Job description
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Director of University Writing Center and Assistant Professor of English.
Position Details
Location Hattiesburg
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States
Division English
Position Type Faculty
Employment Status Full Time
Grant Funded No
Pay Grade
Generic Grade
Job Summary
The University of Southern of Mississippi enthusiastically welcomes applications for the position of Director of the Writing Center and Assistant Professor of English. This full-time, tenure-track position includes both a faculty role and administrative leadership of our innovative Writing Center. The successful candidate will contribute additional expertise in composition and rhetoric and Writing Center Studies to English and join a strong student success and support network at the University level.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
The Director serves as an assistant professor with associated teaching, scholarship, and service duties. The expected teaching load is three courses per year, with the assumption of an active and productive research agenda. All faculty in the English program participate in the collegial day-to-day work of supporting colleagues and students as well as performing college and university service as needed and appropriate to rank.
As an administrator, they will provide overall vision, leadership, strategic management, and assessment of the Writing Center. Administrative duties include:
- Provide direction, guidance, and support to the Writing Center staff and campus collaborators, setting appropriate goals and establishing key priorities;
- Hire, train, mentor, and evaluate Writing Center tutors;
- Assess established learning outcomes and program goals for the Writing Center, adjusting over time as needed;
- Coordinate and facilitate Writing Center programming for key constituencies (e.g., faculty and staff, multilingual writers, graduate students, STEM majors, capstone courses, etc.);
- Work collaboratively with key Director colleagues (Speaking Center, Composition, Center for Faculty Development) to support common goals;
- Work with the Office of the Provost to collaborate with student success and faculty development initiatives campus-wide;
- Work closely with the Writing Center’s Assistant Director to oversee scheduling, payroll, and day-to-day operations;
- Oversee the writing center budget and coordinate efforts to strengthen its financial resources;
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum qualifications are a Ph.D. in Composition and Rhetoric, English, or related field in English studies by time of appointment and experience directing a Writing Center.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Experience with computers and appropriate teaching technologies
Preferred Qualifications
A record of publication and scholarship, excellence in teaching (including online), and commitment to all service.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation’s leading research institutions.
Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.
We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.
As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, Southern Miss encourages minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities to apply.
How to apply
For full consideration, please submit your complete application by 11/17/2025. Applications should include a cover letter describing your interest in this unique position, a current curriculum vitae, updated graduate transcripts, names and email addresses of three recommendations, a statement of teaching philosophy and teaching portfolio, and an article or chapter-length writing sample. Recommendations will be requested at a later stage in the search process if needed.
Questions should be directed to: Dr. Brian LaPierre, Director, School of Humanities, 118 College Drive #5037, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg MS 39406-0001; Phone: 601-266-4320, Email: [email protected].
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).
