Graduate Writing Coach

Graduate Writing Coaches will provide undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students with writing support and guidance individually or in small groups. The coaches will contribute to the daily operations of the Writing Studio by creating a welcoming and professional environment, either on campus or virtually. While coaches are not copy editors or proofreaders, they will help students improve their skills by analyzing and revising their academic writing. This role requires excellent writing abilities, strong interpersonal skills, and a passion for helping others succeed academically.

The primary role of the Graduate Writing Coach is to support the Writing Studio's mission to empower students to become confident and effective writers in support of their academic and professional success. This position requires the coach to have excellent communication skills and the ability to adapt their coaching methods to meet the needs of the students. The coach may be required to implement instructional activities in individual and group sessions.

Provide one-on-one writing assistance: Meet individually with undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students to provide personalized writing support. Help students at various stages of the writing process, including brainstorming, outlining, drafting, revising, and editing.

Conduct writing workshops and group sessions: Plan and facilitate workshops and group sessions on various writing topics, such as essay structure, grammar and punctuation, citation styles, and research strategies.

Foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment: Create a welcoming and non-judgmental atmosphere where students feel comfortable discussing their writing concerns and seeking guidance.

Assist with writing assignments from diverse disciplines: Aid students in understanding and meeting the specific requirements of writing assignments across different disciplines and academic levels.

Maintain knowledge of writing resources and techniques: Keep abreast of current writing trends, academic standards, and emerging writing technologies.

Maintain accurate records and track student progress: Keep detailed records of tutoring sessions, including student attendance, concerns discussed, and recommendations provided.

Collaborate with faculty and staff: Work closely with faculty members, academic advisors, and other campus support services to align tutoring efforts with student academic goals and needs.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be enrolled as a master's or doctoral student in good academic standing (3.0 GPA is preferred) at Palo Alto University.

Demonstrated proficiency in written communication across various genres and academic disciplines.

Ability to establish rapport with diverse students and create a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Strong, active listening and communication skills.

Prior experience in tutoring, mentoring, or teaching writing is highly desirable.

Ability to manage tutoring appointments, maintain accurate records, and meet deadlines.

Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.

Ability to handle sensitive student information with discretion and maintain a professional demeanor.

Genuine interest in supporting fellow students and promoting their academic success.

Ability to work with minimal supervision.

Application Procedures

To apply, please submit the following: resume/CV, cover letter, brief writing sample (3-4 pages), and recommendation letter from a professor to Dr. Robert Randolph (rrandolph@paloaltou.edu). PAU is committed to providing an educational environment that supports a diverse, equitable, and inclusive population. In your cover letter, please include information on how your background and experience have prepared you to be in an environment that holds equity and inclusion core to its mission and values.

EEOC Policy

The University is an equal opportunity employer and is firmly committed to non-discrimination in its hiring and other employment practices and in the application of its personnel policies. In compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists, employment decisions will be made irrespective of the staff member's race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age (except for minors), sex, marital status, citizenship status, military service status, sexual orientation, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic condition), disability and/or any another status protected by law. When necessary, the University will reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities, if the individual is otherwise qualified to safely perform all essential functions of the position and if it will be done without undue hardship to the University.