Technical Writing Program Lead

The Technical Writing Program Lead is a temporary, part-time, non-tenured position for our Professional Development and Lifelong Learning Programs. The Program Lead is responsible for aligning the program with the skill needs in the program's industry or occupation. This will include participating in interviews with other industry experts, recommending program-level curriculum (i.e. program name, program description, program outcomes, outcomes for the courses that comprise the program), participating in course developer and instructor search committees, advising course developers and instructors, and recommending program and course revisions.

The Technical Writing certificate will be a non-credit certificate program. Certificate programs typically consist of 3 courses. The goal of the program is to equip professionals with the skills to write technical documents, including updated skills around prompting AI and ensuring correct outputs. Each course is typically 6 weeks in length and includes 4-5 hours of asynchronous learning per week and a 60-90 Zoom session each week. In general, information will be delivered using asynchronous media (e.g. recorded video) and synchronous sessions will be used for interactive conversation and activities that invite learners to engage and apply information. Learners will be assessed using authentic assessments that simulate real-world application of skills.

The Program Lead will be initially appointed for a 4-month period during the design phase of the program. That initial appointment may be extended into a course development phase and an ongoing annual appointment.

During the design phase of the program (4 months), this will be a .08 FTE appointment. Compensation for this 4-month phase is $2,050.

If the program is approved for development, the appointment may be extended to an annual appointment at .03 FTE. Compensation for the annual appointment is $2,520/yr.

The Program Lead may also be appointed to develop and teach courses in the program for additional pay if the program is approved for development. If the Program Lead develops all courses in a 3-course certificate, the total course development compensation would be $7,950 at current rates (assuming 6-week courses).The instructional pay for 6-week (3 CEU) courses is $2,713 per section. FTE and compensation rates for all potential future appointments are subject to change.

In CCAPS you'll find a flexible, hybrid work environment and supportive colleagues who are committed to empowering lifelong learners to achieve their educational goals in a learner-centric environment where diverse ideas, backgrounds, and identities are embraced.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

(i.e. program name, program description, program outcomes, outcomes for the courses that comprise the program)

Design and Maintain Program Curriculum 65%

• Create and update program description
• Create and update clear, succinct, and measurable program outcomes
• Create and update a list of required and/or elective courses in the program
• Write course descriptions and outcomes so the courses are aligned with the program outcomes
• Annually review and revise the program-level curriculum, including: program description, program outcomes, the list of required and/or elective courses in the program, course names, course descriptions, and course outcomes
• Annually review each course in the program and collaborate with instructors to make changes based on learner feedback, instructor feedback, and industry changes

• Follow the requirements laid out in the course development handbook

Advise Course SMEs and Instructors 25%

• Collaborate with course SMEs and instructors to programmatically align courses
• Participate in course SME and instructor searches as appropriate
  

Support Enrollment and Marketing Efforts 10%

• Assist with developing solutions for workforce development clients
• Support marketing efforts by collaborating with the marketing team to create videos and conduct interviews for articles that promote the program

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• Four years of work experience related to the subject matter
• Demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive environment that serves a diverse community in a professional setting
• Deep knowledge of the program subject matter
• Ability to explain concepts in ways that help others learn
• Ability to provide feedback that both encourages and helps learners develop knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree and at least six or more years of work experience related to the subject matter
• Knowledge of curriculum design and adult learning principles
• Experience teaching adult learners in both live and asynchronous contexts
• Experience developing and/or teaching topics related to the subject matter
• Experience developing or revising adult education programs (credit or noncredit)
• Experience with the subject matter in multiple organizations, as either a consultant or employee

CCAPS has a large and diverse portfolio of program offerings, including bachelor's and master's degrees, professional development offerings for practitioners, pre-college programs for high school students, English language programs, and lifelong learning for personal enrichment. Across all the work done in and by CCAPS, we strive daily to live our core values of Access, Learning, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Excellence.

Pay Range: $2050; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications 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 or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The 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.edu

Any 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.

The 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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.