Writing and Learning Strategist

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. Mount Royal has carved out a distinct niche by offering smaller class sizes, a robust liberal education and unique undergraduate programs. Currently, more than 15,000 credit students choose from 13 bachelor degrees and 36 majors.

Mount Royal University is located in the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of the Treaty 7 region in southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut'ina and the Iyarhe Nakoda. We are situated on land where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. The traditional Blackfoot name of this place is "Mohkinstsis," which we now call the city of Calgary. The city of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation.

Mount Royal University is committed to removing barriers and fostering the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented or discouraged in our society. In support of our belief that diversity in our faculty and staff enriches the work, learning and research experiences for the entire campus community, we strongly encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply and self-identify. 

Student Learning Services (SLS) offers a wide range of programs and services to facilitate positive development in students’ academic practices, fostering success at university and growth as life-long learners. The two SLS service teams, Writing and Learning Services and the Peer Learning Program, provide learning support experiences to enhance the academic performance and retention of undergraduate students in all programs and all years of study.  

The Writing and Learning Strategist (WLS) is responsible for the development, coordination, and delivery of a variety of programs and services for students, both in person and online. A priority of this role is to work with students individually and in group settings to facilitate the development of learning, writing, referencing, group projects, and presentation skills that lead to academic success for MRU students in any year and any academic program.
This position is highly student-facing, with a focus on ensuring the success and satisfaction of students for the best possible student experience. The WLS team develops and delivers programs and services to ensure students possess the tools needed to take charge of their learning and thrive. The WLS works cooperatively as a team member, actively participating in and contributing to the development and implementation of learning programs and initiatives to achieve department goals.

The incumbent needs to effectively coordinate with multiple stakeholders across campus in a busy environment with shifting priorities. This multifaceted role reports to the Supervisor for the Writing and Learning Strategist team. It is a permanent, full-time, primarily on-campus staff position working 35 hours per week; occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

Service Development and Delivery:

• Provide individual and group instruction on learning strategies, writing, referencing (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago), group work, presentations, and other academic tasks.
• Help students identify and maximize their strengths and strategize for challenges with effective learning, critical thinking, assignment planning and development, communication skills, and time management.
• Collaborate with faculty to enhance course learning outcomes by integrating skill development, with appropriate scaffolding and timing throughout academic programs. 
• Design, deliver and promote workshops, asynchronous materials, and print and online resources for use in the classroom and across the institution.
• Provide workshops and materials for faculty and staff to support their work with student learning. 
• Implement assessment of learning outcomes in all activities and program offerings.
• Contribute to WLS team and SLS department meetings, support team reporting, and participate in strategic planning and promotion of services.

Relationship Building to Support Students’ Success:

• Exercise confidentiality, tact, empathy, and inclusivity while working with students on their  learning goals, strengths, and challenges.
• Contribute to a dynamic SLS team culture of strategic thinking, creativity, relationships, and collaboration.
• Build partnerships with MRU academic programs and faculty to develop services that meet learners’ needs.
• Collaborate year-round with other MRU student service departments to design and deliver joint programming to remove barriers and provide multiple pathways for support.

Assessment, Evaluation, and Improvement:

• Develop outcomes and measures for WLS services, conduct evaluations, and make  improvements based on evidence.
• Stay current with scholarly research, issues, trends, theories, and methodologies related to student learning, study skills, writing, post-secondary transition, and retention.

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
• 3-5 years of experience with adult learners in a post-secondary academic setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in consulting with students about learning, writing, and performance strategies.
• Understanding of current issues impacting the transition to university, adult learning theories, and writing and study skills appropriate for university students, with experience in effectively implementing this knowledge.
• Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and academic strengths, including Indigenous students, students with disabilities, mature students, and international students.
• Well-developed facilitation skills for workshops, events, and training, both in-person and online.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with students, staff, faculty, and campus partners.
• Experience developing and delivering post-secondary writing and learning instructional materials.
• Some exposure to scaffolding writing and learning strategies into course curriculum.
• Competency in using learning outcomes, assessment cycles, and methodologies.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, collaborate in a team environment, and follow direction as needed.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and excellent time management to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Google Suite (Drive, Docs, Forms, Sheets, Slides).
• Having some experience with undergraduate research projects (methodology, research planning, statistics, and data analysis) and/or facilitating the learning of/writing about STEM-related content would be an asset. 

Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post-secondary institutions. 

At Mount Royal University, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person, and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace. Mount Royal University offers a competitive total compensation package including health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre. 

Our campus offers the convenience of a full medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, climbing, aquatics, sports and certifications for students, employees and the public. 

Salary:                 $71,196 - 90,095  per annum (starting at the low to mid point range)
Closing Date:     June 10, 2024

A cover letter and resume should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [Document Title].pdf (ex. Smith, 999999, CV.pdf).

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and others currently eligible to work in Canada will be given priority. Recent Mount Royal graduates who are foreign nationals may be eligible to work on campus.  Please refer to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website under Post-Graduation Employment at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/index.asp .