Director, Writing Center

Colorado School Of Mines
$70,000 - $80,000
paid holidays, retirement plan
United States, Colorado, Golden
Dec 20, 2024
Director, Writing Center Posting Number: JR105993 Location: Colorado Engineering a world of possibilities Colorado School of Mines (Mines) is hiring for a Writing Center Director. The mission of the Writing Center is to holistically support students to develop their writing and communication skills. The Writing Center is first and foremost a teaching center, designed to develop better communicators so that they become more confident and articulate students. The Writing Center Director provides direction and leadership for the Writing Center and serves as a model for writing and communication excellence across campus. This position is responsible for providing writing and communication support to undergraduate and graduate students, allowing them to become confident and capable communicators during their tenure at Mines and in their field post-graduation. The Writing Center Director works in partnership with other campus offices and programs and develops relationships with corporations and alumni to secure funding and support for programming. Directing a STEM-focused writing center requires extensive knowledge in topics related to technical writing, grant writing, thesis writing, first-year composition, and engineering education. These subjects allow the director to more effectively facilitate scaffolded support for Mines students, establish and develop programs that promote writing and communication, and develop a team of employees who can support students. In addition to these areas, the director is responsible for overseeing the budget and allocating resources, evaluating data to implement best practices, and hiring and supervising a team of approximately 15 staff and student employees. This is a full-time administrative position on a 12-month contract that reports to the Dean of Undergraduate Studies. Responsibilities: Leadership, Strategic Planning, and Vision (35%) Provide leadership and vision for establishing goals, activities, and strategies for the Writing Center to prepare Mines students to be articulate graduates who are successful for a career in industry or academia Foster and maintain strategic relationships with various constituencies on campus to promote a campus-wide mission of improving our students' writing and communication abilities with training and programming to holistically support the Mines community Continually evaluate and ensure that writing center programs are mission-driven and align with Mines@150 while using best practices for promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity Serve as a resource for students, faculty, and staff, as well as deans, department heads, and administrators to review and make recommendations on programs and policies related to the Writing Center and communication Serve as spokesperson for the Writing Center to students, faculty and staff, donors and alumni, corporate partners, and other external stakeholders Identify and advocate for resource allocation that supports the long-term growth of writing center initiatives Lead and implement strategic initiatives designed to provide scaffolded development of students' communication skills and signature experiences at both the undergraduate and graduate levels Lead, oversee, train, and evaluate a team of approximately 15 staff and student employees each year, delegating responsibilities as needed to achieve the Writing Center's mission and provide student support Establish and promote professional development opportunities, procedures, and strategies for writing center faculty, ensuring that employees are following best practices and can meet the growing needs of our student body. Collaboration, Outreach, and fundraising (35%) Collaborate with Foundation staff, departments, and Mines leadership to secure funding to support existing programs and drive new initiatives for the Writing Center Build and strengthen relationships with Mines alumni, corporate partners, and current and prospective donors to further the mission of the Writing Center and achieve program goals Represent and promote Mines and the Writing Center at internal and external events and conferences Collaborate, support, and promote understanding of research and best practices in communication and higher education Facilitate faculty implementation of best practices in topics related to writing across the curriculum, writing in the disciplines, and first-year composition Establish and develop interdisciplinary partnerships with departments that create and promote programs or events that encourage community and long-term writing and communication development Represent the Writing Center on relevant committees and campus initiatives Deliver two courses per academic year as the needs and opportunities arise across campus Programming, Training and Event Development and Management (30%) Maintain high standards and oversee the organization, delivery, and promotion of campus- wide events, training, and programs to support the Mines community with writing and communication skill development, maintaining decision authority on materials, content, and related budget Provide oversight and allocation for all writing center budgets and accounts and maintain decision and signature authority to effectively manage and distribute all school, donor, grant, and auxiliary funds to further the Writing Center's mission and support programming Supervise the training and development of the Writing Center's faculty, negotiate contracts on their behalf, and maintain decision authority over hiring, retaining, and releasing employees including the Lead Consultant, adjunct faculty, and student tutors Establish and implement writing center policies to promote best practices and development of writing center faculty and students, making policy exceptions where appropriate Communicate with external and internal stakeholders, including leadership, students, faculty, and staff, to elevate the Writing Center through written and oral communication Compile and analyze data, assess program effectiveness, and provide information for departments and faculty regarding writing center services and programs Minimum Qualifications: Master's degree in a relevant field Significant experience delivering writing and/or oral communication instruction in a classroom and/or consultant capacity Experience and knowledge regarding writing and communication topics in STEM Experience with science and/or engineering curriculum and education Experience working in teams, relationship building, and partnership development Experience monitoring and analyzing program success Experience working in higher education and with college students Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities and Other Attributes (KSAOs): Knowledge of writing center and composition pedagogy, technical writing, and communication Knowledge and understanding of writing center mission, goals, pedagogy, and objectives Demonstration of effective oral and written communication skills Preferred Qualifications: Leadership skills including goal setting, strategic planning, problem solving, and decision making Experience leading and managing people, programs, budgets, resources, and initiatives Experience with policy and/or institutional issues related to writing and communication skills Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities and Other Attributes (KSAOs): Demonstrated knowledge of writing center and composition pedagogy, technical writing, and communication Demonstrated and extensive knowledge in topics related to technical writing, grant writing, thesis writing, first-year composition, and engineering education About Mines & Golden, CO When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines. Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines' scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2023). Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds. At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that's manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 "Very High Activity" research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size. Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world's problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the educational and work experience? Look to Mines. Equal Opportunity Mines' commitment to nondiscrimination, affirmative action, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a diverse student body and workforce. Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequity or concerns for safety. Annual Rate and Benefits $70,000 - $80,000 This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate's education, training and experience as well as the position's scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees. In addition to the amazing benefits mentioned below, Mines continues to show its dedication to its employees by offering an 11% employee contribution through our Mines Defined Contribution Plan and an incredible 12% employer contribution with immediate 100% vesting for our Administrative Faculty positions! Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees. For this role, that includes: Flexible health and dental care options Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year - including a week-long winter break for entire campus. Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents) Free RTD Ecopass All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the state-of-the-art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center. We are proud to have recently opened an on campus daycare center. For more details about benefits at Mines, visit mines.edu/human-resources/benefits. How to Apply* Interested applicants should apply online as soon as possible. For full consideration, applications should be received by Monday, January 13, 2025. Applicants will be asked to complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, references, veteran status) and submit (1) a statement addressing the responsibilities and qualifications listed above and (2) a curriculum vitae. References will not be collected or contacted until later in the selection process and you will be informed before that contact is made. Contact Dorie Gelber, Human Resources, at dorie.gelber@mines.edu with any questions about this opportunity. Background Investigation Required Prior to Start Accommodations - It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities to promote diversity and inclusion at Mines. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at hr@mines.edu or 303.273.3250 for assistance. Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting Apply online at https://mines.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Mines_Careers/job/Colorado/Director--Writing-Center_JR105993 jeid-504f036551a57a46a52d5d8b86549318