitoring and regular reporting of usage data, working with the director to respond to make adjustments to maximize usage and accessibility including modes and locations.Program Development & Partnerships (35%)
    • Develop communications and outreach that supports and facilitates undergraduate faculty and students across the University to engage in SWS services.
    • Designs programming that focuses specifically on support, persistence, and success for multilingual/international, first generation undergraduate and graduate students.
    • Engage with relevant University databases and resources to inform programming, design, and assessment (SERU, IDR, etc.).
    • Develops opportunities for reciprocal programming with FYW, WAC, MELP, ISSS, including timely and effective communication and correspondenceOther (10%)
      • Maintain knowledge of current scholarship related to writing support and pedagogy; student development in higher education; supporting equity and diversity in learning environments
      • Participate in events and disseminations (conferences or publications) that promote the visibility and valuing of SWS in department, college, university and relevant disciplinary contexts locally and nationally.
      • Other duties as assigned.Consulting (5%)
        • Actively consult with undergraduate and graduate clients for 2-3 hours/weekQualificationsRequired Qualifications:
          • MA or higher degree in writing studies, technical & professional communication, English, English language learning, or other relevant field with 10 or more years of directly related professional experience
          • Experience in a writing center
          • Leadership experience that includes strategic planning that is responsive to budgets and/or to evaluation data
          • Demonstrated commitment to improving equity, inclusion, and accessibility and experience with supporting student writers with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds
          • Experience supervising and/or mentoring and providing professional development for graduate and undergraduate student employees and professional staff
          • Outstanding communication, interpersonal project management, and problem-solving skillsPreferred Qualifications:
            • PhD in writing studies, composition, rhetoric, technical & professional communication, literacy education, English, or other relevant field, in hand by the start date
            • Experience with academic technologies related to writing instruction, language learner support, and writing across the disciplines
            • Experience with the collection, analysis, and presentation of qualitative and quantitative data for various stakeholders
            • Familiarity with current research on writing center theory and practice
              Pay and BenefitsPay Range: $70,000-$85,000 annually; d epending on education/qualifications/experienceThe University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
              • Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
              • Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
              • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
              • University HSA contributions
              • Disability and employer-paid life insurance
              • Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
              • Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no costWhile our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.How To ApplyApplications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. This position requires that you attach:
                • Cover letter of up to 2 pages clearly addressing required qualifications and highlighting how your experiences align with the position
                • Current CV or Resume
                • Contact information for three (3) professional references (names, email addresses, and phone numbers).
                  • We will contact references at the point of selecting candidates to interview.Priority will be given to completed applications received by April 24, 2025, but applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.NOTE: All documents should be uploaded as PDFs at time of application. Only complete applications will be reviewed.To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.DiversityThe University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.eduEmployment RequirementsAny offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.About the U of MThe University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).
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