MFA Program & Communications Coordinator

   

MFA Program & Communications Coordinator

About the Department of Literatures in English

Cornell University’s Department of Literatures in English has a long history of critical and creative ventures. Widely known for scholarly excellence, the department is also home to prize-winning poets and fiction writers. The department has 40+ professorial faculty, two senior lecturers, 80+ graduate students, as well as postdoctoral fellows and distinguished visiting faculty. The graduate program offers a PhD in literature and an MFA degree in fiction or poetry. The department offers over 300 courses during the academic year, with an enrollment of over 5,000 students from across the university.

The Opportunity

As the MFA Program & Communications Coordinator, you will provide comprehensive administrative support for the department’s MFA graduate program serving as the main point of contact for MFA students and MFA lecturers. In this role, you will help organize and promote creative writing programming and events.

Responsibilities:

• Liaise with department leadership and Graduate School staff to address student issues/concerns and advocate for the needs of MFA students.
• Attend Graduate School meetings and stay informed of policy changes to ensure departmental compliance and advise department leadership accordingly.
• Coordinate MFA admissions, maintain MFA student records, guide MFA students through the programs, and update department webpages.
• Assist in event support for department-sponsored events, including the Creative Writing Program’s Zalaznick Reading Series.
• Coordinate event publicity, including designing and distributing promotional materials, managing social media, and writing press releases.
• Manage logistics for MFA student-centered events, such as workshops with visiting writers and student readings.
• Provide backup for office management tasks and participate in the annual commencement event.

This is a full-time (39 hours/week) endowed position that is based in Ithaca, NY. This position follows a 4:1 campus-to-home hybrid work arrangement after completion of a 90-day probationary period. Typical work hours are 8:30am-5pm Monday through Friday with occassional weekend and evening hours to support events.   

What We Need

We are looking for a team member who is a good communicator, has attention to detail, and is sensitive to cultural differences. Additionally, you will: 

• Have completed formal training beyond a HS diploma of 1 to 2 years; 2 years college coursework, or associate’s degree; more than 4 years but less than 6 years relevant professional experience or equivalent combination.
• Have experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Work directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

• Serve as an advocate for individuals of all ethnicities, genders, ages, and backgrounds.
• Cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Utilize excellent interpersonal and communication skills; demonstrate a strong writing ability.
• Independently and effectively handle multiple projects with overlapping deadlines.
• Be proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel and be familiar with database management.
• Demonstrate attention to detail, especially regarding accuracy in data entry and recordkeeping.

If you possess these experiences and skills this may be the role for you! There are a few other qualifications that we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, to include: 

• Graphic design skills and experience and proficiency in Adobe InDesign and Photoshop.
• An appreciation for and understanding of the field of creative writing.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

A cover letter and resume are required for further consideration for this position.

Rewards and Benefits

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role
  remotely 1 day per week and on-campus 4 days per week. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time.
• This position is based in Ithaca, New York. Employees who work remotely may receive
  multiple W-2 Forms depending on their work location. The New York Convenience of employer guidelines require New York State individual tax reporting and withholding for this position. Additional individual state income tax filings may also be required if working temporarily outside of New York State.
• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: https://hr.cornell.edu/benefits-pay .
• Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: https://hr.cornell.edu/jobs/your-total-rewards .
• Our leave provisions include three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1.
• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

   

Familiarize yourself with Cornell's COVID-19 workplace guidance as well as the university's COVID-19 services and information .

  

University Job Title:

Student Services Asst IV

Job Family:

Student Services

Level:

D

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Pay Range:

$23.50 - $27.67

Remote Option Availability:

Hybrid Remote

Company:

Endowed

Contact Name:

Jamie Doss

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)

To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator .

Union Positions

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Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

2024-03-06