Mass Poetry, a nonprofit arts organization headquartered in Boston, MA, seeks an expert manager and experienced educator with a passion for poetry to serve as its full-time Program Director.
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 pioneering 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. In addition, we are an equal opportunity employer committed to being a multicultural organization. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
General Expectations:
The Program Director will report to Mass Poetry’s executive director and work at our 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.
Interested parties upload a resume, cover letter, 1-page professional writing sample, and three references at http://www.masspoetry.org/programdirector. 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.