Education Director

Mass Poetry

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Mass Poetry, a nonprofit poetry organization headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, seeks an expert manager and experienced educator with a passion for poetry to serve as its full-time Education Director.

The organization:

Mass Poetry believes that words matter. We support poets and poetry in Massachusetts, help to broaden the audience of poetry readers, bring poetry to readers of all ages, and transform people’s lives through inspiring verse. From hosting the Massachusetts Poetry Festival to delivering poets into schools for residencies and workshops across the Commonwealth, Mass Poetry reaches thousands of people, young and old, with our innovative poetry programs.

In Spring 2020, Mass Poetry will become a key partner and an anchor tenant at the new Narrative Arts Center, 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.

Responsibilities

The Education Director will report to Mass Poetry’s Executive Director and work primarily from our shared office space, headquartered in the Midway Artists Building in Fort Point, Boston. In-state traveling is required. Owning a car or having regular access to a car is desired.

  • Oversee all Mass Poetry programming to ensure quality and effectiveness;

  • Set annual program goals with staff and track and evaluate progress toward these goals;

  • Build robust partnerships with middle and high schools across the state, along with other cultural and academic institutions;

  • Train, vet, and manage relationships with poet educators who deliver workshops and classes;

  • Develop new curricula and programming to be carried out at the Narrative Arts Center and elsewhere;

  • Evaluate program effectiveness and use survey data to enhance programming;

  • Maintain and engage contact with Mass Poetry’s regional representatives;

  • Manage public art projects and installations from Raining Poetry to Poetry on the T and others;

  • Hire and manage program staff 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;

  • Write original written content for our website, social media, newsletters, and more;

  • Work alongside the executive director as a thought partner and collaborator.

Requirements
  • 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;

  • Experience managing staff, interns, and volunteers;

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills;

  • Superior organizational skills and strong computer skills;

  • Experience editing and publishing writing;

  • A strong design sense and ability to manage public art projects involving poetry;

  • Enthusiastic belief in Mass Poetry’s mission and programs.

How to Apply

Interested parties should apply with a resume, cover letter, 1-page professional writing sample, and three references at masspoetry.org/educationdirector. The application deadline is July 31, 2019. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

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Posted on May 30