POSITION TITLE:  Writing Program Administrator

POSITION TRACKING NUMBER:  F731

SCHOOL/COLLEGE:  Associate Provost of Undergraduate Education & Community Engagement

DEPARTMENT: Writing Program

LOCATION:  Azusa Campus

ABOUT APU:

Azusa Pacific University is a comprehensive, evangelical, Christian university located 26 miles northeast of Los Angeles, California. As a leading Christian university in California, Azusa Pacific University grounds rigorous academics on a solid spiritual foundation. With an intentional focus on scholarship, faith integration, diversity, and internationalization, APU provides high-quality academic programs within a tight-knit community of disciples and scholars. APU is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as an R2 Doctoral University, recognizing APU’s high level of research activity. A leader in the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, APU is committed to excellence in higher education. Offering more than 100 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs on campus, online, and at seven regional locations across Southern California, APU continues to be recognized annually as one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report.

DESCRIPTION:

The Writing Program Administrator (WPA) serves in a leadership role to oversee the development, management, and supervision of writing programs for undergraduate, graduate, and degree completion courses at APU. Duties include initiating faculty development programs to improve writing pedagogy, establishing and assessing writing outcomes across the curriculum, teaching four writing courses per academic year, and serving on undergraduate and graduate committees to represent writing programs and ensure writing outcomes are being met. As WPA, the successful candidate will supervise the hiring and training of writing faculty and provide guidance for curricular development and assessment for Writing 1, 2, and 3. The WPA will also oversee the writing program staff and will manage the office budget. The WPA may also eventually serve as chair for a potential Department of Writing and Rhetoric. This is a faculty position.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Supervise all Writing Program faculty and staff.
• Oversee curriculum, faculty training, and faculty supervision for Writing courses at APU.
• Work with the Director of General Education to monitor, assess, and (re)certify writing courses being proposed for GE credit (WRIT I, II, and III).
• Work with the General Education Council, Undergraduate Studies Council, Masters Studies Council, and Doctoral Studies Council to help clarify writing objectives and outcomes across the university curriculum.
• Provide assistance to undergraduate and graduate programs assessing writing for their own departments.
• Promote writing across the curriculum.
• In collaboration with Faculty Affairs and the Writing Center Director, provide professional writing development opportunities for faculty.
• Identify resources and needs, develop budget requests, and manage annual budget.
• Serve on university committees.
• Teach a 2/2 load as determined by the Associate Provost.
• Maintain competency related to current developments in teaching, research, and scholarship in rhetoric, composition, and program administration.
• Maintain a research agenda compatible with APU’s R2 status.
• May be needed to work at alternative Regional Campuses or Sites.

QUALIFICATIONS:  

Ph.D. in Composition/Rhetoric with expertise in one or more of the following:

• medical and/or scientific writing 
• equity-based education/open access (esp. connected with MSI)
• business and/or grant writing

A demonstrated commitment to writing excellence (teaching/research).

Expertise in current theories and best practices in the teaching of writing, especially for diverse populations at all academic levels. 

Expertise in organizing faculty development opportunities.

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively and effectively across disciplinary boundaries with faculty, students, and staff.

Strong project planning and management skills.

Awareness of and sensitivity to the educational goals of a multicultural and multi-ethnic population.

EXPERIENCE:  

• Two or more years’ experience in writing program administration.
• Teaching experience in university writing courses.

WORKLOAD:  Full-time faculty position.

HIRE DATE:  Open until filled.

MENTAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to integrate Christian values in all aspects.
• Ability to engage in critical thinking and exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage confidential information.
• Ability to collaborate with other faculty and staff and maintain collegial relations.
• Self starter, ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form.
• Have the ability to persuade faculty of the importance of learning new ways to approach their own writing and the writing of their students.
• Be able to communicate across disciplines about the importance of writing. 
• In agreement with the purpose and goals of Azusa Pacific University in providing a Christian-based higher education for its students.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  

Candidates must align with Azusa Pacific University's Christian identity. Faculty members are expected to sign a Statement of Faith (available at http://www.apu.edu/about/believe), to adhere to the policies outlined in the Faculty Handbook, and to integrate the Christian faith in teaching and scholarship.

Azusa Pacific University is a Christ-centered, multicultural community that values and seeks faculty and staff who are committed to diversity, work effectively with diverse populations, and engage others in ways that honor our rich cultural mosaic and biblical foundation.

Azusa Pacific University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures.  Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Azusa Pacific University conducts background checks on all final candidates.

Required Skills Required Experience

• Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, and other office procedures
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing
• Basic Proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook