Program Manager, MFA in Writing

University of San Francisco

30d•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Manager position is a 20 hours/week part-time role employed by HR Options (HRO), the University of San Francisco’s temporary staffing partner. HRO is a national HR service organization that has been providing employment services for over 35 years. Under the general supervision of the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and Strategic Initiatives, and in coordination with the Program Academic Director, the Program Manager for the MFA in Writing is responsible for managing and supporting the efficient operation of the graduate program. The Program Manager manages recruitment and admissions, seminar and event planning, and academic and student support. This is primarily an in-person position at USF's Hilltop campus in San Francisco. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong interest in writing and a commitment to supporting student success and career development. Experience or background in MFA in Writing areas such as writing, teaching and publishing literature as well as recruitment, admissions and retention in higher education are highly desirable, as is the ability to engage effectively with local literary and cultural organizations and other university arts organizations.

Requirements

A minimum of three years of work experience with educational program administration, or other similar program/project management that includes recruiting and data/operations is required.
Ability to work in fast-paced team-based environments.
Demonstrated cultural competency and experience working with students from a diverse array of backgrounds, including experience working with graduate students.
Ability to spearhead large projects and see them through to completion.
Ability to understand and maintain budgets.
Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
Excellent computer skills (word processing, database systems, graphic design, and web maintenance skills).
Experience with strategic branding, national, and international marketing.
Ability to travel locally to recruitment fairs and to participate in occasional events in the evenings and weekends to service graduate student events.
Strong equity lens, cultural humility, and proven ability to work well in a diverse context.
Understanding and commitment to USF's mission, vision, and values.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree or professional experience in a relevant writing field preferred.
Experience or background in MFA in Writing areas such as writing, teaching and publishing literature as well as recruitment, admissions and retention in higher education are highly desirable.
Ability to engage effectively with local literary and cultural organizations and other university arts organizations.

Responsibilities

Plan, manage and execute the recruitment and admissions process, from prospect to matriculation to graduation, in collaboration with the Program Academic Director. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting prospects in the application process.
Cultivate relationships with prospective students and manage the admissions process from inquiry to registration.
Respond to requests for information from prospective students.
Oversee the program's contact management system.
Coordinate with the Director of Graduate Programs and Program Academic Director on the development of branding strategy and related marketing activities, as well as communications media for digital ads in coordination.
Plan and execute seminars and other public events around recruiting, in coordination with the Program Director and Program Assistant.
Manage and develop the program's communications and publications, targeted for both prospective and current students, as well as a general audience. This includes websites, newsletters and other communications.
Lead student-driven Media & Communications team to develop written and social media content about the MFA in Writing program and related topics.
Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations, community, and research partners and potential employers to facilitate students' professional development.
Maintain communication and engagement with alumni, and management of alumni data.
Organize annual orientation sessions for newly admitted students.
Facilitate and plan the academic advising process in conjunction with the Program Academic Director, and ensure the smooth administration of student registration.
Facilitate student success, including organizing student academic and professional growth events.
Work with the Program Academic Director to coordinate internships and research opportunities, and support students with the hiring process.
Collaborate with departments across campus (Student Enrollment Services, Student Employment, ISSS, SLE, CAPS) to ensure that resources are available and delivered appropriately to graduate students and faculty.
Attend College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Program Directors meetings.
Attend relevant MFA in Writing staff, faculty and community meetings.
Collaborate with the Program Assistant to support students, faculty, and other staff.
Support faculty and the Program Academic Director in administrative tasks around student coursework, forms, waivers, registration and scheduling.
Support the development of partnerships that benefit MFAW students and faculty, including supporting events and communicating with industry and community-based organizations.