Chair & Director of Core Writing Program

Position Title : Chair & Director of Core Writing Department of English & Cultural Studies; Communication, Media & the Arts Reports To : Dean of Art and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences anticipates a merger of both the Departments of English & Cultural Studies and Communication, Media, & Arts.

To spearhead this effort, we seek a dynamic academic who will serve as the Chair and Director of our Core Writing program.

The ideal candidate will provide leadership and advocacy to promote academic excellence in English, cultural studies, and core writing and will have the opportunity to lead design and implementation of an innovative multi-modal core writing program to be a cornerstone of a new core curriculum.

This position combines strategic management of the department’s curriculum, faculty development, and student success initiatives with the hands-on administration of the core writing and first-year composition programs.

The successful candidate will drive innovation in teaching and learning while ensuring alignment with the university's strategic directions and mission.

Key Responsibilities : 1. Leadership and Vision :

• Develop and implement integrated goals for the programs and core writing that support the university's strategic mission.
• Foster an inclusive and equitable environment, promoting diversity and academic freedom.

2. Academic and Program Excellence :

• Oversee the development and delivery of high-quality programs, ensuring continuous improvement of curriculum and teaching methodologies.
• Manage the day-to-day activities of the first-year writing program, including course placements and quality assurance across writing courses.

3. Faculty and Staff Development :

• Evaluate performance, provide feedback, and support professional growth for faculty and adjunct instructors.
• Recruit and mentor adjuncts and manage training for all personnel involved in teaching and administrating writing courses.

4. Administration and Management :

• Prepare and manage budgets for the department and writing programs.
• Lead accreditation processes, institutional assessments, and program reviews.
• Organize and direct administrative tasks, including class scheduling and faculty assignments.

5. Student Success and Engagement :

• Lead efforts in student recruitment, retention, and progression.
• Address and resolve student issues and academic integrity violations effectively.

6. Outreach and Collaboration :

• Strengthen partnerships within the university and with external stakeholders, including alumni and donors.
• Engage in service through university committees and collaborate on interdisciplinary initiatives.

7. Research and Scholarship :

• Encourage and facilitate faculty research and scholarship.
• Stay abreast of and implement current digital and multimodal composition pedagogies.

How to Apply : Complete applications will include :

• Cover letter addressing the required qualifications
• CV / Resume
• Official or unofficial transcripts

For full consideration, apply by August 5, 2024. Applications will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled.

For further information about this position, please contact S.

Qualifications :

• Doctorate in English, Rhetoric / Composition, Communications or a related field.
• The ideal candidate is expected to qualify for appointment at tenured associate or full professor rank.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching, scholarship, and program administration.
• Experience in managing or developing writing programs or similar academic initiatives and meeting institutional deadlines.
• Strong leadership skills and experience in budget and program management.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of fostering a collaborative work environment.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Expertise in digital pedagogies and innovative curriculum development.
• Proven record in securing grants and external funding for academic initiatives.
• Expertise in composition, digital rhetoric, and related fields

Physical Requirements :

Normal office-related physical functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.