Student Assistant I - Graduate Writing Coach

Palo Alto University (PAU), a private, non-profit university, founded in 1975 and located in the heart of

Northern California’s Silicon Valley, is a community grounded in values of social justice, dedicated to

addressing pressing and emerging issues in the fields of psychology and counseling that meet the needs of

today’s diverse society. The students at PAU reflect the diversity of the region, are engaged in their

education, and are committed to improving the lives of others. The University sees diversity in its staff

and faculty as very important to serving its diverse student body (or synonymous with inclusive

excellence). PAU has recently been designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian

American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). PAU offers undergraduate

and graduate programs with online, hybrid and residential options, and has an engaged faculty who make

significant contributions to their fields and prepare future leaders who make a difference in the lives of

individuals and communities. When you put all of this together, PAU creates a legacy of confident,

competent, and compassionate professionals who are at the forefront of psychology and counseling and

who move ahead in life by moving lives ahead. Palo Alto University (PAU) is dedicated to promoting

mental health and well-being in our diverse community of students. We are committed to providing

resources and support that empower students to achieve their educational and personal goals.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Graduate Writing Coach

Department: Student Success, Writing Studio

Reports To: Dr. Robert Randolph, Writing Studio Director

Location: All PAU Campuses and Virtually

Employment Status: Open

JOB SUMMARY

Graduate Writing Coaches will provide undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students with writing

support and guidance individually or in small groups. The coaches will contribute to the daily operations

of the Writing Studio by creating a welcoming and professional environment, either on campus or

virtually. While coaches are not copy editors or proofreaders, they will help students improve their skills

by analyzing and revising their academic writing. This role requires excellent writing abilities, strong

interpersonal skills, and a passion for helping others succeed academically.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary role of the Graduate Writing Coach is to support the Writing Studio’s mission to empower

students to become confident and effective writers in support of their academic and professional success.

This position requires the coach to have excellent communication skills and the ability to adapt their

coaching methods to meet the needs of the students. The coach may be required to implement

instructional activities in individual and group sessions.

● Provide one-on-one writing assistance: Meet individually with undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral

students to provide personalized writing support. Help students at various stages of the writing

process, including brainstorming, outlining, drafting, revising, and editing.

● Conduct writing workshops and group sessions: Plan and facilitate workshops and group sessions on

various writing topics, such as essay structure, grammar and punctuation, citation styles, and research

strategies.

● Foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment: Create a welcoming and non-judgmental

atmosphere where students feel comfortable discussing their writing concerns and seeking guidance.

● Assist with writing assignments from diverse disciplines: Aid students in understanding and meeting

the specific requirements of writing assignments across different disciplines and academic levels.

● Maintain knowledge of writing resources and techniques: Keep abreast of current writing trends,

academic standards, and emerging writing technologies.

● Maintain accurate records and track student progress: Keep detailed records of tutoring sessions,

including student attendance, concerns discussed, and recommendations provided.

● Collaborate with faculty and staff: Work closely with faculty members, academic advisors, and other

campus support services to align tutoring efforts with student academic goals and needs.

● Perform other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential

functions.

● Must be enrolled as a master’s or doctoral student in good academic standing (3.0 GPA is preferred)

at Palo Alto University.

● Demonstrated proficiency in written communication across various genres and academic disciplines.

● Ability to establish rapport with diverse students and create a supportive and inclusive learning

environment.

● Strong, active listening and communication skills.

● Prior experience in tutoring, mentoring, or teaching writing is highly desirable.

● Ability to manage tutoring appointments, maintain accurate records, and meet deadlines.

● Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.

● Ability to handle sensitive student information with discretion and maintain a professional demeanor.

● Genuine interest in supporting fellow students and promoting their academic success.

● Ability to work with minimal supervision.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

To apply, please submit the following: resume/CV, cover letter, brief writing sample (3-4 pages), and

recommendation letter from a professor to Dr. Robert Randolph (rrandolph@paloaltou.edu). PAU is

committed to providing an educational environment that supports a diverse, equitable, and inclusive

population.  In your cover letter, please include information on how your background and experience

have prepared you to be in an environment that holds equity and inclusion core to its mission and values. 

EEOC POLICY

The University is an equal opportunity employer and is firmly committed to non-discrimination in its

hiring and other employment practices and in the application of its personnel policies. In compliance with

all applicable federal and state laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists,

employment decisions will be made irrespective of the staff member's race, color, religion, religious

creed, ancestry, national origin, age (except for minors), sex, marital status, citizenship status, military

service status, sexual orientation, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic condition), disability and/or

any another status protected by law. When necessary, the University will reasonably accommodate

individuals with disabilities, if the individual is otherwise qualified to safely perform all essential

functions of the position and if it will be done without undue hardship to the University.