Graduate Academic Support Specialist

Please note: This is a fixed-term contract set to conclude in September of 2027.

About the Role: 

Reporting to the Manger, Graduate Student Success, the incumbent will work to provide graduate students with personalized academic support, help with the development of new programming related to academic success and work with other units on campus to advocate for the needs of graduate students. The Graduate Academic Support Specialist will work to provide academic writing and editing support through one-on-one coaching sessions on topics such as thesis writing, scientific writing, abstracts, proposals, lab reports, literature reviews, references, citations and proofreading. The incumbent will also deliver workshops to small groups and through in-class presentations at the request of Graduate Programs.  

The Graduate Academic Support Specialist will:  

• Oversee the creation of graduate student resources, including the design of workshops, learning communities, and student events;   

• Lead the development and execution of annual writing retreats for graduate students in collaboration with University partners to encourage and develop both creative and academic writing skills;  

• Work with University Partners (Brock International, ESL) to create supports and resources to guide international students through a smooth transition in and throughout their graduate studies;  

• Develop a set of resources (infographics) to help guide graduate students through academic writing (i.e., citations, references, abstracts etc.); 

• Determine barriers, distractions, and complications affecting a student's academic success, and make appropriate referrals;  

• Coach and advise students one on one or in a group environment to offer writing support to a variety of audiences; 

• Help support students in the creation of data visualisation to help with the development of posters and reports for conferences, presentations and events; 

• Help identify and provide support for students who are a risk for probation and/or poor academic performance; 

• Create resources, workshops, and events in collaboration with University Partners (i.e., Faculty of Education/Centre Pedagogical Innovation/Learning Services/Brock International, etc.);  

• Liaise with Graduate Program Directors and Associate Dean’s – Graduate Studies, to identify areas for improvement in academic writing; 

• Contribute information and expertise to the team and keep up to date on relevant current trends and developments with colleagues at other Canadian Universities, professional organizations and government departments and agencies.  

Key Skills and Experience: 

• Masters degree (Phd preferred) in an appropriate discipline (such as Applied Linguistics, Communication, English, Education, Writing); 

• Experience teaching writing one-on-one or teaching university courses with a writing component preferred;  

• Experience teaching and/or advising international students, and students from other under-represented and marginalized groups;  

• Advanced understanding of graduate student writing and language supports, including grammar and style, argument and organization;  

• Knowledge of theories, principles, trends and best practices in development and delivery of academic writing programming, including in-depth knowledge of adult learning practices;  

• Expertise in delivering various approaches to meet students' learning needs and skill levels;   

• Strong customer service skills to effectively deal with external partners and internal stakeholders at all levels of the organization;  

• Well-developed public speaking and presentation skills;  

• Skilled in project planning, with the ability to develop and manage multiple, simultaneous initiatives;  

• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of products/Adobe/WordPress and other web applications;  

• Sound understanding of confidentiality and privacy requirements.   

• Ability to provide effective support to students, making appropriate recommendations, and follow up with students;   

Preferred or Asset Skills:  

• Previous experience working in a Post-secondary institution;  

• Previous experience with graduate student language and writing supports;   

• Previous experience in a writing center and training and experience in second-language instruction at the University level;  

• TESL Certification or equivalent work experience; 

• Experience studying or teaching science. 

Salary and Total Rewards:  

• Job Grade K, Salary Scale ($61,286-$99,384); 

• Target Hiring Salary: $61,286 

• This is a fixed-term contract that includes:   

• Health & Dental Benefits: Comprehensive extended health, dental, and vision coverage. 

• Pension Plan: Enrollment eligibility in the Brock University Pension Plan. 

• Vacation: Up to 3 weeks per year, in addition to university holidays. 

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid work schedule available.  

​*The final salary is based on experience, internal equity, and budget considerations within the target hiring range. 

We are committed to offering flexible work arrangements where possible as outlined in our Flexible Work Arrangement Policy. As a student-centered organization, all employees are required to work on campus as needed.

Brock University is committed to creating a respectful and equitable workplace. We strive to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion in our work and learning environments. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and actively encourage applications from women, people with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Indigenous Peoples, people who identify as Black, African and/or Caribbean, as racialized and/or as from ethnic and cultural minority groups, and other underrepresented demographic groups at Brock and in the Niagara region. Brock also recognizes intersectionality and the interconnected identities, histories, and experiences of these aforementioned groups.

We are committed to inclusive and barrier-free recruitment, and we accommodate the needs of applicants throughout all stages of the recruitment process, as outlined in our Employment Accommodation Policy and consistent with the requirements of the Ontario Human Rights Code. Please contact talent@brocku.ca  if you require a disability related accommodation so we can ensure your participation needs are met.

Brock University does not use AI Technology at any stage of the recruitment process.

We appreciate all applications received. Candidates that are selected for an interview will be contacted.

Learn more about Brock University by visiting www.brocku.ca.