Specialty Programs Coordinator

Overview

Writopia Lab is an award-winning 501(C)(3) nonprofit that runs creative writing workshops for kids ages 4 to 18. 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 writers, and we aim to provide the creative inspiration, individual attention, and intellectual environment that may not be available to them at school.

About the Role

The Specialty Programs Coordinator is responsible for coordinating Debate and Role-Playing Games programming at Writopia Lab. This role will identify and lead in-person outreach efforts including tabling events at street fairs and festivals. This role regularly liaises with parents/guardians (who enroll their children in workshops), staff instructors, the programming team, and the internal registration team. The person in this role will lead and co-lead assigned workshops for young participants. During the summer, This role works on the operations team at the annual two-week sleepaway camp in August located in the Berkshires.

Key Responsibilities

Program Coordination Responsibilities (60%)

• Schedule role-playing games and debate programs, including weekly games, holiday workshops, summer camps, debate tournaments, and overnight programs
• Support the role-playing games staff, debate staff, and the registration team in coordinating instructor schedules and program supplies
• Liaise with program partners, including schools and nonprofit organizations, to schedule partnership programs
• Communicate with enrolled families about program opportunities and conduct outreach to attract new participants
• Assess programming to ensure workshops are running effectively and suggest changes as needed
• Troubleshoot issues as they arise, with support from registration and programming teams
• Support the smooth running of programming during workshop drop-off and pick-up
• Attend Writopia Lab’s two-week overnight program in the Berkshires in August

Outreach Responsibilities (20%)

• Organize Writopia Lab’s presence at local street fairs and school events
• Coordinate teen volunteer and part-time employee schedules for outreach events

Teaching Responsibilities (20%)

• Lead in-person and off-site workshops
• 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

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 3-5 years of experience in program coordination or event planning
• Interest in and enthusiasm for debate, role-playing games, and/or creative writing
• Detail-oriented and organized, with a track record of smoothly organizing education programs
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excited about speaking with a wide range of people about Writopia Lab’s programs
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, fostering a positive work environment
• Enthusiasm for working with youth
• Knowledge of Google Sheets and GSuite
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required

Schedule & Location

This position is four days per week in-person and one day per week remote. The in-person location is our lab on the Upper West Side in Manhattan. The schedule during the school year is generally Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. During the summer months, the schedule is Monday through Friday 8:45 AM - 5:15 PM.

Occasional weekend and evening availability required. The two-week summer camp at in August is located in the Berkshire Mountains in Massachusetts (transportation provided).

Compensation

Annual Salary: $58,000, plus hourly rate for overtime hours (when necessary and approved); annual salary includes work at overnight camp.

Employer-Paid Benefits

• Medical Insurance (employer pays 98% of premium for base plan and up to 80% of other plans)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401K plan employer match
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program offering resources for managing your legal and financial affairs, care for elders, care for children, wellness
• Holidays and paid vacation and sick days

Employee-Paid Benefits Available

• Pre and/or Post tax 401K Plan Account
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Account
• Pre-tax Commuter Benefit Account
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Voluntary Short Term Disability Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• MetLifeLegal Assistance

Applying for the Job

If you are excited by the idea of joining our mission and working with our team, please apply! We require a cover letter with your application. Please be sure to include this. Please do not submit cover letters or 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.

As of January 1, 2025 we prefer candidates to be fully vaccinated against COVID 19 including at least one booster, but documentation will not be required.

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.

Salary : $58,000