Genre Fiction Mentor

Position Summary:

Job Description:

Position: Western Colorado University invites applications for part-time thesis mentoring positions in the Genre Fiction Concentration in the Graduate Program in Creative Writing. The position is part-time. Mentoring work is assigned on a semester-by-semester basis, and mentors are typically assigned one to two mentees whom they mentor through three semesters: summer, fall, and spring.

The Graduate Program in Creative Writing is a low-residency program that offers both Masters and Master of Fine Arts degrees in Creative Writing with concentrations in Genre Fiction, Nature Writing, Poetry, and Screenwriting, as well as a Masters concentration in Publishing. During the academic year, all of the Program’s courses and events are delivered online, using Zoom and Canvas, and all part-time faculty work remotely. Each year, our MFA candidates complete novel-length thesis projects with the consistent support of an assigned mentor. Candidates with a passion for the cultivation of thoughtful, socially conscious, community-focused genre fiction writers working in diverse genres and styles are encouraged to apply to join our pool of distinguished program mentors.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Mentoring Responsibilities

Mentors meet regularly with their mentees over the course of a twelve month period running from June 1 to May 30. They are responsible for reading pages from their mentee, providing feedback for the writing, and providing general support to the writer during the writing project. Mentors typically meet with their mentees once a month in a live, virtual session and are asked to attend meetings with the Genre Fiction faculty team approximately two times a semester.

The individual hired will model the Graduate Program in Creative Writing’s values through inspirational energy, kindness and care for students, and a proven commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in education and the arts. The individual will be an engaged member of the mentoring team, providing timely feedback and responses to their mentee and collaborating strongly with other members of the mentoring team to provide the best possible educational experience for students. They will be a considerate and supportive colleague, and will enthusiastically represent the program with internal and external constituents, as appropriate.

SALARY/BENEFITS: Mentors are compensated $3000 per mentee project. This position does not include benefits.

QUALIFICATIONS:   

· MA, MS, or terminal degree in creative writing, English, education, or closely-related field

· Demonstrated commitment to culturally responsive and anti-racist pedagogies   

· A strong background in writing in and around genre fiction-specific spaces

Please note that applicant must be able to meet at least two of the following criteria if they do not currently hold a terminal degree:

· At least one published novel in any genre or genres 

· A variety of short fiction published in any genre or genres 

· 2+ years’ professional editorial or agenting experience 

· The creation of a creative or business-related resource

· Demonstrated expertise as a teacher, speaker, lecturer, or pedagogical researcher  

· Industry/and or educational experience commensurate with the role of a Genre Fiction faculty member or mentor

APPLICATION: Apply online at www.western.edu/jobs. Required attachments to the application include: letter of application, curriculum vitae, graduate transcripts, sample of (or links to) creative work, and a list of 3 recent professional references with name, position, and contact information.

Please direct questions to Johanna Parkhurst, Genre Fiction Director, at jparkhurst@western.edu.

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable during screening. Official transcripts are required prior to issuing appointment.  

Application Deadline: January 1st, 2025 at 11:59PM (MST)

Screening of applications will begin  immediately.

Note: If transcripts are required for your application, you may redact information that identifies your age, date of birth, dates of attendance, or graduation from the educational institution. If a degree is required for employment, official transcripts (unopened or delivered directly to HR) are required upon hire; copies/scans submitted during application will not serve the purpose of official transcripts upon hire.

Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte

Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 graduate and undergraduate students, the majority of which reside on the campus and in the community.  With average class sizes of 17 students, faculty and staff share a strong commitment to inclusivity and personalized, immersive education. They are student-oriented, collegial, enthusiastic, and engaged in the campus and community. Western is committed to continual growth in regard to diversity, equity, and inclusivity and promotes participation in DEI initiatives from students, faculty, staff, and the community. Please see our diversity statement, and our DEI Committee charge.

The University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, a rural community 200 miles southwest of Denver and the gateway to Crested Butte, a world class ski community.  K-12 students are served by the award-winning Gunnison Watershed School District. Both communities value the arts, quality of life, community-based wrap around services for children and adults, and continued personal growth and learning opportunities. At an elevation of 7,700 feet in the southern Rocky Mountains, the Gunnison Valley provides exceptional year-round outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities including summer arts and music festivals, mountain biking, skiing, kayak/rafting, rock climbing, hiking and camping… all within minutes of the campus.

  Visit http://www.western.edu to learn more about the university.

An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

Western Colorado University believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Western is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (for state classified positions, with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. Please see our diversity statement, and our DEII Committee charge.

 
ADAAA ACCOMMODATIONS:

Western Colorado University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Western will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Human Resources at HR@western.edu or (970) 943-3140.

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETERANS