Summary
Mass Poetry, a nonprofit arts organization with its headquarters in Boston, works to connect poets to the public and bring poetry into every day lives. It is looking for a manager and experienced educator with a passion for poetry, to oversee all of its programs with a special emphasis on building out poetry residencies in partner schools and rolling out programming at its new Center for Creative Writing.
Deadline
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until July 15, 2021.
Mass Poetry is committed to being an inclusive and multicultural organization. We encourage those who belong to communities that are underrepresented in arts administration spaces such as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color), LGBTQIA+ people, people with disabilities, and more to apply. Thank you for helping us get the word out!
About Mass Poetry
Mass Poetry ‘envisions a world where poetry catalyzes understanding & connection. From hosting the Massachusetts Poetry Festival to delivering poets into schools for residencies and workshops across the Commonwealth, our innovative programs spark dialogue, connection, and self-expression. We envision a vibrant, inclusive community that lifts all voices.’ Mass Poetry reaches thousands of people, young and old, with our innovative poetry programs.
In 2021, Mass Poetry will become an arts-partner-in-residence at the new Center for Creative Writing, founded by GrubStreet at 50 Liberty in Boston’s Seaport District. This initiative will transform 13,000-square feet of retail space into a bookstore, literary stage, workshop space, podcasting studio, and a literary hub for all voices.
Mass Poetry serves as a founding member organization of the Poetry Coalition–a national network of more than three-dozen poetry organizations–spearheaded by the American Academy of Poets.
Job Details
The Program Director will report to Mass Poetry’s executive director and work at its shared office space, headquartered in Boston’s Seaport. In-state traveling is required. Owning a car or having regular access to a car is desired. A flexible schedule with remote work is possible, though applicants will need to live within commuting distance of Boston.
Primary responsibilities:
- Oversee all Mass Poetry programming to ensure quality and effectiveness;
- Set annual program goals with staff and track and evaluate progress toward goals;
- Build and maintain robust partnerships with community and school collaborators across the state;
- Train, vet, and manage relationships with poet educators who deliver workshops and classes;
- Develop and coordinate new programming to be carried out at the Center for Creative Writing and elsewhere;
- Evaluate program effectiveness and use survey data to support grant writing and enhance programming;
- Maintain and engage contact with Mass Poetry’s regional representatives;
- Manage literary collaborations including partnerships with the Poetry Coalition, Boston Book Festival, and other cultural collaboration projects;
- Manage occasional public art projects and installations from Raining Poetry to Poetry on the T and others;
- Hire and manage program staff members, service members, and interns;
- Manage and grow the organization’s volunteer corps;
- Support Mass Poetry events including Evening of Inspired Leaders, the Massachusetts Poetry Festival, and others;
- Oversee the creation of original written content for our website, social media, newsletters, and more;
- Develop programming logic models, facilitate regular strategic plan check-in meetings with staff, and track and evaluate progress toward these goals through periodic reports;
- Work alongside the executive director as a thought partner and collaborator;
- Administrative support of the Executive Director as needed.
The ideal candidate possesses:
- A Bachelor’s degree and perhaps a graduate degree in creative writing, education, or literature;
- A passion for poetry and contemporary literary culture;
- 5+ years experience in arts administration or a related field;
- Minimum of 3 years of experience teaching poetry to school-age students in an urban setting & familiarity with partnering with large school districts;
- Experience managing staff, interns, and volunteers;
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
- Superior organizational skills and strong computer skills;
- Strong project management skills.
- Experience with data collection and database maintenance is a plus.
- At least one year of strategic planning implementation and/or program assessment experience.
- Experience editing and publishing writing;
- Enthusiastic belief in Mass Poetry’s mission and programs.
Compensation & benefits:
- Salary range of $45,000 – $50,000.
- Health insurance.
- 15 days vacation & 5 days of paid sick leave per year.
Apply
- Interested parties should upload a resume, cover letter, 1-page professional writing sample, and three references on this application form.
- The application deadline is July 15, 2021.
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, so applicants are encouraged to apply early.
Contact Information
15 Channel Center Street, Suite 103
Boston
MA
02210
Contact Phone:
(617) 402-0812
Author: Team VoW
Valley of Writers provides resources, tools, ideas and training for new writers. We work with a writers and contributors based around the world. Our primary focus is to equip new writers with skills to help them reach new audiences and achieve their goals.
