University of Tennessee, Chattanooga
Lupton Library
Director, Writing and Communication Center
Available November 1, 2014
The Lupton Library seeks a motivated, creative and user-focused professional to fill our newly created
Director of the Writing and Communication Center position at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga
(UTC).
Writing Center Description
UTC is in the final stages of preparation for the opening of a 5-story 180,000 square foot new library
with an expected move in date of December of 2014. The new University Writing and Communication
Center is located on the 3rd floor of the new library and is strategically located next to the University’s
Student Success Center (includes: tutoring, advising, and supplemental instruction) and the Studio (a
high-end computing and presentation space). The new library will have a large information commons
with 150+ public computers, 38 group study rooms, 2 practice presentation rooms, 6 well-equipped
instruction classrooms, a cafe and a 24 hour study space. The Writing and Communication Center is
open to all students and offers walk-in and appointment consultations for any discipline. For additional
information about the existing UTC Writing Center, follow this link: http://www.utc.edu/writingcenter/.
Position Summary
Under the direction of the Dean of the Library, the Director of the Writing and Communication Center
(WCC) oversees the Center’s initiatives to assist UTC students at all levels across the disciplines to
strengthen their academic writing through face-to-face and online writing support. The incumbent will
provide direct services to students and faculty, and hire, train, and supervise a diverse student staff. The
Director assists with the advancement of UTC’s strategic plan as it relates to critical thinking as
demonstrated through writing and communication. This is a 12 month, tenure-track position.
As Director of the Writing Center
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Lead the development of the WCC as an effective learning environment, including a strategic
vision, goals, objectives, and communications.
Manage all aspects of daily operations in the WCC.
Develop a broad array of materials in support of the WCC and promote to the campus.
Gather quantitative and qualitative data and draft reports and analysis of WCC student services.
Hire, train, guide, and evaluate WCC student staff in skills, methods, and best practices to serve
patrons utilizing the WCC.
Work with students to strengthen writing and study skills.
Work with faculty to incorporate writing into their classrooms and to conduct research related
to writing and the writing process.
Partner with campus faculty, staff, and students as a facilitator, workshop trainer, designer, and
a developer of writing and communication materials.
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Identify, evaluate, and recommend writing and communication curricula and technologies for
campus and library needs.
Promote student success and retention through advocacy of writing, communication, and library
services and resources.
As a Member of the Library Staff and University Citizen
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Participate in Research and Public Service Department meetings and initiatives, as appropriate
Serve as a member of the Library’s Management Council.
Contribute to student success via partnership with Library and Student Success Center faculty
and staff members and create a shared vision for Academic Support Services in the new Library
building.
Participate in providing reference, liaison, and outreach services to University Community.
Participate in library-wide planning and committee work.
Participate in UTC governance and service.
Conduct scholarship consistent with a tenure-track appointment.
Be professionally active and engage in continuing professional development.
Required Education and Experience
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Master's degree in Rhetoric & Composition, Technology Rhetoric, or another appropriate
discipline.
1+ year experience in managing operations in a Writing Center in a University setting, including
supervision and program development.
Required Skills
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Demonstrated knowledge of current best practices relating to Writing Centers and writing
pedagogy.
Demonstrated superior knowledge of the English language.
Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrated strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint),
Microsoft Outlook, podcasting, chat and online consultation services, library databases and
research tools, web page development, online appointment platforms, blogging platforms, etc.
Demonstrated knowledge of how to collect and analyze data using quantitative research
methods.
Demonstrated knowledge of academic support functions.
Experience with managing others, including hiring, training, and supervising staff and student
assistants.
Experience as a successful budget and project manager, including the ability to organize,
prioritize, and manage time and money.
Experience in developing and presenting workshops.
Demonstrated knowledge of copyright, intellectual property and privacy laws as they relate to
published and unpublished materials.
Possess the initiative, flexibility, and creativity to manage projects both independently and as
part of a team in a dynamic work environment.
Possess the ability to handle complex, analytical and detailed work.
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Possess a positive attitude, be future-oriented, and embrace change.
Possess strong interpersonal skills as evidenced by the ability to work cooperatively and
maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, faculty, staff and students.
Possess strong customer service focus, a passion for the profession, and a deep commitment to
service and outreach in an academic community.
Salary
Salary: minimum is $43,500, commensurate with experience.
Rank
This is a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track position with faculty status and academic rank. Appointment
will be at the rank of Assistant or Associate professor.
Benefits
Benefits include: 24 vacation days and 12 sick days per year; 11 paid holidays; 80% of health/life
insurance paid by the state; choice of retirement programs which are paid by the state and equivalent to
approximately 10% of an individual’s annual salary, partial relocation reimbursement, professional
development funding, tax program savings, and more.
Application Procedures
Interested applicants should submit the items articulated below to facultyvitae36@utc.edu:
1) a letter of application,
2) a current curriculum vita,
3) the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three references including the
professional relationship of reference and applicant, and
4) a 2 – 3 page document outlining your vision and philosophy for a contemporary university writing
center.
Review of applications begins on September 19, 2014 and continues until position is filled.
For information about UTC and the UTC Library please visit www.utc.edu and www.lib.utc.edu
For information about Chattanooga, please visit www.chattanoogafun.org or www.chattanooga.gov
The University of Tennessee is an equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, Title IX, Section
504, and ADA Institution.