The Director of the Writing Center, C.A.S.E., and the Writing Proficiency Process, will play a lead role in supporting students by overseeing peer support provided through the Writing Center and C.A.S.E. (the Center for Student Excellence). The Director promotes Writing Across the Curriculum by overseeing student writing portfolio submission and evaluation processes. This position will develop and implement strategic initiatives to advance student learning, collaborate with faculty and staff, manage a budget, and train and supervise peer tutors, including teaching a training course for new student peer consultants. Other teaching opportunities, especially in the first-year writing curriculum, are possible. The position reports to the Assistant Dean for Student Success.
The position is on-site in Jackson, MS, and may require some evening and weekend hours.
Job Duties
- Manage the everyday operations of the Writing Center and CASE, including overseeing the physical spaces, scheduling student consultants and working with Human Resources to ensure payment for the consultants.
- Work with the Assistant Dean for Student Success to ensure the provision of effective consulting for students needing academic support.
- Teach incoming and returning students about the Writing Proficiency requirement and the Writing Portfolio.
- Oversee and manage the writing portfolio submission and assessment process. Ensure student records accurately note student completion of the requirement. Coordinate with the English Department to support students who have not demonstrated proficiency.
- With others, oversee the Laney Award Process, recognizing an outstanding senior essay.
- Consult with the English Department and the Director of the Compass Curriculum on initiatives advancing the Writing Across the Curriculum program
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree, with advanced undergraduate study in Rhetoric and Composition, English or Communication
- 2+ years of experience with a writing center or other student peer tutoring environments, preferably with leadership experience in that kind of setting
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work well with others from a broad range of positions, departments and cultural backgrounds
- Able to work in team environments and individually, with students, faculty, and staff
- Detail-oriented, highly organized, creative problem-solver who takes initiative
- Ability to quickly learn new technologies and adapt to varying technological environments
- Ability to complete tasks accurately as well as accept supervisory input and constructive criticism
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree or current graduate study in Rhetoric and Composition, English, Communication or a related field
- Experience with the daily operations of Writing Centers or other tutoring environment
Physical & Availability Requirements
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Manual dexterity needed for keyboarding and other repetitive tasks.
- Ability to work some evening and weekend hours.
- Must be able to lift and move up to 15 pounds without assistance.
Application Process
Interested candidates should email a letter of interest, a curriculum vitae or resume, and a list of three references and their contact information to Dr. Laura Franey, Director of the Writing Program and the Compass Curriculum, [email protected]. No phone calls please. Deadline for applications: July 9, 2025.