Job Description
Department:
Farnham Writers' Center - Staff
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Employee Type:
Job Summary:
The Senior Program Coordinator plays a central operational and programmatic leadership role in the Farnham Writers’ Center (FWC). Reporting to the Director, this position oversees daily center operations, supports the supervision and development of undergraduate peer writing tutors, and advances the Center’s mission by expanding high-impact programming and campus engagement initiatives.
The Senior Program Coordinator contributes to strengthening the Center’s visibility and institutional impact by supporting communications and outreach efforts that position written communication as foundational to academic achievement, professional development, and personal expression. The role combines operational management, student staff development, program coordination, and assessment responsibilities to ensure consistent, high-quality writing support for Colby students.
Essential Functions
To be successful in this position, an individual should be able to perform the essential duties and bring the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that support the role. Colby College supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This list of duties is intended to be representative rather than exhaustive, and additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.
Center Operations & Program Management
- Oversee day-to-day operations of the Writing Center, including scheduling, space coordination, resource allocation, and supply management.
- Manage tutor shift schedules and coordinate coverage to ensure consistent service delivery.
- Monitor and support operational workflows to maintain a high standard of writing support services.
- Assist with budget tracking and operational planning in collaboration with the Director.
- Maintain usage data and prepare reports on center activities, participation, and program effectiveness.
Tutor Supervision & Development
- Co-supervise and mentor undergraduate peer writing tutors.
- Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and professional development support.
- Coordinate tutor training sessions and professional development workshops.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and pedagogical sound tutoring environment.
Programming & Outreach
- Coordinate workshops, writing-related events, and academic support programming.
- Support the Center’s communications and outreach initiatives to increase campus visibility and engagement.
- Assist with messaging and promotion that reinforces the value of written and oral communication across academic disciplines.
- Collaborate with faculty and campus partners to promote writing development initiatives.
Assessment & Continuous Improvement
- Collect and analyze feedback from students and tutors to assess program impact.
- Track participation trends and develop recommendations for program enhancements.
- Support the Director in strategic planning and program evaluation efforts.
Additional Responsibilities (Based on Qualifications and Department Needs)
- Teach one writing-related course per academic year, as assigned.
- Design and facilitate campus workshops focused on writing development and communication skills.
Position Qualifications
Education and/or experience:
- Master’s degree in English, Writing, Education, or a field related required.
- Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in a writing center, tutoring program, or teaching environment; experience teaching writing in a classroom setting strongly desired.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated familiarity with writing center pedagogy.
- Ability to mentor and provide constructive feedback in a supportive and professional manner.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Experience collecting and analyzing program data preferred.
Physical/Mental Demands
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here reflect what is typically needed to perform the essential functions of this position and what may be experienced while carrying out those duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- To perform this role effectively, an employee is expected to handle employee information, documents, and sensitive matters with care, professionalism, and respect for privacy.
- This position involves working with a variety of timelines, including some that require quick turnaround and responsiveness to urgent needs.
- In this role, the employee will interact with members of the public and others in a variety of situations and conversations. Presenting oneself in a professional, respectful, and thoughtful manner at all times is an important part of the role.
- This position includes regular movement throughout the office spaces, hallways, meeting rooms, and other campus locations.
- Daily work may involve extended use of a computer, including keyboard and mouse.
- Physical requirements differ by position. In general, most roles involve lifting up to 10 pounds regularly, with some positions requiring occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds or more, in more physically demanding roles, up to 50 pounds.
- Vision requirements for this position include the ability to see clearly at close and far distances and to adjust focus as needed.
- The work environment is dynamic and engaging, often involving multiple tasks and projects that require shifting focus and strong organizational skills.
- The noise level is generally moderate; however, there may be occasional moments of louder sounds depending on campus activity.
To Apply:
Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the “Apply Now” button on the Colby College website. Please upload a cover letter and resume/CV to your application.
