Job opportunities

Student Writing Consultant (graduate students only) for 2023–24 academic year

Application deadline: Wednesday, March 1, 11:59 pm

Applications must be submitted online through the Office of Human Resources website. Click on "student jobs" and enter Job ID #354039.

About the Job

The Center for Writing's Student Writing Support (SWS) program invites graduate students to apply to be writing consultants during the 2023–24 academic year. Writing consultants consult one-to-one with undergraduate and graduate writers from across the university to support them in developing confidence and effective writing strategies.

The Center looks for candidates who are curious learners and attentive listeners. Strong collaboration skills and attention to detail are also important. Applications from students from all departments and all language backgrounds are welcome. Candidates from underrepresented or marginalized communities and identities are encouraged to apply. Due to limited funding, we give preference to applicants who have attained advanced status in their MA or PhD program.

Please note: At this time, the University’s employment site is limited in how it collects applicant demographic information. Applicants are encouraged to provide the name and/or pronouns that they use within their attached application materials.

Qualifications

Required

Must be an enrolled student in a graduate or professional University of Minnesota program for duration of employment. Experience teaching with writing at a secondary or college level, whether in the classroom or in a writing center. Interest in supporting student learning. Effective communication, listening, and collaboration skills. Strong attention to detail.

Preferred

Due to limited funding, we give preference to applicants who have attained advanced status in their MA or PhD program. We especially welcome applications from candidates who meet one or more of the following qualifications:

• have experience with working in a detail-oriented environment
• have experience in a writing center (as writing consultant, as client, or both) or collaborating with writers in other settings
• are multilingual
• have experience as language learners
• have experience supporting language learners
• are committed to or interested in working in an inclusive and diverse community
• are interested in developing methods for giving feedback to writers on their work in progress
• have experience writing or teaching with writing in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) fields

We welcome candidates from historically underrepresented or marginalized communities and identities. Given our ongoing partnership with TRIO, we especially invite individuals who are TRIO program alumni and/or have shared life experiences with TRIO-like populations, including growing up low-income, first-generation, or overcoming significant obstacles in pursuit of higher education. Further, given our connections with ISSS, we strongly encourage international students to apply. 

Duties/Responsibilities

Position starts Fall 2023; ideal candidates will be able to work for the full academic year or multiple years. Positions are typically 25% TAships, paid the standard CLA rate ($25.65/hr in 2022-23) plus tuition and fringe benefits. Smaller appointment sizes (e.g., 12.5%, 16.25%, 20%) are also available. For new consultants, all work is on campus in face-to-face settings. 

Consult with undergraduate and graduate student writers from across the university on their writing projects in process to help them develop confidence and effective writing strategies. Participate in training, mentoring, and other professional development activities, including a six-week professional development seminar for new graduate writing consultants focused on some of the questions and challenges of writing center work, with particular attention to race, racism, privilege, and power. Help to maintain accurate student records. Assist with publicity (such as visiting classes to introduce SWS) and other work as needed. Greet students and schedule appointments.

About the Department   

Student Writing Support (SWS) offers collaborative one-to-one writing consultations to help student writers develop confidence and effective writing strategies. Writing consultants will listen to writers’ goals and concerns, read and respond to their written work, pose questions that help writers clarify and articulate their ideas, and affirm the experiences and abilities that people bring to their writing. SWS values writers’ life experiences and languages, seeking to provide a supportive space for writers to share and develop their voices.

How to Apply

In the University’s employment system, please upload (1) a detailed 1-to-2-page letter describing your qualifications and interest in working in Student Writing Support, and (2) a resume/CV that includes contact information for two professional or academic references. Please do not upload any additional materials.

Applications are due by 11:59 pm Central Time on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Interviews will be conducted on campus and will begin in mid-March. 

If you have questions about this position or about the application process, please contact Dr. Katie Levin, Co-Director, Center for Writing, at kslevin@umn.edu.