Writing Coordinator

Organization:

UBC, Humanities 101 Community Programme

Deadline:

Jun. 22, 2025

Organization Description:

Humanities 101 Community Programme (Hum) offers free, non-credit, university-level courses at UBC to low-income people living in the Downtown Eastside and Downtown South (DTES/South) who have a lust for learning—especially those whose economic situation, academic experience, financial and social well-being are compromised. Courses are tuition free, and all participants receive course materials, meal vouchers and childcare (if required), as well as student cards which give access to UBC facilities and services.

Website:

http://humanities101.arts.ubc.ca/

Job Description:

Under the supervision of the Academic Director and Programme Manager of the Humanities 101 Community Programme (Hum), the Writing Coordinator plans and facilitates Hum’s Writing 101 and Writing 201 courses. In the Writing 101/201 courses, students learn about and practise writing in many genres. Writing 201 students participate in the same class as Writing 101 students—a split class—but the course offers an opportunity for enhanced engagement with writing processes and practices. Provides guidance and support for students, staff, volunteer teachers and alumni by creating and sustaining an encouraging and respectful classroom environment and Programme office.

This position requires the knowledge and ability to work effectively with non-traditional adult students who are passionate life-long learners living in or near Vancouver's Downtown Eastside and Downtown South, on very low incomes and with considerable challenges and strengths, including mental and physical health concerns. It requires a good knowledge of university procedures and policies, computer and classroom technologies, the ability to work closely with Programme faculty and staff, and to work independently and with good judgment.

This position is a Part Time role, encompassing 15 hours per week: 7.5 hours on-campus on class day from 1:30 - 9:00pm; 7.5 hours self-directed, and/or facilitating Downtown Eastside/South community centre programming and events.

Responsibilities:

WORK PERFORMED

- Designs and implements Writing 101 and Writing 201 curriculum in collaboration with Academic Director
- Secures the services of 10–12 volunteer teachers who teach one class per semester
- Coordinates volunteer teachers, confirms teaching dates, collects and distributes relevant course materials
- Teaches one class per semester and substitutes for teachers if they are unable to make class
- Attends all Writing 101/201 classes and is responsible for classroom management and dynamics
- Facilitates a 30-minute group discussion and writing activity at the beginning of each weekly class
- Crafts weekly homework assignments
- Collects, assesses and comments on student assignments
- Tutors students 1-on-1 before class times
- Supervises volunteer writing tutor
- Supervises the classroom Work-Learn assistant
- Orients and delivers relevant information and guidance to students and instructors during class
- Ensures a safe and respectful classroom dynamic
- According to established Hum practices, respectfully encourages non-traditional students to participate to their level of comfort while enhancing their university experience.
- Consults with Academic Director and Programme Coordinator to identify contentious issues, and respond with tact and discretion. Uses Hum’s established practices for dealing with sensitive situations
- Participates in Hum’s Public Programme series, specifically facilitating summer study groups that take place in the Downtown Eastside/South Community Centres
- Attends regular course planning meetings—including steering committee—contributing ideas to the discussion and ensures follow-up on deliverables and initiatives pertaining to the Writing 101 and Writing 201 courses
- Supports student recruitment by attending and presenting at Writing 101 and Writing 201 information/application sessions bi-annually
- Facilitates work-preparations for the annual publication: collects and edits essays from contributors
- Maintains accessible and updated files of all course readings and materials, and uploads to online learning platform
- Compiles yearly course binders and materials
- Distributes regularly-scheduled course evaluations
- Follows and improves procedures in Programme manual and keeps manual updated
- Assists and supports Programme Manager and Academic Director with their duties as required
- Ensures staff are informed and updated on Writing course business
- Advocates for Programme concerns, protects privacy & confidentiality
- Other duties as required

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
The position has a dual reporting relationship to the Humanities 101 Programme Manager, and Academic Director. The position also works closely with the Hum volunteer instructors, staff, UBC volunteers, students, and alumni.

SUPERVISION GIVEN
Supervises the UBC Work Learn student assistant and coordinates volunteer Writing tutors.

Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:
- University degree required
- 3 years of relevant UBC experience, or equivalent

Assets include:
- Teaching and discussion facilitation skills are major assets
- Experience working with non-traditional adult learners, institutions and marginalized communities
- Experience coordinating volunteers
- First Aid certified (Hum will provide professional First Aid training upon hiring)

How to Apply:

To find out more information and apply for the job please follow this link to the UBC Career site: https://ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/ubcstaffjobs/job/UBC-Vancouver-Campus/Programme-Facilitator-Instructor_JR21042

Remuneration:

$39 – 41 per hour

Contact Name: Paul Woodhouse
Contact Email: h.u.m@ubc.ca