Department Chair, Creative Writing

Job Goal:

E xperienced instructor with expertise in teaching multiple genres of creative writing (e.g., poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction) to spe cialty majors in their preparation to pursue careers or further education in creative writing; ability to perform additional departmental administrative duties supervising and coordinating other creative writing faculty.

Reports to:

Vice President of Academic and Specialty Instruction Performance Responsibilities:

Performs departmental administrative duties supervising and coordinating other creative writing faculty. Teaches up to three courses per semester in all areas of the creative writing curriculum in a department with students in grades 7-12. Under administrative oversight, manages departmental budgets. Directs and coordinates creative writing summer camp and a year-long multi-modal (virtual and in-person) extra-curricular creative writing program. Collaborates with faculty, in the creative writing department and elsewhere in the school, for a multi-disciplined, dynamic, student-centered approach to teaching and learning. Understands use of writing and literature pedagogy and assessment practices for young writers. Exhibits positive human relation skills and communicates with parents/guardians, colleagues, and community groups. Exhibits excellent interpersonal skills in communicating with faculty and students Participates in the daily operation of the creative writing department. Manages department and classrooms establishing and maintaining clear expectations, boundaries, and consistent discipline while also providing a nurturing & supportive environment. Demonstrates authoritative management of department classroom environments and learning in such a way that engenders confident, responsible, and successful students with good emotional regulation & social skills Assists students in college advisement and preparation for admittance into summer intensives, colleges and universities, and careers in fields pertinent to writing. Actively recruits students for the program, speaks publicly to various audiences as an ambassador for the school, and is willing to recruit at conferences and events outside of ASFA and/or outside of the city/state. Demonstrates facility working with middle school and high school age students. Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior to achieve a nurturing learning atmosphere. Utilizes and communicates with internal technology such as e-mail, web content/ document management systems, grade reporting, etc. Embraces new and emerging technologies and is willing to become proficient. Works with all other instructors to coordinate students' academic and specialty course loads and requirements. Is a team player and willing to follow a prescribed departmental curriculum while also remaining willing to explore curricular innovations that meet the needs of a changing landscape in the field. Engages in personal professional growth and demonstrates professional ethics and leadership. Attends and provides adult leadership and support for school performances and other school and student functions (e.g. specialty productions, concerts, student retreats, school dances, student council, prom, graduation, audition interviews, etc.)

Qualifications:

Graduate degree (preferably MFA or PhD) in creative writing or related field. Recognized professional practice as a writer, including active publication record and preferably at least one book published or under contract. Experience working with young students of varying skill levels and diverse backgrounds is preferred. Leadership experience in an education setting or arts organization preferred. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the President may find appropriate and acceptable.