Writing Center Director

Location: Elsah

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…