GRADUATE WRITING SUPPORT SPECIALIST, Provost's Office & Graduate Affairs Office, Educational Resource Center

Reporting to the Assistant Director for Writing Support in the Educational Resource Center (ERC), the Graduate Writing Support Specialist leads, organizes, and evaluates a portfolio of writing programs designed to support BU graduate students in their academic writing. This 12-month position plays a key role in sustaining and innovating a vibrant suite of peer-focused programs, including Dissertation Writing Groups, Writing Retreats, Accountability Partnerships, and a Graduate Writing Workshop Series. The Specialist manages the day-to-day execution of these initiatives, facilitates weekly and seasonal writing gatherings, and regularly communicates with participants across schools and colleges. The role also requires collaboration with faculty, staff, and student stakeholders to ensure that offerings are inclusive, well-utilized, and responsive to the evolving needs of the graduate student community. The person in this role is expected to demonstrate initiative, independent judgment, and a high level of organization while contributing to a small, collaborative writing support team within the ERC.

 Essential Functions:

Graduate Writing Program Coordination:

• Lead semesterly Dissertation Writing Groups and weekly Write Togethers, including recruitment, orientation, attendance tracking, and group facilitation.
• Organize and support seasonal Dissertation Writing Retreats and Institutes, including planning schedules, securing facilitators, managing registrations, and coordinating logistics (e.g., space, food, materials).
• Maintain participant records, analyze survey data, and produce utilization reports for internal review.

Workshop Development & Facilitation:

• Deliver a recurring Graduate Writing Workshop Series on topics such as writing literature reviews, academic publishing, and conference presentation writing.
• Update and develop workshop content in response to participant feedback and emerging topics (e.g., AI & research writing). •Coordinate with other campus units and external speakers when appropriate. 

Communications & Outreach: 

• Manage graduate writing-related communications, including a monthly listserv newsletter and timely responses via the ERCs writing support email account.
• Promote program offerings through digital and print materials, coordinate outreach to graduate departments. 
• Foster peer community among graduate writers and contribute to building an inclusive and collaborative culture of scholarship.

Assessment & Reporting:

• Collect, graph, and analyze program usage and feedback across writing support initiatives.
• Contribute to semesterly and annual reports for internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Assistant Provost of Graduate and Postdoctoral Success in the Graduate Affairs office on content design.
• Recommend changes based on participant needs and program performance.

Program Support & Strategic Development:

• Serve as a collaborator and sounding board for the Assistant Director for Writing Support.
• Contribute to long-term planning of writing support initiatives, including piloting new formats or modalities.
• Help maintain organized digital infrastructure and program documentation.

1-on-1 Writing Support:

• Schedule and hold individual appointments with graduate students to provide guidance on dissertation writing strategies and timeline management
• Consult with Assistant Director of Writing Support in the ERC.

Position Requirements:

• A Masters (required) or PhD in a relevant field of study.
• 2-3 years of experience supporting graduate student writing in a higher education setting (including as a graduate instructor, writing tutor, or program facilitator).
• Experience designing and facilitating academic writing workshops is strongly preferred.
• Prior engagement with peer-led writing communities or writing retreats is a plus.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive and student-centered learning environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with an ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Comfort working independently and collaboratively within a small team.
• Familiarity with survey design and basic data analysis is an asset.