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Title: Writing Center Director

Department/Location: Writing Center/Elsah, IL

Position Type: Full-time, 10-month

Summary

Principia College’s Writing Center Director develops and delivers programming that supports student writers across disciplines, providing leadership, vision, and oversight for the Writing Center. Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Academics, the Director oversees the delivery of the peer-tutor training course and the daily operations of the Writing Center, contributes to institutional initiatives, supervises the peer tutors and any post-graduate interns assigned to the department, and maintains ongoing professional development. The Director supports character education in accord with Principia’s mission as outlined in Education at The Principia and collaborates with campus partners to advance student learning and academic excellence.

Who We Are

At our award-winning Early Childhood through grade 12 Principia School in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education—blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia’s team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of alumni and friends. 

At Principia College, our globally-focused curriculum honors diverse perspectives and develops creative changemakers who use their academic skills for good in service to themselves, their communities, and the world. In-depth study meets real-world experience through study abroad programs, internships, capstone projects, and a robust slate of student activities, including a world-renowned mediation team, top-ranked solar car team, and the nation’s oldest student-run public affairs conference.

Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued.

Primary Responsibilities

Writing Center Leadership and Administration

• Provides strategic direction for the Writing Center in alignment with institutional goals
• Oversees day-to-day operations, including scheduling, space management, supplies, and budget
• Hires, supervises, mentors, and evaluates Writing Center postgraduate interns and student writing tutors
• Leads assessment efforts for Writing Center services and uses data to improve programming
• Oversees departmental communication, including website and outreach materials
• Maintains ongoing professional development
• Promotes Christian Science-based character education consistent with institutional mission and Academic Vision

Student Support, Including Writing Tutor Program and Instruction

• Delivers or coordinates teaching writing tutor preparation courses (may include course delivery of up to 6 semester hours per year)
• Directs the Writing Tutor program, including recruitment, training, supervision, and ongoing professional development of the tutors
• Maintains CRLA-ITTPC external program certification
• Coordinates writing support for students across disciplines and Academic Centers
• Assists students in navigating emerging AI technologies, including understanding appropriate use, limitations, and implications for academic work.

Committee Assignments and Campus Collaboration

• Partners with the FYE Coordinator, Library, Writing Program Administrator, and Director of Faculty Development on writing-related initiatives
• Serves as a member of the Writing Advisory Board (WAB) and on academic committees as assigned

Core Competencies

• Leadership & Management: Ability to supervise personnel, manage budgets, and guide program development
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly; listens effectively; adapts communication style to audience
• Collaboration: Works effectively with faculty, staff, and students; builds strong professional relationships
• Strategic Thinking: Considers complex issues from multiple perspectives and develops innovative solutions
• Inclusive Practice: Demonstrates respect for diverse backgrounds and learning needs
• Planning & Organization: Prioritizes effectively; manages multiple responsibilities; completes tasks accurately and on time
• Professionalism: Maintains confidentiality; responds constructively under pressure; demonstrates sound judgment

Minimum Qualifications

• Student of Christian Science preferred
• Supportive of Principia’s guiding statements as articulated here https://www.principia.edu/about/guiding-statements
• Master’s degree in Rhetoric and Composition, Writing Studies, English, Applied Linguistics, Education (writing/literacy focus), or related field
• Demonstrated knowledge of writing pedagogy and experience with Writing Center operations at the college level
• Experience supervising or mentoring student tutors preferred
• Demonstrated commitment to student-centered learning

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work, but are not a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of Principia.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive starting salary range for this position: $64,620 - $76,700 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

In addition to salary, our comprehensive total rewards package includes:

• Generous Employee Tuition Discount: Enjoy a 90% discount on tuition (pro-rated for part-time staff) for your eligible children enrolled from Pre-K3 through College (infant and acorn programs excluded).
• Relocation: Principia provides a relocation reimbursement of up to 12% of your annual salary when moving from outside a radius of more than 50 miles.
• Professional Development: Access to learning opportunities, training programs, and career growth support.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Learn more about all our benefits here, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, paid time off, a 403(b) retirement plan with Principia matching, and more.

Equal Opportunity

Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status.

In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principia—as an institution with a religious mission—gives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.