Writing Center and English Language Learner Services Coordinator

Since its founding in 1875, the diversity of our students has been central to the learning experience at Park University. In addition to serving traditionally aged, adult and military students, the University community includes a significant number of international students and permanent residents for whom English is not a native language. Reporting to the Director of Academic Retention Initiatives, this position coordinates the services Park provides to these English Language Learners.
The purpose of this position is to coordinate services for all Park students who need specialized assistance in reading, speaking, and writing English for their Park University classes. These services include one-to-one and group tutoring, course-embedded tutoring, academic mentoring, and consulting with staff and faculty across the University.

Position Accountabilities

• Coordinate Writing and ELL academic support services for undergraduate and graduate students across the Park University network, including training of professional and peer tutors and mentors
• Plan, develop, and implement a strategic plan that focuses on providing broad support for all Park students in writing and English language learning.
• Hiring, training, scheduling, and oversight of undergraduate/graduate peer tutoring staff and professional tutors in the Writing Center, for all modalities: Parkville, Gilbert, Campus Centers and Online.
• Create and present training and support resources to faculty in collaboration with academic program administrators and leaders within student life, student services, international education, writing across the curriculum, and faculty development programs
• Management of the day-to-day operations of the Writing Center, including overseeing the physical writing center (online writing center, and website; coordinating student orientation sessions and writing workshops; and creating various student and faculty writing resources.
• Development of innovative programming based on reflective assessment of the Writing Center and its services.
• Support of undergraduate student research and community engagement aligned with the Writing Center’s strategic plan.
• Coordination of promotion of services to students and faculty in conjunction with the other services in the Academic and Career Success Center
• Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous review of policies and practices of the Writing Center, including an assessment plan.
• Collaboration with academic departments and other units on campus, including the Park Writes, Office of International Programs, First Year Writing Program and Transformational Teaching and Learning Center.
• Oversee and train Writing and tutors and implement strategic writing and oral communication support for international and non-native English speakers.
• Beyond academic support, help students understand university policies and how to navigate course expectations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

• Master’s degree in English/Composition and Rhetoric, or related field with 3-5 years of professional experience working with students in an educational setting. Candidates with less experience may be considered, providing they have an earned specialized training in Writing Tutoring, ELL, English with ELL, ESL, TESOL, or related field
• Demonstrated understanding of best practices in tutoring writing, based on current writing center pedagogy and Writing Across the Curriculum philosophy.
• Analytical and organizational skills to understand, assess, and contribute to the development of programs and services
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written communication, to effectively interact with student, staff, and faculty stakeholders
• Cross-cultural knowledge, awareness, and empathy to facilitate student, staff, and faculty development
• Knowledge of higher education norms and expectations for student privacy and non-discrimination

Preferred

• A minimum of two years of relevant Writing Center experience.
• Experience teaching university-level composition courses.
• A minor or certification in Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) to support diverse, multilingual student population.
• Scholarship in the field of Composition & Rhetoric, with emphasis in writing center theory and practice.
• Demonstrated efficacy as a teacher/tutor of undergraduate writers.

Founded in 1875, Park University is a private, liberal arts university. Park’s flagship campus is located in the Kansas City suburb of Parkville, Missouri, on the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River.  We offer an excellent benefits package including health, dental, and life insurance, retirement plan, and tuition-paid undergraduate classes for employees and dependents. Park University is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applications from women and minorities.

Qualified applicants must upload a resume and cover letter that includes salary requirements.