Writing Coach

Position Description: Writing Coach

Department: Library Services

Reports to: Joanne Waxman, Library Director

Date: September 2026

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Status: Part-Time (8 hours per week)

Months: Academic Year or Semester

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Basic Function:

The Writing Coach supports undergraduate and graduate students at Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) through interactive, individualized coaching focused on academic, creative, and professional writing. The Writing Coach guides students through the writing process, including idea development, research, organization, revision, and time management. The position may also communicate with faculty and staff, as appropriate, to support student writing goals and understanding of assignment expectations. The Writing Coach fosters a welcoming, inclusive, and student-centered learning environment that encourages students to develop confidence, independence, and effective writing practices.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct individualized writing coaching sessions with undergraduate and graduate students, providing constructive feedback and guidance throughout the writing process.

• Review and discuss student writing, helping students identify opportunities to strengthen organization, structure, style, clarity, and effective communication.

• Support students with a range of academic, creative, and professional writing projects, including research and studio-related writing, artist statements, résumés, cover letters, artist biographies, and scholarship applications.

• Assist students with idea development, research strategies, study skills, organization, and time-management approaches that support their academic, creative, and professional responsibilities.

• Help students understand and appropriately apply commonly used citation and referencing conventions.

• Communicate professionally with students, faculty, and staff in support of Writing Center services and student learning.

• Participate in scheduled meetings, training, and professional development related to the position.

• Support daily Writing Center operations and help maintain a welcoming, organized, and accessible environment.

• Maintain timely and accurate records of student sessions in accordance with College practices and applicable confidentiality requirements.

• Protect the privacy and confidentiality of student information consistent with College policies and applicable law.

• Perform other related duties consistent with the scope and purpose of the position.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in writing, English, communications, education, liberal arts, fine arts, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

• Graduate-level education or advanced study related to writing, education, the arts, or a related discipline is a plus but not required.

Experience:

• Demonstrated strength in written communication, supported by relevant academic, professional, or creative writing experience.

• Experience supporting, tutoring, coaching, teaching, mentoring, or otherwise working with students or learners is preferred.

• Experience providing constructive feedback on written work and helping others develop their writing skills is preferred.

• Familiarity with academic research practices, source evaluation, and commonly used citation styles, including APA and Chicago

• Experience in higher education, a writing center, a library, an academic support environment, or an arts-focused educational setting is helpful but not required.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including a demonstrated understanding of writing, revision, organization, grammar, style, and clarity.

• Ability to provide constructive, individualized feedback that supports students in developing their own ideas, voice, confidence, and writing skills rather than simply editing or correcting their work.

• Ability to explain writing concepts, research strategies, and citation practices clearly and accessibly.

• Ability to work effectively with undergraduate and graduate students with varying levels of writing experience, learning approaches, communication styles, and academic needs.

• Strong interpersonal and active-listening skills with the ability to establish supportive and professional coaching relationships.

• Ability to foster an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming learning environment for individuals with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, identities, and abilities.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage scheduled appointments, maintain accurate records, and follow through on responsibilities.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain appropriate professional boundaries, and protect confidential student information.

• Ability to work independently while communicating and collaborating effectively with Library Services colleagues, faculty, staff, and other members of the College community.

• Ability to use computers and digital tools for writing, research, scheduling, communication, and recordkeeping.

• Ability to learn and apply College policies, procedures, and practices relevant to the position.

• Flexibility to work assigned hours, which may include occasional evening or weekend hours based on Writing Center and student needs.

Other duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Essential Functions & Work Environment

This position requires the ability to perform the essential functions of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation, in accordance with applicable federal and state law. Essential functions include, but are not limited to, conducting individualized writing coaching sessions; reviewing and discussing written materials; communicating effectively verbally and in writing; providing constructive feedback and explaining writing concepts and strategies; using computers and digital tools for writing, research, scheduling, communication, and recordkeeping; maintaining accurate and confidential student records; managing scheduled appointments and responsibilities; and participating in meetings and training.

The position requires sustained attention, reading and reviewing written materials, organizing information, exercising professional judgment, adapting communication and coaching approaches to individual student needs, and managing multiple appointments and priorities within scheduled work hours.

The position operates primarily in an educational and professional environment and involves regular interaction with undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, and other members of the College community. Work is generally performed in the Writing Center or other designated College spaces and requires regular use of a computer and standard office technology. Depending on operational and student needs, scheduled hours may include evenings or weekends.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

MECA&D provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.