Writing Specialist

The University of Wisconsin—Stout’s McNair Scholars Program seeks a student-focused writing specialist to advise 28 students per year on research papers and application materials for graduate school. This position is an annual appointment at 50% (20 hours/week) and scheduling is flexible. A hybrid position is possible with remote work up to two days/week. The McNair Scholars Program is a federally funded program that serves first-generation/low-income and underrepresented (Black, Hispanic, Native, and Pacific Islander) students as they prepare for and apply to graduate schools. The department cares deeply about equity, diversity, and inclusion and is dedicated to creating an accessible environment where all can feel valued. The writing specialist will work alongside the program director, assistant director, and graduate assistant in a team environment geared toward student success.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Writing tutoring and/or teaching experience
• Knowledge and/or experience with equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Experience that demonstrates student-focused work
• Excellent communication, organization, and record-keeping skills
• Desire to work with the target population (first-generation college students, low-income students, and students of color)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of graduate school including the application process
• Knowledge and/or experience with research paper writing
• Knowledge and/or experience editing applications materials such as resumes, curriculum vitae, personal statements, and/or cover letters

RESPONSIBILITIES

(75%) Writing advising of student research papers and additional research components; assistance in preparing research for publication; editing graduate school application materials

(25%) Day to day program assistance; database entry and maintenance; assist McNair staff; recruitment, assessment, mentoring, supporting, and monitoring of McNair Scholars; collaboration with other departments

Specific duties include:

• Writing advising of student research papers including writing process, general organization, and citation styles
• Writing advising of additional research components such as applications for funding, poster creation, IRB submissions, survey creations, and interview questions
• Assistance in preparing student research papers for publication
• Editing of student personal statements, resumes, and graduate application materials from brainstorming through final editing process
• Editing of marketing and programming materials, including semester newsletter
• Filing of documentation for 28+ program participants
• Preparation and organization of participant materials
• Assist staff with presentation and workshop preparation
• Greeter to students, staff, and guests as needed
• Assist in recruitment, assessment, mentoring, supporting, and monitoring of McNair Scholars participants
• Collaboration with the English department, fellow TRIO programs, Multicultural Student Services, Student Services Offices, student organizations, other Stout departments, and appropriate programs at external institutions

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

The McNair Scholars Program is a federally-funded grant housed at UW-Stout for the purpose of preparing eligible undergraduate students for graduate school. The grant is a five-year grant with possibility for renewal every five years. The program is currently funded through 2028 and has been at Stout since 2008, receiving renewal for the last four grant cycles. McNair is part of the larger national TRIO network that includes Upward Bound, Student Support Services, and Educational Talent Search. Students must be either 1) first-generation AND low-income or 2) from a group considered underrepresented in graduate education (African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American/Native Alaskan, and/or Pacific Islander). The McNair Scholars Program is free to students and offers a variety of benefits including an independent research project, travel to graduate schools and conferences, assistance in submitting applications and finding funding to graduate school, free graduate school applications, three courses, and a variety of workshops. The program accepts 28 students a year.

INSTITUTIONAL OVERVIEW

An innovative leader within the University of Wisconsin System, the University of Wisconsin-Stout offers an unparalleled career-focused education that integrates applied learning, theory and research and real-world experiences to prepare our students for the future. At UW-Stout, our students think and do from day one, and we’re proud to produce lifelong learners, ethical leaders and responsible citizens who succeed in a global society.

UW-Stout is recognized nationwide for its operational excellence. We were the first and remain the only four-year public higher education institution in the nation to receive the Malcolm Baldrige Award, and we are dedicated to a process-improvement model that leverages the power of data and the value of our people. We believe in critical thinking and fact-informed decision making. We pursue sustainability in form and function and collaborate across campus and with our partners to solve problems in industry and society. And providing an equitable, diverse and inclusive environment for our faculty, staff and students to live, learn and work is a top priority.

We offer 47 undergraduate, 21 masters and 3 advanced programs and more than 30 certificate options in Art, Design & Graphics; Business & Management; Education; Human & Social Sciences; Information Technology & Communications; and Science, Engineering & Math. Our first-class digital infrastructure and learning environments provide our nearly 8,000 students with every avenue to explore and personalize their success. And we invest in people who share our vision to advance our position as Wisconsin’s only Polytechnic University and as a regional, national and international leader in higher education.

Be a part of the future at UW-Stout. Learn more at https://www.uwstout.edu/about-us.

University of Wisconsin-Stout is located in Menomonie, Wisconsin, a community an hour east of Minneapolis-St. Paul. A pillar of Wisconsin’s Chippewa Valley and recognized as one of the best small towns in America, Menomonie provides an idyllic combination of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, boutiques and arts and culture with access to a metropolitan area. For more information about the UW-Stout community and region visit: https://www.uwstout.edu/about-us/our-community

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. The salary for this position is a base of $36,000 at .50 FTE for an actual salary of $18,000. The UW System provides an excellent benefits package including participation in the Wisconsin State retirement plan, demonstrating our commitment to the diverse needs of our employees.

• Benefit Details: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/quickguidefasl.pdf
• Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator | Employee Benefits (wisconsin.edu)

All qualified candidates meeting application requirements will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against. As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, UW-Stout welcomes applications from individuals from diverse groups; veterans, individuals with disabilities and from historically excluded populations. UW-Stout provides equal opportunity to all persons and is committed to inclusive excellence. At UW-Stout we value our differences and welcome diverse perspectives as we continually commit to developing an inclusive and equitable environment for all employees and students.

Employment is contingent upon the final candidate’s completing a criminal background check and being cleared to work by the Human Resources team. Employment is also contingent upon the final candidate passing a reference check process. The reference check process includes asking the final candidate and most recent supervisor questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. Final candidates with previous employment within the UW System and State of WI agencies will be subject to additional reference checks.

Official transcripts required at time of hire.

Must be authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not available for this position. A successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States on or before the effective date of the appointment and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact our Human Resources office, Phone: 715.232.2149.

In response to a public records request, the University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in their online application, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

UW-Stout is committed to providing safety and security of all members of our community in accordance with the Clery Act. For campus safety information and crime statistics visit: https://www.uwstout.edu/life-stout/police-and-parking/clery-information

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applications received by end of day, Sunday, May 21, 2023 are ensured full consideration. Applications submitted after 5/21st may be reviewed at the discretion of the search committee.

To apply, click on the APPLY button or go to: https://www.uwstout.edu/about-us/careers-jobs

Required application materials:

1. Cover letter that includes an inclusivity statement*
2. Curriculum vitae or resume
3. Names and contact information for a minimum of three (3) professional references

*Please use your cover letter to speak to each of the Minimum/Required Qualifications for this position as listed above. For each required qualification, describe your relevant experience, using specific examples from your work history to illustrate how your experience satisfies the requirement. Equity, diversity and inclusion are important to the mission of UW-Stout. Write a one-page or less statement demonstrating your past/ present work, volunteer, and lived experience, and how you envision carrying that experience into your work at UW-Stout.

Applicants will need to complete all required fields and attach all required documents prior to submitting the online application. Note: Once you have attached your materials and submitted your application you will not be able to go into the system and change them.

Before starting the online application process, we recommend you preview the frequently asked questions (FAQs) available at: https://kb.uwss.wisconsin.edu/21900

It is the policy of UW-Stout to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance, or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact us using the information below. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual's disability.

For questions regarding this position or recruitment, please contact:

Search Chair: Jennifer Giesking

Phone: (715) 232-5491

Email: gieskingj@uwstout.edu

If you need assistance with the online application process or if you submitted your application prior to uploading all of the required application materials, please contact:

Search Coordinator: Simon Brown

Phone: (715) 232-2113

Email: brownsi@uwstout.edu

Job Family: Support