Teaching Specialist

Writing Center, Department of Writing Studies

Job Classification: Teaching Specialist (job code 9754); Lecturer (job code 9753)

One year contract: 100% time, 9 month contract (8/31/26 or hire date - 5/30/2027)

Salary Range: $42,000-$55,000 per year

The Writing Center in the Department of Writing Studies in the College of Liberal Arts at
the University of Minnesota occasionally needs teaching specialists or lecturers to provide
one on one consulting with graduate and undergraduate students, teach write-ins, and
provide other programming and instructional support.

The Writing Center (WC) encourages the development of student writers and the use of
writing as a tool for critical thinking, learning, and communicating across disciplines and in
a range of forms. We are committed to fostering and sustaining a culture of equity,
inclusiveness, and openness, and affirming linguistic diversity. We also promote critical
literacies around writing technologies.

This does not constitute a posting for vacancies, but establishes a pool of applicants
should openings occur during the 2026/2027 academic year. Applicants will be selected
from this pool on an as-needed basis through the academic year. Appointments may be
renewable based on need, funding, and performance.

Job duties:

• 85% Providing Consulting and Direct Student Support
  • Consulting: approximately 34 hours/week: provide one-to-one writing consultations
    to both undergraduate and graduate writers from a wide variety of disciplines at all
    stages of their writing process
  • Supports undergrad and graduate student consultants in developing their abilities
    to support multilingual writers

  • Support Writing Center programming (write-ins, classroom and group based
    consultation, etc.)

• 15% Other
  • Supports front desk attendants and fills in as needed.
  • Engage in ongoing professional development
  • Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• To be hired as a Teaching Specialist (9754), an MA in Writing Studies, Rhetoric, Composition
  or a related field is required.
• To be hired as a Lecturer (9753), a PhD (or MFA or terminal MA in TESOL) in Writing
  Studies, Rhetoric, Composition, or a related field is required.
• Ability to work with and teach diverse student populations.
• Experience working in a Writing Center

About the Department:

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 20 interdisciplinary 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 13,000 undergraduate students, over 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate 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

Pay Range: $42,000 - $55,000 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

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

The University 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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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 for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

Submit the following items:

• Cover letter outlining qualifications and related teaching or consulting experience.
• Curriculum Vitae or resume.
  

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.