Seasonal Administrative Associate & Assistant Instructor, DC

Overview

Writopia Lab in Tenleytown is looking for a Seasonal Administrative Associate & Assistant Instructor to join our summer team. The person in this role is our in-person presence in the lab and liaises with the directors in the Tenleytown lab, parents/guardians (who enroll their children in our workshops and day camps), staff instructors, and the internal registration and marketing teams located in New York City. They will also jump in and co-lead workshops when necessary.

Since its formation in New York City in 2007, Writopia Lab has grown into a nationwide community of young writers. Our mission is to foster joy, literacy, and critical thinking in children and teens from all backgrounds through creative writing. We create a safe and engaging space for kids and teens at all stages of the writing process, and we aim to provide the creative inspiration, individual attention, and intellectual environment that may not be available to them at school.

Administrative Associate Responsibilities (90%)

• Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with community partners
• Maintain accurate list of school contact information
• Work with Writopia Lab social media team to create posts for the DC lab
• Act as the point person in the lab for issues arising during workshop sessions; facilitate workshop check-in process
• Answer incoming phone calls and emails, engaging with families and prioritizing the Writopia Lab-parent/guardian relationship
• Listen to parents'/guardians' concerns, issues, and questions; Identify and assess parents'/guardians' needs
• Refer complaints, issues, and questions to managers when necessary
• Maintain the physical lab space including preparing it for workshops, organizing workshop materials, and ensuring the space is clean
• Maintain the physical assets in the space (Chrome books, laptops, and office equipment)
• Organize and maintain office supplies and snacks for workshops
• Open and close the lab space for workshops when necessary
• Provide general support at events such at book fairs, readings, and community events
• Perform other duties as assigned

Assistant Instructor Responsibilities (10%)

• Lead or Co-lead in-person and off-site workshops when necessary (when instructors need to be absent without prior notice, when instructors need support in their workshop)
• Engage with young writers on a group and individual basis, encourage setting and achieving writing goals in a fun and productive way
• Foster a supportive, collaborative, safe workshop environment where writers feel comfortable expressing themselves
• Navigate workshop dynamics ensuring writers of different abilities, strengths, and affinities feel included and inspired
• Provide strength-based feedback to writers regularly in workshop and complete end-of-trimester written feedback for families
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements, Skills, and Abilities

• Enthusiasm for working with youth
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to complete tasks in a timely manner
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, fostering a positive work environment
• Ability to stay calm when responding to customer issues
• Ability to build relationships effectively and professionally with Writopia Lab staff, families, and students
• Comfort with technology and willingness to learn new tools and platforms, including Google spreadsheets
• BA degree or pursuing BA in English or Creative Writing preferred
• Knowledge of Google and GSuite
• Experience at a nonprofit, children's camp, or youth-centered organization preferred
• Writing experience preferred

Schedule, Location, and Pay

Schedule: The dates of the position are approximately June 4th through September 4th. The general work schedule is Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM; small variations in the schedule will be communicated in advance.

Location: This is an in-person position at our Tenleytown writing lab.

Hourly Pay: $18.40 per hour for admin work; $25.00 per hour for assistant teaching. Most hours will be paid at the admin rate.

How to Apply

If you are excited by the idea of joining a community of writers and educators, please apply! Don't forget to attach your resume, cover letter, and answer the question "Why do you want to work at Writopia?" Please do not submit cover letters or any other application materials generated by AI.

To find out more information regarding who we are and what we do here at Writopia Lab, please visit our website at www.writopialab.org.

Writopia Lab uses E-Verify to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.

Writopia Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Writopia Lab does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or on any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

No phone calls, emails, or drop ins, please.