About the Opportunity
About the College of Professional StudiesThe 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
TemporaryAdditional 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:
$33/hourSkills 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.
- Experience working in a writing center.
- Professional writing experience.
Northeastern University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northeastern University and has not been reviewed or approved by Northeastern University.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off is described as extensive, including 22–26 vacation days, 12 sick days, 13 holidays, and paid parental leave for birth/adoption. Additional paid leave is also outlined, including up to 26 weeks of paid medical leave and up to 12 weeks of paid family leave for eligible employees.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support is positioned as a standout, with an employer contribution described as 10% when an employee contributes 5%, alongside immediate vesting once eligible. This is presented as unusually generous relative to typical employer retirement offerings.
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Parental & Family Support — Family-oriented benefits are emphasized through tuition assistance for employees and dependents and access to backup childcare and family-care resources. Tuition remission/discount structures are highlighted as a major value driver, especially for employees with children and for long-tenured staff.
Northeastern University Insights
What We Do
Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university with a distinctive, experience-driven approach to education and discovery. The university is a leader in experiential learning, powered by the world’s most far-reaching cooperative education program. We integrate classroom study with opportunities for professional work, research, service, and global learning in more than 100 countries. The same spirit of collaboration guides a use-inspired research enterprise focused on solving global challenges in health, security, and sustainability. Northeastern offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs leading to degrees through the doctorate in nine colleges and schools, and select graduate programs at campuses in Boston, Charlotte, N.C., San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, and Toronto. Campuses in Burlington, MA, and Nahant, MA, are home to research institutes for homeland security and coastal sustainability, respectively
