Assistant Director of Creative Writing

University of Virginia•Charlottesville, VA

7d•$70,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of English in the College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Virginia seeks an Assistant Director of Creative Writing to serve as the program’s main administrator and operational center of a lively, close-knit community. The Assistant Director supports both graduate and undergraduate programs, communicates deadlines and policies, manages challenges as they arise, and seeks opportunities for continuous improvement, ensuring all programs are delivered with exceptional student experience. The Assistant Director also serves as both the Director of Graduate Admissions and Director of Graduate Studies for Creative Writing, overseeing the MFA application process, guiding MFA students through their curriculum, troubleshooting as needed, and interfacing with the Graduate School on matters of curricular planning and policy. The Assistant director may supervise staff dependent on departmental need. This role is for you if you want to join a cohesive community and support an elite program because you believe wholeheartedly in the academic mission – teaching and learning. You are a go-getter, someone who gets things done by taking initiative and owning their responsibilities. You recognize that an exceptional student experience is the heartbeat of a great academic program and you take pride in your work.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
2+ years of experience in higher education.
Deep familiarity with creative writing as a discipline
Experience in higher education administration, with demonstrated leadership of academic programs at the graduate and/or undergraduate level
The ability to work well with faculty and students
Direct experience supporting graduate students through advising, admissions, onboarding, and milestone progression
A student-centered orientation that extends across program types and levels — from undergraduate writing courses to MFA
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

teaching experience a genuine plus
MFA or MA degree
5 years of relevant experience
Experience working in a Creative Writing academic department
Experience managing undergraduate and/or graduate programs.

Responsibilities

Oversee student services functions including onboarding, orientation, advising support, registration coordination, and milestone progression.
Partner with faculty and staff leadership in curricular planning, course scheduling, to monitor student performance, engagement, and well-being, addressing concerns proactively and holistically.
Manage daily program operations, including being central point of contact for students and faculty.
Oversee pathway through MFA, including orienting incoming students, providing regular instructional support to graduate student instructors, and coordinating MFA thesis process.
Manage MFA teaching assignments and undergraduate course offerings.
Provide operational continuity in the program, including maintaining knowledge of university policies and procedures.
Manage and track program expenditures and fund usage, in collaboration with Department Finance and Administration Manager.
Maintain the data infrastructure that supports the program’s operations and external identity.
Contribute to program strategy and long-term planning.