Why Join California State University Channel Islands?
California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) is more than a public university—it is a thriving hub of innovation, equity, and student‑centered learning located in beautiful Ventura County. Since opening its doors in 2002, CSUCI has earned national recognition, ranking 12th among “Top Public Universities in the West” (U.S. News & World Report) and being celebrated by Money Magazine as one of the nation’s most transformative colleges. With a student body of over 5,600 undergraduates and graduates, a majority of whom are first‑generation, Pell‑eligible, or identify as Latinx, the campus is committed to creating pathways for success for historically under‑represented groups.
At CSUCI, the Writing & Multiliteracy Center (WMC) sits at the heart of the university’s mission to nurture critical inquiry across disciplines. The WMC delivers more than 5,000 tutoring sessions each year, hosts dynamic workshops on data visualization, storytelling, and multimodal communication, and maintains state‑of‑the‑art HyFlex classrooms and a multimedia studio. As a partner in this vibrant ecosystem, you will help shape the future of STEM communication, empower students to become confident writers and visual storytellers, and contribute to a culture of inclusive excellence.
Position Overview
The STEM Writing Initiative Activity Support Lead is a federally funded, part‑time faculty role (up to ten hours per week) that supports the Writing & Multiliteracy Center’s STEM Writing Initiative (WI). Reporting to the Faculty Director of the WMC and the STEM WI Activity Lead, you will collaborate with faculty, tutors, and students to design, deliver, and assess STEM‑focused writing and communication programs. This position is remote, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within California while staying closely connected to the CSUCI community.
Key Responsibilities
- Faculty Outreach & Engagement: Promote the STEM WI Mini‑Grant, coordinate informational sessions, and serve as a liaison between the WMC and STEM faculty to foster collaborative writing projects.
- Workshop Development & Delivery: Design and facilitate learning‑skills workshops, tutor training sessions, and faculty development modules that address writing challenges specific to scientific, technical, and data‑driven disciplines.
- Curriculum Support: Assist faculty in integrating writing and multimodal communication components into STEM courses, including syllabus design, assignment scaffolding, and assessment rubrics.
- Program Assessment & Reporting: Generate data‑driven assessment reports on the STEM WI, analyze outcomes, and provide actionable recommendations to senior leadership.
- Community Building: Contribute to WMC events such as the annual Plot‑a‑Thon Data Visualization Festival, Open Mics, and Writing Boot Camps, ensuring STEM perspectives are represented.
- Mentoring & Support: Offer personalized guidance to student tutors, embedded multiliteracy tutors, and student assistants, with a focus on culturally responsive pedagogy.
- Grant Management Assistance: Support the stewardship of federal grant funds, track deliverables, and help prepare documentation for renewal cycles.
Essential Qualifications
- Academic Credentials: Master's degree in a STEM discipline (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Computer Science) with documented experience teaching writing, or a Master’s in English, Rhetoric, or a related field with extensive experience in teaching STEM or technical writing.
- Teaching Experience: Proven record of teaching at the college or university level, preferably within writing‑center or multimodal communication contexts.
- Collaboration Skills: Ability to work effectively with faculty across a range of STEM departments, building trust and fostering interdisciplinary partnerships.
- Communication Excellence: Strong written and oral communication skills, with the capacity to convey complex technical ideas to diverse audiences.
- Flexibility & Creativity: Demonstrated problem‑solving abilities, self‑starter attitude, and willingness to experiment with new instructional technologies.
- Cross‑Cultural Competence: Experience interacting with students and staff from varied socioeconomic, cultural, and academic backgrounds, with a commitment to equity and inclusion.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with federal grant‑funded educational initiatives, especially those focused on STEM equity.
- Familiarity with multimodal and digital composition tools (e.g., video editing, data‑visualization software, learning management systems).
- Background in curriculum design for STEM writing or technical communication courses.
- Professional experience in science communication, public outreach, or industry‑academic partnerships.
- Evidence of scholarship or presentations related to writing instruction, multimodal pedagogy, or STEM education.
Core Skills & Competencies
- Instructional Design: Ability to create engaging, evidence‑based learning experiences that align with course objectives and accreditation standards.
- Data Literacy: Comfort interpreting assessment data, visualizing outcomes, and translating findings into actionable improvement plans.
- Technology Savvy: Proficiency with virtual tutoring platforms, HyFlex classroom technologies, and multimedia production tools.
- Interpersonal Acumen: Skilled at building rapport with students, faculty, and administrators, while navigating diverse perspectives.
- Project Management: Capacity to manage multiple concurrent initiatives, meet deadlines, and maintain clear documentation.
- Equity‑Focused Pedagogy: Commitment to culturally responsive teaching practices that empower minoritized students, especially Latinx, Black/African American, Asian/Asian American, Pacific Islander, and American Indian learners.
Career Growth & Professional Development
CSUCI values the continuous growth of its faculty. As a STEM WI Activity Support Lead, you will have access to a range of professional development opportunities, including:
- Mentorship from senior faculty members and the Faculty Director of the WMC.
- Funding for conference attendance, scholarly publications, and presentation of your work at national forums.
- Opportunities to expand your role into full‑time faculty positions or additional grant‑managed projects based on performance and institutional needs.
- Workshops on emerging technologies, multimodal composition, and inclusive teaching strategies.
- Collaborative research initiatives with the WMC’s Embedded Multiliteracy Tutor program, fostering interdisciplinary scholarship.
Work Environment & Culture
The Writing & Multiliteracy Center is renowned for its collaborative, innovative, and inclusive atmosphere. As a remote faculty member, you will still be an integral part of this community through:
- Weekly virtual team meetings that prioritize shared decision‑making.
- Access to the WMC’s HyFlex classroom and multimedia studio for occasional in‑person events (travel reimbursed).
- Regular social‑learning events, such as virtual coffee chats, faculty “lunch‑and‑learns,” and peer‑review circles.
- A culture that celebrates diversity, with active initiatives to support first‑generation and under‑represented students.
- Clear expectations around work‑life balance, with a part‑time schedule that respects personal commitments.
Compensation, Benefits, & Perks
CSUCI offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, aligned with the California State University Student Services Professional Salary Schedule. In addition to base pay, faculty enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that typically includes:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Retirement plans (CalSTRS or CalPERS) with employer contributions.
- Paid leaves for holidays, vacation, and personal days.
- Professional development funds and tuition remission for graduate coursework.
- Access to university wellness programs, counseling services, and employee assistance resources.
- Eligibility for merit‑based salary increments and annual performance reviews.
Application Process
To be considered, please prepare the following documents:
- Letter of Application: A concise statement outlining your interest in the role, your relevant experience, and how you will contribute to the STEM Writing Initiative.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing your academic credentials, teaching experience, publications, and any grant work.
- Statement on Mentoring Minoritized Students: Describe past experiences supporting Latinx, Black/African American, Asian/Asian American/Pacific Islander, and American Indian learners.
- Teaching Philosophy: Articulate your approach to engaging students, with particular attention to inclusive practices in STEM communication.
All materials should be uploaded through the CSUCI Careers portal (link provided below). Applications will be screened two weeks after posting, with priority given to candidates who meet the deadline. The search will remain open until the position is filled.
Important Reminders
- Evidence of your degree(s) must be provided at the time of hire.
- If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must possess valid work authorization.
- The position may require a background check and compliance with California’s mandated reporter statutes.
- Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities; please contact Faculty Affairs for assistance.
Join Us in Shaping the Future of STEM Communication
CSUCI is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a workplace free from discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. We invite innovators, educators, and change‑makers who are passionate about equity, multimodal writing, and STEM to apply.
Ready to make a lasting impact? Submit your application today and become a catalyst for student success, faculty collaboration, and institutional excellence.
Apply Now
Visit the CSUCI Careers portal and upload your materials to begin the hiring journey.
Apply Now