MFA Program Director (Part-Time) - Salve Regina University

Salve Regina University; Newport (RI); On-site; USD 12,000 - 18,000; Part time

Job summary

Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island, seeks a part-time Program Coordinator to lead the MFA program academically and administratively. You will plan residencies, liaise with faculty and administration, and manage budgeting, curriculum, admissions, and advising to support student success and program accreditation.

The role requires an MFA or equivalent terminal degree and at least three years of leadership in academia, with preferred active standing as an artist or practitioner.

Qualifications

• MFA or equivalent terminal degree in Creative Writing, Theatre, Visual arts, or Film.
• At least 3 years of leadership experience in academic settings; experience planning and coordinating events.

Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee Winter and Summer residencies with Program Founder and Co-Director.
• Liaise between Graduate Program faculty and University administration.
• Develop and maintain program planning documents, including planning, reports, and accreditation materials.
• Manage the program's annual operating budget within approved allocations.
• Review curriculum planning and course scheduling with faculty, Department Chair, Registrar, and Vice Provost.
• Ensure current course syllabi are submitted each semester to Graduate Studies.
• Recruit, recommend, and evaluate adjunct faculty with Chair and Vice Provost.
• Oversee graduate admissions decisions per policy.
• Monitor recruitment, progression, and graduation to ensure program compliance.
• Coordinate advising or directly advise students on curriculum and degree progression.
• Collaborate with Admissions and Marketing to promote the program and increase enrollment.

Skills

Leadership

Event planning

Academic liaison

Budget management

Curriculum planning

Admissions coordination

Student advising

Education

MFA or terminal degree in Creative Writing/Theatre/Visual Arts/Film

Job description

Salve Regina University, ranked as one of the most transformative colleges in the United States by Money Magazine, is a comprehensive Catholic University located in the scenic coastal community of Newport, Rhode Island. The University's commitment to academic success and personal discovery extends beyond its historic campus into a dynamic world where the application of higher thinking and skill are most valued. Salve Regina offers bachelor's and master's degree programs, graduate certificates, and doctoral programs in humanities, international relations and nursing. Enrollment includes more than 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students from across the U.S. and around the world.

Job Description:

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Program Coordinator provides academic and administrative leadership for the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Plan and oversee the Winter and Summer residencies in collaboration with the Program Founder and Co-Director.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Graduate Program faculty and University administration on matters related to the program.
• Develop and maintain program planning documents, including strategic goals, annual reports, academic program reviews, self-studies, assessment plans, and accreditation reports for submission to the Vice Provost.
• Develop, manage, and administer the program's annual operating budget, including identifying capital needs and ensuring expenditures remain within approved budget allocations.
• Review curriculum planning and course scheduling in collaboration with faculty, the Department Chair, the Registrar, and the Vice Provost.
• Ensure that current course syllabi are submitted each semester to the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
• Recruit, recommend, and evaluate adjunct faculty in collaboration with the Department Chair and Vice Provost, consistent with University policies.
• Oversee the graduate admissions process by reviewing applications and making admission decisions in accordance with established program and University policies.
• Monitor student recruitment, retention, academic progress, and graduation to ensure compliance with University, departmental, and program requirements.
• Coordinate academic advising or directly advise students regarding curriculum planning, degree progression, University policies, and professional or career opportunities.
• Collaborate with Admissions and Marketing & Communications to promote the program, support recruitment initiatives, and increase enrollment.

WORK SCHEDULE:

This is a part-time, 15-hour per week, 9-month per year position (October 1 - June 30)

LICENSES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT:

N/A

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

N/A

Requirements:

Required:

An MFA or equivalent doctoral/terminal degree in Creative Writing, Theatre, Visual arts, or Film. At least three years previous leadership in academic settings; Experience planning and coordinating events.

Preferred:

Active national or international standing as an artist, writer, or practitioner.

Additional Information:

Salve Regina University strives to provide equal opportunity in employment and education to all employees, students and applicants. No employee, student or applicant shall be discriminated against or harassed on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, age, marital or parental status, military or veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal or state law, in the administration of Salve Regina's employment policies, education policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other University administered programs. In accordance with Title IX, it does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any of its educational programs or activities. Salve Regina is also committed to making its programs and campus accessible to its visitors and compliant with all applicable non-discrimination laws.