Contracted Faculty of Practice (Adjunct): Online MFA Program Chair

Concordia University, St. Paul•St. Paul, MN

2d•$2,000 - $5,000•Remote

About The Position

This is a part-time position where the MFA Program Chair will serve as the administrative leader and coordinator of curriculum and instruction for the department. The role involves facilitating the planning and implementation of department programs, curricula, scheduling, activities, personnel, and budget. Faculty at Concordia University, St. Paul are expected to deliver high-quality instruction, foster intellectual and creative engagement, and support the Christian mission of the university, with a strong focus on student experience. The Program Chair role is online, with potential for synchronous meetings, and the courses are online and asynchronous. The Program Chair role is 2 credits per semester, and courses are 3 credits each.

Requirements

Completion of a graduate degree in English, creative writing, or a related field is required.
Applicants should have at least one book in publication or under contract at the time of employment.

Nice To Haves

Completion of an MFA in Creative Writing is preferred.
Online teaching experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Administration and Management: leading in the development and implementation of mission, vision, goals, and values; building morale; conducting timely evaluation; planning and convening regular meetings; maintaining major documents of the department as required by the university and regulatory bodies; collaborating with the Registrar regarding course offerings and scheduling; ensuring accountability of faculty for additional responsibilities; maintaining continuous quality improvement; participation in meetings as necessary; coordination of accreditation and assessment data; resolving issues to ensure due process; providing orientation to the University for new faculty and staff; ensuring alignment with strategic goals and plans; and fostering an engaging and active learning environment for students.
Curriculum and Instruction Oversight: demonstrating awareness of and receptivity to current educational philosophies; encouraging continued program development and departmental innovation; updating and approving development of department curricula, in consultation with College Dean; coordinating efforts as required by accreditation and regulatory agencies; and maintaining updated files of course syllabi for all currently active courses.
Faculty and Staff Development: assists in the recruitment, development, support, and supervision of departmental faculty and staff; initiating requests for new faculty and serve as chair for search committees; conducting annual performance reviews of faculty and staff under oversight; recruiting, supervising, and evaluating Contracted Faculty of Practice for department; leading faculty development including annual Professional Development Plans in cooperation with College Dean; provide oversight of department partnerships; and promoting alumni relations as appropriate.
Facilitate quality student learning through teaching assigned courses.
Increase student course engagement by providing a positive and regular presence within the course (at least four days per week for online courses) by engaging students through course activities and ongoing availability to provide student support.
Provide substantive and timely feedback on course assessments, following academic unit and university guidelines, within the Learning Management System, typically within five business days of the assessments’ due dates.
Respond to student inquiries typically within 24 hours during business days unless otherwise specified at the college level (48 hours on weekends, with closer monitoring if assignments are due during the weekend or on Monday).
Work collaboratively in a supportive academic environment, partnering with academic advising, career development, and the academic team to ensure each student has the resources they need to succeed.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Follow the university and academic unit’s policies and procedures.