Advisor/Instructor

Working Title: Advisor/Instructor (Programs: MS/Cert Advisor & TCAB Co-Director)
Work arrangements: hybrid flexibility, negotiated upon offer

The University of Minnesota-Department of Writing Studies invites applications for a teaching specialist or lecturer position for their Technical Communication post-baccalaureate and Master of Science professional programs in Technical Communication. This position has an anticipated start date of spring semester 2025 (1/09/25). This is a full-time, nine-month, annually renewable academic appointment. Work expectations include advising graduate students in the Technical Communication professional graduate programs, serving as a co-director of the Technical Communication Advisory Board, teaching 3 courses per year, and additional responsibilities (e.g., professional development, departmental meetings, office hours, etc.). All courses serve linguistically diverse populations.

We seek an experienced technical communication professional to teach, advise and support programs designed to prepare graduate students for technical communication roles and professions. Specifically, ideal candidates will provide critical industry insights, academic advising, and professional mentorship to students in our professional graduate programs in Technical Communication, and will serve as the central liaison with our Technical Communication Advisory Board (TCAB). We are especially interested in candidates with academic training and/or industry experience in one more of the following areas: digital technologies (e.g. content management, structured authoring, DITA XML), international, global and cross-cultural technical communication, technical editing, and/or writing in regulated contexts.

The Technical Communication professional programs are fully online, dynamic programs serving graduate students and working professionals interested in pursuing advanced training in technical communication theory and practice. Courses assigned could include Writing with Digital Technologies, International Professional Communication, Technical Editing and Style, Foundations and Futures in Technical Communication, Usability and Human Factors in Technical Communication, and Technical and Professional Communication.

In the Department of Writing Studies, we actively and intentionally support inclusive learning and workplace environments and the well-being of our faculty and students. Our teaching approach positions technical communication as rhetorical and engaged with social justice. Our courses focus on audience, revision, collaboration, peer review, multimodal composing, and common TWC genres. We are actively committed to developing equity-centered practices in our classrooms and programs. The University of Minnesota offers professional development and advancement to all teaching specialists and lecturers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

MS/Certificate Program

Teaching - 45%
* Teach 2-3 sections annually in the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate/MS programs in Technical Communication and/or undergraduate Technical Writing and Communication major.
* Participate in professional development at least once per semester that supports ongoing learning regarding teaching.

Advising and Student Support - 30%
* Advise students enrolled in the post-baccalaureate certificate and M.S. professional programs on curriculum, professional goals, and other administrative questions relating to the programs.
* Support strategic recruitment planning and process; participate in admissions processes including meeting with prospective students to discuss the program, career goals, TWC industry, co-leading information sessions about the programs, reviewing new student applications, and co-leading new student orientations.

Technical Communication and Advisory Board (TCAB)

Co-Director - 25%
* Co-Direct the Technical Communication Advisory Board with a Tenure-track/Tenured Faculty Co-Director and coordinate work and assign tasks for TCAB support staff.
* Develop and facilitate TCAB programming including but not limited to connect events, speaker panels, mentor program, virtual roundtables, and research showcases.
* Actively network to build/maintain relationships with h professional organizations, disciplinary communities, and industry networks to support our programs
* Keep updated on current and emerging academic and industry trends.

Candidates with an MA will be hired as a Teaching Specialist; candidates with a terminal degree (e.g., PhD) will be hired as a Lecturer.

Required Qualifications
* A Master's or terminal degree in Technical Communication, Information Design, User Experience, or related field.
* Industry experience in technical communication, information design, professional writing, usability or user experience, information architecture, technical editing, regulatory writing, or related area.
* Evidence of ability to teach in higher education context through previous teaching experience or similar organizational experience.
* Demonstrated commitment to instruction that supports diverse learners and builds inclusive classroom environments.

Preferred Qualifications
* Ph.D. in Technical Communication, Information Design, User Experience, or related field.
* Three years of industry experience in technical communication, information design, professional writing, usability or user experience, information architecture, international professional communication, technical editing, regulatory writing, or related area.
* Two or more years of experience teaching blended and/or online college-level, preferably in technical writing and communication, professional writing, or related field.
* Experience advising undergraduate or graduate students and/or mentoring early-career technical writing professionals.

The Department of Writing Studies provides First-Year Writing courses required for all University students, a Bachelor of Science degree in Technical and Written Communication, an undergraduate certificate in Technical Communication, an MA degree and a doctorate degree in Rhetoric and Scientific & Technical Communication, and an MS degree in Scientific and Technical Communication. The Center for Writing provides in person and online writing consultations for University students.

About the College of Liberal Arts

Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over twenty buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000undergraduate students, over 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of $290 million.

CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints-so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CLA

Working in CLA

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application and to attach a cover letter and resume. Priority will be given to completed applications received by November 18, 2024, but applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. You may attach the additional required documents next by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To be considered for this position, you must submit all required components listed below:
1. Cover letter clearly addressing required qualifications and highlighting your experiences that align with the position
2. Current CV or Resume
3. Contact information for three (3) professional references (names, email addresses, and phone numbers). We will contact references at the point of selecting candidates to interview.

NOTE: All documents should be uploaded as PDFs at time of application. Only complete applications will be reviewed. This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624- UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).