The MFA Program Coordinator is a part-time position (25 hours per week) that assists in the essential management and administration of Stetson’s MFA of the Americas graduate program in creative writing, including helping to coordinate and facilitate two 9-day residencies every year and one international trip.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Residency Planning and Logistics: Work closely with the MFA Director to coordinate two annual residencies and attend entire residency to help ensure quality and mission (75%)
  • Coordinate annual MFA planning calendar and schedule
  • Coordinate with Stetson WORLD, host country vendor, and MFA Director as part of planning one international trip per year
  • Create Canvas course for each residency
  • Compile pre- and residency and trip materials, such as Encounter List, Sample Workshop Descriptions (for guests), Graduation program, etc.
  • Ensure all faculty, students, and guests complete pre-residency and trip forms, such as waivers, student bio welcome sheet, and dietary survey
  • Gather guest, faculty, and student bios and photos for pre-residency and trip packets
  • Ensure all faculty and students receive arrival information, checklist, etc.
  • Work with graduating students to coordinate craft talks and final performances; coordinate special tech requests, etc.
  • Work with MFA Director, ACA staff/Stetson University, and vendors to secure venues, accommodations, and appropriate tech for residencies
  • Organize transportation schedule for residencies and trips; coordinate guest/faculty airport transfers; as well as coordinate and reimburse for guests/faculty travel arrangements
  • Coordinate guest welcome tours of facilities; connect guests with Tech Support for rehearsals, etc. (ACA)
  • Work with MFA Director to respond to student, guest, and faculty concerns during the residencies and trip, as needed
  • Provide additional support and assistance as needed
• Student Communications, Advising, and Resources: Ensure timely and thorough communications with students about course and residency preparation, final project process and deadlines, student opportunities, and more (12%)
  • Compile, edit, source articles for, and circulate a bi-monthly MFA newsletter with profiles, program announcements, articles, and news
  • Create and build MFA community by building/maintaining MFAotA social media accounts including Facebook and Instagram; add students and faculty to FB Group, MFAotA list-serve, Whats’App, etc.
  • Maintain current listings in MFA program databases (e.g. Poets & Writers; AWP)
  • Coordinate Thesis calendar; communicate process, gather and distribute proposals, faculty feedback, and more
  • Maintain MFA resource library of sample project proposals, encounter lists, final bibliographies, and final project manuscripts
  • Work with the Director to create and maintain the Student Handbook
  • Works across university offices to ensure student access to resources, including library, galleries, language labs, counseling, and more
  • Serve as point person for alumni network, performing outreach and notifying of upcoming international trips and local performances and events
• Faculty Communications and Review: Work with MFA Program Director to communicate with faculty about program expectations, students, and resources (5%) 
  • Issue Instructional Memos for faculty, outlining teaching expectations, packet dates, travel information and more
  • Issue course and student information to faculty; provides sample syllabi, individual learning goal template, etc.
  • Work with Graduate Office to ensure faculty profiles on Stetson site
  • Work with the Director and Graduate Office to create and maintain MFAotA Program Handbook, available as faculty resource
• Calendars and Contracts: (3%)
  • Work with MFA Program Director and Graduate Offices to create MFA administrative and academic calendar
  • Work with English department administrative assistant to ensure timely submission of guest/IC contracts to finance
• Outreach and other communications: Work with MFA Program Director, MFA Publishing Coordinator and across campus to advocate and publicly represent the program (5%)
  • Ensure MFA website and MFA Experience website are updated and current
  • Maintain MFAotA social media accounts, including creating social media announcements for events open to the public
  • Research and compose possible grant applications
  • Coordinate outreach events and programming, as appropriate;
  • Represent program at annual AWP conference, and other events as appropriate

Required Skills

• Strong administrative skills, organizational ability, attention to detail, and interpersonal skills
• Advanced technological proficiency required, including Microsoft Office programs, with proficiency in Adobe Design programs preferred
• Ability to work with a diverse population independently and effectively with confidential information
• Broad knowledge of the University environment
• Interest in arts and literature, especially the intersection of writing and other media preferred
• Support the University’s Mission and Values in their role

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or (5) five years of related experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience; MFA preferred
• Desire to join a distinct university community committed to inclusive excellence, kindness, and collaboration, as it seeks to move Forward Together in making our community and world a better place

 Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record as determined by the University’s auto insurance carrier.

Salary Grade:  5