Writing and Academic Skills Advisor

Position Job Title: Writing and Academic Skills Advisor
Location: Niagara Falls, Ontario
Reports To: University Librarian

Position Summary

Reporting to the University Librarian, the Writing and Academic Skills Advisor is responsible for performing a range of teaching, coaching, and development activities to develop graduate and undergraduate students’ writing, presenting, and visual communication competencies for academic work, research communication, and professionalization. These competencies are directly linked to undergraduate and graduate degree expectations. The incumbent advises undergraduate and graduate students across all academic programs and all levels, and they must be familiar with a significant range of academic disciplinary genres and conventions, as well as with the general expectations for students at different levels of degree completion.

Responsibilities

• Support undergraduate and graduate students in developing academic and professional writing competencies, presentation competencies, and/or visual communication
• Develop and design a variety of print and digital research-based writing and communication resources
• Support student peer tutors by participating in training, providing mentorship, and giving feedback as requested
• Participates in ongoing professional development to maintain a knowledge of current best practices in writing supports and advising, and pedagogy.
• Engages critically with library resources and systems, notes problems and participates in troubleshooting.
• Assists in the creation of writing-specific digital content for the library website, research guides, and frequently asked questions.
• Participates in regular one-on-one meetings with the University Librarian.
• May participate in library and campus committees.
• Participates in Special Projects: enhancing collections and services; opportunities to grow and develop in other areas.
• Collaborates with faculty and librarians to support students’ research and writing practice.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, as required based on library hours or campus events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree or equivalent in a field related to language, writing/composition, discourse, rhetoric, linguistics, communication, writing centre studies, TESOL, education, etc., or Master’s degree in any field plus experience teaching or tutoring in writing and/or communication
• Minimum of 3-5 years tutoring or teaching experience at the post-secondary level, in a professional capacity, and ideally at both undergraduate and graduate levels
• Teaching experience in a Writing Centre or writing program is ideal
• Experience holding and organizing workshops and group education
• Experience teaching English language learners is an asset
• Demonstrated experience in writing/composition pedagogy that is culturally competent and grounded in equity framework.
• Experience using D2L Learning Management System
• Experience supporting with post-secondary students considered an asset

Education and Experience:

• Knowledge of SharePoint and Microsoft Office Suite products
• Ability to work independently or within a team
• Ability to establish priorities, achieve deadlines, and function well under pressure.
• Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students and the public.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrates sound judgement and discretion
• Ability to adapt to changing needs and priorities