Western Reads director position now open

Position Announcement: Academic Program Director of Western Reads

About the Program: Western Reads is a campus-wide reading program designed to promote intellectual engagement, community and conversation among new students. The program introduces new students to the University’s intellectual communities and conversations, including the variety of perspectives and forms of inquiry provided by the disciplines and the diverse students, faculty and staff that make up the Western experience. Copies of the book are provided free to incoming freshman and transfer students during Summerstart, Transitions, and fall/winter/spring orientations.

Position Responsibilities: Lead the Western Reads Book Selection Committee and develop promotional and pedagogic materials related to Western Reads. These typically include informative bookmarks, suggested discussion questions, and text-specific classroom suggestions. In addition, the Director maintains the Western Read website, supports and promotes the use of the text within courses and programs on campus, and develops programs and opportunities featuring the book, such as campus-wide discussion groups, panel presentations and, when possible, author visits. The Director also assesses the impact of the program and implements assessment-informed program improvements. 

Required Qualifications:
A record of three years of successful teaching at Western. 
Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication.
Demonstrated commitment to the values of diversity, inclusion and equity. 
Ability to build consensus among participants. 
Ability to work across divisions with staff, faculty and students in all colleges. 

Preferred Qualifications: 
A record of participation in collaborative, interdisciplinary efforts. 
Strong rapport with faculty, students and staff across the University. 
A record of involvement with student organizations or clubs. 

Application Process
Faculty who wish to apply should send a letter, describing their interest and qualifications, together with a CV, to Steven.VanderStaay@wwu.edu, by February 5.
Candidates will be interviewed by a search committee advisory to the Provost. 
More information on Western Reads can be found at: https://wp.wwu.edu/westernreads/