About the Opportunity

About the College of Professional Studies

The College of Professional Studies (CPS) at Northeastern University invites applications for a part-time, non-tenure track Writing Specialist in the CPS Online Writing Laboratory (OWL).

The CPS OWL functions as a 1-credit laboratory course attached to other CPS courses. Through feedback that follows best practices in the teaching of writing and composition, OWL provides students with individualized coaching to improve their writing skills. OWL functions as a practicum where students can submit drafts, receive praise and revision strategies, revise and edit their writing, and then submit final drafts for grading in the associated course. OWL has the potential to expand into other programs to help students improve their writing skills.

The Writing Specialist may be assigned to an OWL associated with undergraduate first-year English courses or an intensive writing course associated with the graduate program in Organizational Communications.

Job Summary

This is a part-time, non-tenure track, renewable position. The Writing Specialist teaches Online Writing Laboratory (OWL) courses throughout the academic year and supports student development through individualized writing feedback and coaching. The position requires a flexible work schedule that includes required evening hours. Writing Specialists collaborate closely with faculty, maintain proficiency with instructional technologies, and support student success in writing-intensive coursework.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Teach 1-credit Online Writing Laboratory (OWL) courses throughout the academic year.
• Teach OWL laboratory courses connected to five English courses and one Organizational Communications course.
• Participate in an extensive six-week online training course for Writing Specialists before being assigned to courses.
• Respond to student writing by preparing individualized letters of analysis for students who submit drafts to the OWL.
• Provide praise, feedback, and strategies for improvement that support revision and editing of student work.
• Assign a grade of Unsatisfactory (U) or Satisfactory (S) to participating students at the conclusion of each term.
• Collaborate and communicate with faculty teaching the courses that the OWL laboratories accompany.
• Maintain technological proficiency in Northeastern University's instructional platforms, including Canvas and OWL laboratory environments.
• Use instructional technologies to communicate effectively with students and faculty.
• Remain current on course and program content and maintain communication with the academic director and faculty regarding student concerns and issues, including plagiarism.

Minimum Qualifications

Required

• Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing or Composition, or a Master's degree in English, Communications, or a related field.
• Three to five years of experience working with students in composition courses or other writing courses at the collegiate level.
• Knowledge of writing theory and writing as a process.
• Experience responding to writing through an organized process that encompasses all writing skills, particularly higher-order writing skills.
• Knowledge of theories and practices that support student autonomy by encouraging students to respond to and assess their own writing.
• Ability to maintain proficiency with online instructional technologies and learning platforms.

Preferred

• Experience working in a writing center.
• Professional writing experience.

Required Documents

• Resume

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

This job is for a current or anticipated job vacancy.

Pay Rate: