Professional Writer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

The Professional Writing Consultant primarily assists graduate and undergraduate students in enhancing their written communication skills. During one-to-one appointments, the consultant uses a range of evidence-based pedagogical strategies to support students through the process of crafting coursework assignments, proposals, theses, dissertations, and application materials such as cover letters, CVs/resumes, and teaching philosophy statements. The consultant also plays a role in mentoring new undergraduate and graduate writing consultants by leading training meetings and collaborating with the Assistant Director/Writing Consultant Coordinator to develop educational materials and assess the progress of new consultants. In addition, the consultant designs and leads workshops, writing groups, and other events tailored to undergraduate and graduate students, focusing on specific genres, communication strategies, or tasks. They also develop web-based resources aimed at improving students' written communication skills.
Responsibilities
Provides Writing Consultations: Provides individual writing support to undergraduate and graduate students from various disciplines on campus. Offers one-on-one sessions to help students enhance their writing skills, confidence, and proficiency in academic and professional writing genres and tasks.
Assists with Writing Consultant Training: Leads weekly training sessions for new undergraduate and graduate writing consultants. Collaborates with the Assistant Director/Writing Consultant Coordinator to develop consultation materials, resources, and consulting strategies. Monitors new writing consultants' progress through regular feedback, observations, and evaluations, helping them adapt consulting strategies as needed for maximum effectiveness.
Leads Writing Workshops: Develops and facilitates workshops, writing groups, and events focusing on specificgenres, communication strategies, or writing tasks for both undergraduate and graduate writers.
Develops Writing Resources: Creates web-based resources to support writers in improving their written communication skills.
Collaborates with Staff: Works closely with the Judith Anderson Herbert Writing Center staff and other campus units to foster a collaborative approach to promoting student writing success.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in English, Rhetoric, Composition, or related field
• Experience: A minimum of two years of experience working in a writing center.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Knowledge of writing center theory and practice
  • Knowledge of writing/composition pedagogies
  • Knowledge of writing in the disciplines/writing across the curriculum (WID/WAC) resources and pedagogies
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Zoom
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills
  • Ability to adapt pedagogical approaches to work effectively with people from diverse academic backgrounds and with differing learning styles.
  • Ability to lead and inspire writing consultants and writers
  • Ability to foster a positive, collaborative, and accessible work environment.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.
Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree in English, Rhetoric, Composition, or related field
• Experience:
  • Three or more years working in a writing center
  • Degree concentration in rhetoric/composition, writing studies, or writing center studies.
  • Experience teaching professional/technical communication; teaching basic writing or working with basic writers; teaching or working with multilingual writers
  • Experience working with writers in STEM fields and in the health professions
  • Experience with grant writing
  • Administrative experience in an academic setting
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Knowledge of various types of presentation software and Canvas
  • Knowledge of various generative AI platforms (such as OpenAI and others)

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR 08
• Anticipated hiring range: $50,000-$55,000
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions
To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:

• Cover letter detailing experience and qualifications relevant to the position description and responsibilities
• CV

To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before September 8, 2026.
About The Department
The Judith Anderson Herbert Writing Center serves student writers in all disciplines of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, academic community by offering free and individualized help throughout the writing process. Trained writing consultants provide feedback in one-to-one conversations that help students develop confidence and skill as writers. The Center also provides guidance to faculty with assignment design and writing assessment and works with students in local high schools and community organizations on their college application essays and other types of writing.
About Us
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!