Writing Corps designs and delivers intensive writing classes that sit at the nexus of art and literacy to help students find their voice. We seek to address the challenges Harlem Children Zone (HCZ) students face in tackling rigorous texts and composing standards or grade-level aligned writing on their paths to college readiness.
Writing Corps promotes literacy as an essential tool to build the strong critical thinking and writing skills necessary for our students to excel academically and in life. We bring professional writers – poets, playwrights, journalists, authors, and emcees - into program to collaborate with afterschool leadership and teaching artists on curricula that integrates literacy skills with youth development, arts enrichment, and college readiness practices. We aim to help build students’ skills, knowledge, confidence, and the academic behaviors that embrace writing as an empowering mode of analysis and self-awareness.
During the summer, Writing Corps facilitates Project EOS (Educational Opportunities for Success) bringing HCZ students to a college/university to participate in an intensive project-based program that simulates a college seminar so students can build their skills and confidence in themselves as future college students.
We are seeking a dynamic Director to lead the Writing Corps program and a team of Writing and Curriculum Coordinators and Specialists at our after-school sites.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Create writing workshops, showcases, and educational opportunities that encourage academic enrichment
- Develop and implement creative methods of teaching and assessment
- Supervise and coach staff and provide constructive feedback on progress and performance
- Develop programs, procedures and processes where needed, including student services, operations, as well as staffing and budgets
- Ensure program consistently meet and exceed the goals set where appropriate
- Manage and review program data, and ensure completion and dissemination of all reports as required
- Foster strong relationships and effective communication and collaboration with students, parents, staff, and HCZ leadership
- Perform others duties as assigned
Qualification, Skills and Knowledge Requirements
- A commitment to the mission and programs of HCZ
- Experience working in youth development especially with disadvantaged youth
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred (M.F.A. is a plus)
- 2+ years of experience in teaching or curriculum design experience
- Impeccable writing and communication skills
- Extremely organized and detail-oriented
- Experience managing and leading a medium-sized team to outcomes
- Strong leadership and collaborative practices
Job Location: New York City, New York, United States
Position Type: Full-Time/Regular