Graduate Writing Coach (Contract)

JOB TITLE: Graduate Writing Coach (Part-time, hourly, contract)

REPORTS TO: Manager of Academic Support Center

  • Compensation Range: $30-$40/hour
  • Application Deadline: Friday, August 14, 2026
  • Contract Start: This contract position may begin by September 2026

PURPOSE:
The Graduate Writing Coach/Tutor provides one-on-one and small-group academic writing support for graduate students enrolled in LPTS Masters and Doctoral programs. The ideal candidate will have meaningful experience with graduate-level academic and research writing, as well as expertise in major citation styles including MLA, APA, and Chicago.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide individualized coaching and feedback on academic and research writing for graduate students.
  • Assist students with thesis/dissertation writing, literature reviews, and other scholarly projects.
  • Support mastery of citation styles (MLA, APA, Chicago) and best practices for avoiding plagiarism.
  • Facilitate writing workshops or small-group sessions as needed.
  • Collaborate with Academic Support Center staff to align writing support with institutional learning goals.
  • Maintain records of student sessions and progress.
  • Communicate effectively and professionally with graduate students from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Academic background (minimum Bachelors) in English, Education, Rhetoric and Composition, or a related field.
  • Significant experience as a writing tutor, coach, or instructor in higher education (esp. Master's & Doctoral support).
  • Demonstrated proficiency in academic and research writing, with deep understanding of graduate-level (Master's & Doctoral) academic standards.
  • Expertise in MLA, APA, and Chicago style manuals.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

  • Understanding of theological education, seminary formation, ministry preparation, church leadership, or faith-based higher education environments.
  • Experience supporting both in-person and online learners.
  • Knowledge of graduate-level academic writing expectations, including structure, argument development, analysis, synthesis, and audience awareness.

Skills

  • Skill in providing individualized, constructive, and actionable writing feedback that supports student learning and independence.
  • Skill in coaching students through complex writing challenges, including organization, clarity, argument development, transitions, tone, grammar patterns, and revision planning.
  • Skill in facilitating productive writing conversations, asking effective questions, and helping students identify next steps.
  • Skill in communicating clearly, professionally, and respectfully with students, faculty, staff, and program representatives.
  • Skill in using technology to conduct virtual coaching sessions, review documents, manage scheduling, and maintain required records.

Abilities

  • Ability to adapt coaching approaches to different disciplines, writing stages, student goals, and levels of writing confidence.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle student writing, records, and communications with discretion.
  • Ability to recognize when a student may need additional academic, accessibility, advising, or institutional support and refer the student appropriately according to program procedures.

Working Conditions

  • Regular office or remote work (as assigned) with frequent computer, phone, video conferencing, and CRM use.
  • Must be able to communicate clearly, represent the institution professionally, and maintain confidentiality of student and institutional information.

Application Requirements:

  • Professional résumé or CV
  • Cover letter describing relevant writing coach/tutor experience and your approach to writing support of students in higher education
  • Two references from previous clients or supervisors familiar with your tutoring or teaching work

Submit application materials via email to Alex Thomas (Vice President of Enrollment & Student Success - athomas@lpts.edu) by close of business Monday, August 17, 2026.

Pre-Employment Conditions:

A background screening is required.

About Louisville Seminary:

  • Founded in 1853, Louisville Seminary offers an inclusive and diverse learning community, welcoming students from wide ecumenical backgrounds while maintaining its long, historic commitment to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). Louisville Seminary is led by the Holy Spirit to educate people to proclaim the Gospel, to care for all, and to work for justice in communities everywhere. It is distinguished by its nationally recognized marriage and family therapy and field education programs, the scholarship and church service among its faculty and a commitment to training individuals to participate in the continuing ministry of Jesus Christ. For more information, call (800) 264-1839 or visit lpts.edu.
  • Louisville Seminary is committed to providing our employees an environment that is inspiring, creative and respectful. Louisville Seminary is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, age, creed, sexual orientation or any other protected class.