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Whitworth University

MFA Program Director

Whitworth University, Spokane, Washington, United States, 99254

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Whitworth University is seeking a dynamic Program Director to lead our low-residency MFA in Creative Writing program. In this role, you’ll oversee program operations, cultivate a vibrant creative community, and support students and faculty in an environment that integrates faith and the literary arts. You’ll be supported by a Program Coordinator, ensuring the program runs smoothly while you focus on strategic leadership, faculty mentorship, and student success.

This role carries a

courtesy rank of Assistant Professor

(non-tenure track, no return rights).

To ensure full consideration, submit your application by

April 1, 2025

. Applications will be reviewed starting that week and the position will remain open until filled. Responsibilities

Program Oversight | 25% Recruit, train, and supervise faculty genre mentors and staff Supervise student employees and interns, as needed Ensure appropriate processes for contracts and stipends are implemented Select and invite visiting faculty and visiting staff for residencies (e.g., chaplains, musicians, etc.) Ensure adequate staffing to serve enrolled students Make overall budget decisions in consultation with the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Program Development and Implementation | 25% Ensure appropriate course offerings each semester/session to allow for degree progress for enrolled students Coordinate and deliver The Writer’s Life (2 credit course) during each tutorial/academic semester With the assistance of the program coordinator, manage all aspects of the residencies, including location, preparation, seminars, visiting lectures, and workshops Coordinate the creation of the common readings list for and delivery of Art and Faith (2 credit course) at each residency Recruitment and Admissions | 15% Recruit students through book fairs, conferences, outreach to undergraduate programs, and outreach to creative writing colleagues at other institutions Strategically place ads in appropriate venues Respond to prospective students’ requests for email, phone, or face-to-face conversations Manage the pipeline of incoming students from point of application through admission, including deferrals, as needed. Make admission decisions in collaboration with faculty genre mentors, as appropriate Manage scholarship/funding decisions Student Advising and Retention | 15% Onboard and advise students toward degree completion Create and coordinate alternative course plans for students who take a leave of absence or deviate from traditional graduation plans Liaise on behalf of the MFA program with other student-service departments Prepare and oversee the MFA New Student Orientation for each residency Prepare and oversee MFA graduation for each residency Assessment | 10% Conduct evaluations after each residency, of all instructional staff and of the program as a whole Study and respond to all evaluations to propose opportunities for change and growth to the Dean Perform regular assessment per university and accreditation requirements Marketing and Communication | 10% Maintain and update official handbooks (both the

Student Handbook

and the

Faculty Handbook ) Develop, update, and maintain the program's website, print brochures, and the corresponding section of the graduate catalog Collaborate with Graduate Marketing on the development of marketing strategies targeting developing writers of faith Develop and maintain alumni relations Initiate periodic gatherings at regional and national conferences, engage in online fora, and/or invite alumni participation in residencies. Minimum Qualifications

MFA or PhD in English, Creative Writing, Literature, or related field of study 2-3 years professional experience supervising undergraduate or graduate students 2-3 years higher education classroom teaching experience preferred Experience in public speaking, writing, and editing Experience with student recruitment Passion for the craft of writing, as well as for contemporary creative writing in general, and the intersections of art and faith Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage and coordinate many details A personal commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith and learning. A commitment to the educational mission of Whitworth University as a comprehensive Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. Schedule

Full-time (1.0 FTE) | 12 months This is a 12-month Administrative Faculty position with the courtesy rank of Assistant Professor (non-tenure track, no return rights). Whitworth University is a Christian liberal arts university. Our shared mission is to provide our diverse students with an education of mind and heart, equipping them to honor God, follow Christ, and serve humanity. We seek candidates who are willing to engage with the university’s mission and integrate their Christian faith into their work.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, faith statement, and contact information for at least three professional references. A background check and sexual misconduct check will be required of the successful candidate.

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