Job Description
Department:
Farnham Writers' Center - Staff
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Employee Type:
Job Summary:
The Communications Specialist is a 12-month academic staff member within the Farnham Writers’ Center (FWC) who assists with advancing Colby College’s campus-wide Effective Communication initiative. This role supports written, oral, and multimodal communication as foundational skills for academic success and professional expression.
The Communications Specialist provides instruction in communication focused courses within the Writing Department and leads campus-wide programming designed to strengthen oral and multimodal communication across disciplines. Under the FWC Director’s guidance, the Specialist will develop training for FWC tutors and collaborate with faculty and campus partners to integrate effective communication practices into curricular and co-curricular contexts.
This is a staff position with instructional, programmatic, and campus engagement responsibilities that reports to the FWC Director.
Essential Functions
To be successful in this position, a successful candidate 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.
Instructional Responsibilities
Deliver undergraduate communication courses within the Writing Department, typically two (2) courses during the first year and three (3) courses per academic year thereafter, as assigned.
Design and update course materials in alignment with departmental and institutional learning objectives.
Provide guidance and support to students preparing for presentations, public speaking engagements, and multimodal communication projects.
Program Development & Tutor Training
Collaborate with the FWC Director to design and facilitate training programs for Farnham Writers’ Center tutors, particularly in supporting oral and multimodal communication.
Contribute to the development and enhancement of communication support services offered through the FWC.
Assess and refine programming to ensure effectiveness and alignment with institutional goals.
Campus Engagement & Collaboration
Develop and facilitate workshops for students and faculty that promote effective communication practices across academic disciplines and professional settings.
Partner with campus units to strengthen oral communication resources and integrate communication development into curricular and co-curricular initiatives.
Support strategic initiatives related to communication, emerging technologies, and evolving instructional modalities.
Administrative & Operational Support
Position Qualifications
Education and/or experience:
Ph.D. in Communications or a related field (e.g., rhetoric and communication, public speaking) preferred.
A master's degree with significant relevant experience (4+ years) may be considered.
Experience teaching college-level courses in oral communication, rhetoric, or related fields.
Demonstrated experience designing and facilitating workshops or training programs.
Experience working collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students across disciplines.
Strong foundation in oral and multimodal communication theory and practice.
Ability to translate communication theory into applied instructional programming.
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Knowledge of writing center studies or writing studies preferred.
Demonstrated interest in artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in human-AI communication 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. Full consideration will be given to complete applications submitted by March 26th. Please upload a cover letter and curriculum vitae and list of three references to your application.
