Juniper Institute for Young Writers Call for applications: Program Assistants The Juniper Institute for Young Writers seeks Program Assistants for its acclaimed intensive creative writing program for high school students. Mission The mission of the Juniper Institute PA program is to provide undergraduate students, especially those studying the literary arts, with the opportunity to gain valuable leadership, professional, creative, and academic experience in the context of a renowned summer creative writing program for high school students. The Juniper Institute for Young Writers is an extraordinary 9 days of creative writing workshops, craft sessions, and studio courses designed especially for high school students. Hosted by the University of Massachusetts MFA Program for Poets and Writers, the Institute for Young Writers runs concurrently and shares programming with the acclaimed Juniper Summer Writing Institute for adults, offering young writers a unique opportunity: programming designed especially for them and unparalleled exposure to world-renowned authors through readings and Q&As. PAs join Juniper faculty and staff in contributing to the program s development and execution, from helping to design writing exercises to planning residential and recreational activities. After undertaking a spring 12 Independent Study (flexibly scheduled) devoted to curricular development, professional and leadership skills, and program preparation, the PA experience culminates in the Institute, June 23- July 1, 2012. Role Description PA duties include Spring 12: 1. Read and discuss work by Juniper faculty and writers in residence 2. Collaboratively develop activities that complement creative writing curricula during the Institute, such as open mic readings, in-dorm workshops, writing exercises, language games, etc. 3. Support Juniper staff with various administrative and program preparation projects June 23-July 1: 4. Provide round-the-clock general support, supervision, and mentoring to create a safe and engaging environment for all participants 5. Lead small groups on field trips and other activities designed to introduce students to various aspects of the writing life 6. Attend all Institute readings and Q&As 7. Other roles may be assigned
Qualifications Minimum qualifications include: 1. A willingness to learn about and positively contribute to the mission and community of the Juniper Institute for Young Writers 2. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to relate well to students, faculty, and administrators 3. Interest in creative writing and literary or other arts programming 4. Reliability and a responsible, confident, and flexible outlook Preferred qualifications include: 1. Focused studies in literary arts 2. Previous leadership experience or work with youth (such as completion of Honors 298A, other leadership training, or prior educational or recreational leadership activities) Benefits PA benefits include: 1. Earn $225 stipend 2. Earn 3 Independent Study Credits in English 3. Free housing and meals June 23-July 1, 2012 ($420 value) 4. Gain valuable professional, leadership, academic, and creative experience as part of a dynamic team devoted to creating and running a nationally acclaimed program 5. Enjoy access to outstanding literary arts programming including: a. admission to readings and Q&As with world-renowned poets and writers b. insider perspective on curriculum development and arts programming 6. Professional/academic references upon request Questions regarding this position may be directed to: juniperyoungwriters@hfa.umass.edu
Application for 2012 Program Assistant Please take some time to read and reflect on the job description for this position before applying. Complete, thoughtful answers are appreciated. Please type your answers. The application deadline is November 10, 2011 at 12:00 pm. Please drop applications off at the Graduate English office, 452 Bartlett Hall. Notification regarding your application status will come via email. Name: Gender: Preferred phone: Spire ID: Preferred email address (this is how we will contact you): Class year: Major: How did you hear about this position? email faculty member Other (please specify) 1. Describe your interest in the Juniper Program Assistant position. 2. What skills and attributes would you bring to the Juniper team? Please provide an example of how you have used these skills and attributes in the past. 3. Please discuss any previous work or volunteer experience facilitating groups and/or working with youth. Provide examples.
4. Have you participated in any leadership training and/or experience? If so, please describe. 5. Discuss your interest in literary or other arts programming, and/or creative writing mentoring/teaching. 6. Juniper Program Assistants must be available 24 hours/day for the duration of the program, June 23-July 1. If you foresee any limitation to your availability, please describe. 7. Is there anything else about you, your previous experience, or your interests you would like to share, as they pertain to this application? 8. Please list your availability during the spring 2012 semester. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 9. Please list 2-3 recent work positions. Volunteer positions are acceptable. Position 1
Position 2 Position 3 10. Please list at least 2 references. One reference must be University-affiliated (Residence Director, Departmental Assistant, Faculty, Advisor, Campus Supervisor, etc.) References should be asked if their names can be submitted. Please do not use a Resident Assistant. Reference 1 Title Address Phone Email Reference 2 Title Address Phone Email