Sunspot Lit seeks fiction and nonfiction, including scripts and screenplays, from 29,001 to 49,000 words. Graphic novels should run between 51 and 100 pages. This call closes Jan 31, 2023. Send in your work before the deadline using Submittable: https://sunspotlit.submittable.com/submit/212764/novella-length-fiction-nf-graphic-novels-poetry or Duotrope: https://duotrope.com/duosuma/submit/sunspot-literary-journal-LIXJW.
Literature
Writing Chair
Request for Applications: Writing Chair
California State Summer School for the Arts
2023 Summer Session
The California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA), in collaboration with the CSSSA Board of Trustees, announces a Request for Applications (RFA) for the Writing Chair position within the CSSSA program. The Writing Chair position is a contracted position which will oversee the Writing Program for CSSSA, develop and implement the writing curriculum, courses, and writing pedagogy, and instruct courses. For a complete list of duties please see the Scope of Work Section below.
Program Overview
Enabling legislation, Chapter 1131 of 1985, established the California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) to provide a training ground for future artists who may wish to study and practice the arts, or to pursue careers in the major performing arts companies and commercial and fine arts institutions in California.
CSSSA offers pre-professional training to approximately 500 talented and gifted high school students each summer, hosted by CalArts in Valencia, California for the 2023 summer session. CSSSA offers seven disciplines, including Animation, Dance, Film, Music, Theater, Visual Arts, and Writing. The 2023 summer session runs from July 8th to August 4th.
Visit the following URL to view CSSSA’s enabling legislation: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=EDC&division=1.&title=1.&part=6.&chapter=7.&article=
Eligible Applicants
CSSSA welcomes professional artists with broad ranging skills and experiences in writing and writing education. Writers with professional careers, writing educators, interdisciplinary writing artists, and more are welcome to apply. The Writing Chair position shall not be subject to credentialing requirements or any other restrictions upon eligibility for employment generally applicable to public school instructors.
To be eligible for this opportunity, the state educational agency, California State Summer School for the Arts, must have a submitted a Curriculum Vitae/Resume by January 25, 2023 at 5:00 pm, Pacific Time. Please see additional submission details at the end of this Request For Application (RFA).
Ideal Qualifications Include:
• Undergraduate or advanced degree in writing, or related field and/or equivalent professional experience.
• Multiple years of teaching experience, particularly of high school aged students.
• Sustained record of creative / professional practice in writing and the writing industry.
• Knowledge of cutting-edge trends in writing education as well as opportunities in the creative industries for young writers.
• Skills and expertise in multiple genres of writing.
• Ability to work creatively and effectively with diverse students of varying levels.
• Demonstrated experience with and commitment to cultural and economic diversity in arts education.
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability, and able to work collaboratively in a fast-paced team dynamic.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and collaborative skills.
Scope of Work
The Writing Chair will be contracted to provide the following services:
• Participate in the recruitment and interviewing of potential faculty and TAs.
• Ensure that the CSSSA contract analyst has complete contract information for each of the department’s hires.
• Participate in the screening, selection, and scheduling process of Writing students.
• Create detailed supply orders for the entire Writing Department with estimates from competing vendors.
• Oversee the writing curriculum, including courses and writing pedagogy.
• Reside on campus during the summer session and supervise the work of full-time, part time faculty, and visiting artists while the program is in session.
• Instruct courses, and chair faculty meetings.
• Monitor student academic / artistic progress, as well as department policies for obtaining college credits.
• Work with faculty and CSSSA’s staff to resolve student conduct, and other student affairs issues.
• Work with other department chairs and faculty to develop an interdisciplinary and/or multi-disciplinary program.
Contract Status
The Writing Chair is to be paid on a contractual basis and is not considered a state employee. The contract is preset by the CSSSA. The contract amount is a comparable level set by the California State University System.
The Chair will report directly to the Director of CSSSA. The contract starting date will be immediately upon hire.
Selection Process
Section 8955 of the California Education Code requires that faculty of the CSSSA Program be annually selected, subject to the final approval of the Director of the CSSSA , and by the CSSSA Board of Trustees, upon consultation with a faculty selection panel convened by the CSSSA Board for that purpose. The faculty selection panel shall be composed of professional artists and arts educators, selected to be broadly representative of the schools, institutions, arts organizations, artists, colleges, and universities located throughout the state. Members of the CSSSA Board of Trustees may serve on the faculty selection panel, but shall comprise no more than one-third of any faculty selection panel.
Upon review of submitted applications by the Selection Committee, select candidates will be contacted for an interview. The Selection Committee may request a second interview with the CSSSA Board of Trustees before the finalist is chosen.
The Writing Chair shall be chosen for their excellence in artistic production, direction, and / or teaching ability. CSSSA does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical disability, mental disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic which may be specified by law or state policy.
RFA Posting Information
Posting Date: December 15, 2022
Applications Due: January 25, 2023 at 5:00 pm, Pacific Time
RFA Submission Requirements
Applications will be accepted electronically. Please submit required and/or optional documents to CSSSA’s Director, Matthew Gallagher (he/him), by email at mgallagher@csssa.ca.gov. Incomplete and late applications may not be accepted and will be at the discretion of the Selection Committee.
Required Documents:
1. Curriculum Vitae/Resume
Optional Documents:
1. Creative Portfolio/Website
2. Educational Philosophy
3. Statement of Qualifications – no longer than two pages, and address the following four areas:
a. Please introduce why you are interested in this position.
b. Please describe how your qualifications, professional training and/or experience makes you the ideal candidate for this position.
c. Please describe how as an artist you stay current with cutting-edge trends in Writing education as well as opportunities in the creative industries for young writers.
d. Please describe your experience and commitment with cultural and economic diversity in arts education.
Note: The CSSSA Foundation is posting these contractual positions on behalf of its partner organization, CSSSA. Individuals hired will work for CSSSA, not the CSSSA Foundation.
Associate Governmental Program Analyst – AGPA
This position is part of a distributed team (working from home) and reporting to the office as needed/required.
Under the direction of the Staff Services Manager II, the Associate Governmental Program Analyst (AGPA) independently performs the more complex and technical analytical work such as developing arts grant program guidelines, data research, summary reports, and internal process documents. This position will support the literary arts programs at the CAC, including the Adult and Youth Poet Laureate Programs as well as the Poetry Out Loud Program.
Click here to view the duty statement.
Click here to apply at CalCareers.
Statement of Qualifications: The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is a narrative discussion of how a candidate’s education, training, experience, and skills qualify that candidate for the position. Resumes DO NOT take the place of the Statement of Qualifications.
The SOQ must be typed and not more than one page in length, using Arial 12-point font, and respond to the following question:
- Please describe why you feel you are uniquely qualified for this position.
Individuals who are new to state service must have the Associate Governmental Program Analyst (AGPA) list eligibility in order to gain employment as an Associate Governmental Program Analyst (AGPA) with any state agency. Click here to learn more about examinations administered by DGS and examinations available online.
Coordinator, Events and Operations, Los Angeles
PEN America, a nonprofit organization working at the intersection of literature and human rights, seeks a highly organized, skilled, and energetic events and operations coordinator in our Los Angeles office. This is a full-time position based in Los Angeles and reports to the Managing Director, working closely with other members of the Los Angeles team.
The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic self-starter with high attention to detail; strong written and verbal communication skills; experience in project management using a range of approaches and techniques; and experience working on multiple timelines and projects at once. The events and operations coordinator is a hands-on role on a tight-knit team accustomed to working on a range of projects at a fast pace. The coordinator will have the opportunity to make a critical difference on a team that is quickly expanding, and that engages with leading literary figures and important national and international issues of free expression.
This is an ideal position for an early career professional with at least one to three years relevant office experience. The position requires an energized and highly organized work style, and the ability to work collaboratively on event development and production. The successful candidate will excel at research and writing, have demonstrated success in executing projects from start to finish, and demonstrate aptitude for working with spreadsheets and databases. Ability to take initiative, problem-solve, and work independently are necessary. Candidates should have a passion for PEN America’s mission and be prepared to staff periodic PEN America Los Angeles events in the evenings and on the weekends.
In alignment with PEN America’s current policy, all applicants should be available to report to the office at least three days per week. This policy is subject to change.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- General support and assistance to both the Managing and Program Directors of the Los Angeles officePlan team meetings, team-building activities and other general coordination of the Los Angeles staff, as well as connection to the PEN America staff teams in New York and DC
- Handle expense reporting, financial reconciliation, and other budget tasks
- Manage LA office’s calendar, including scheduling of meetings
- Respond to internal and external information requests
- Provide research and producing polished letters, memos, agendas, and other written materials on an as-needed basis for meetings, events and external experiences
- Support fundraising efforts, including database management, drafting of donor acknowledgment letters, drafting of fundraising proposals, providing event support, and prospect research
- Assist in the creation of program and event materials, including invitations, as well as create Canva graphics
- Send mail merge communications as needed
- Manage stakeholder lists and event timelines
- All PEN America staff are considered to be stakeholders in the development of our shared organization. As such, staff play a role in varied activities within the workplace as part of their job responsibilities. These may include committees or task forces to work on office issues, diversity and inclusion, strategy projects, training or other initiatives.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Demonstrated organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks with a zealous attention to detail
- Ability to problem solve and multitask in a fast-paced environment
- Proficiency with Google Suite, Excel, and various video conferencing platforms including Zoom (Raiser’s Edge, Asana and Canva a plus)
- Exceptional interpersonal skills with an ability to think creatively and collaboratively
- Formidable work ethic and high energy level
- Enthusiastic team player with professional demeanor and ability to work autonomously and as part of departmental or cross-departmental teams.
- Strong ability to communicate in writing in a range of forms and contexts
- Ability to handle relationships with stakeholders with tact and maturity
- Exemplary capacity to maintain confidentiality and discretion
- Must be available to work at PEN America Los Angeles events on weekends and after-hours
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
PEN America offers competitive compensation and full benefits. The salary range for this position is $48,000-$51,000 commensurate with experience. Candidates whose expectations are outside this range are welcome to apply, as PEN America is open to considering talented individuals at varying stages of their careers. PEN America’s benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision health insurance, paid time off, 10 paid holidays, pre-tax commuter benefits and a 403b retirement plan.
TO APPLY:
Please submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@pen.org. Use “LA Coordinator” with your name as the subject of your email (for example, “LA Coordinator – Jane Doe”). Please also share where you heard about this position in the body of your email. Only complete applications will be reviewed, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
PEN America is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices, and in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seeks a diverse applicant pool.
No phone calls, please.
ABOUT PEN AMERICA:
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.
Interim Programs Coordinator
The core of our work is direct service and this position will lead programming approximately 10-14 hours per week. The ideal candidate is excited to work closely with community partners, students, families, and volunteers to provide high-quality writing programs at our Tenderloin Center. The Programs Coordinator loves to teach, is energized by working with youth of all ages, and has a knack for understanding and being responsive to students’ needs. The Programs Coordinator ensures that our students build confidence, pride, writing skills, and creativity that will lead to future success.
WHO WE ARE
826 Valencia is an award-winning nonprofit dedicated to supporting under-resourced students ages six to eighteen with their creative and expository writing skills and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. Our innovative model has inspired over 40 like-minded organizations worldwide.
826 Valencia is a highly collaborative, bustling work environment full of passionate professionals who strive to create programs that transform our students’ relationships to writing, and to build an inclusive community that meets the needs and reflects the diverse backgrounds of our students. If you care about amplifying young peoples’ voices and cultivating wonder as part of the learning process, we’d love to have you as part of the team.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The Interim Programs Coordinator reports to the Tenderloin Programs Director.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Programs Planning and Implementation
Coordinate After-School Workshops at our Tenderloin Center. Collaborate with partner organizations to provide responsive programming
Lead seven hour-long After-School Workshops per week. May also lead Podcasting Field Trips one day per week. Provide direct service to students, design and/or implement writing curriculum, implement individualized supports for students, and support additional Tenderloin Programs as needed
Communicate with all parties in a timely, responsive, and effective manner. Maintain consistent communication with volunteers, partner organizations, and caregivers
Coordinate and support the activities of interns, volunteers, and AmeriCorps members; recruit, train, support, engage, and celebrate tutors to promote continued engagement and improved effectiveness
Track student and volunteer data using Salesforce; support grants reporting and program evaluation as needed
Support and/or coordinate student publications and related release parties. Duties may include transcription, translation, copyediting, and event logistics
Other Responsibilities
Participate in staff and departmental meetings, attend weekly team meetings, and assist in the evaluation of the program; DEI Committee participation is optional
Proactively raise issues with the Supervisor to prioritize tasks and implement solutions. Meet all deadlines, maintain accurate timesheets, and participate in performance appraisal systems
Collaborate with all staff members to ensure robust programming and adherence to COVID-19 health and safety protocols
All other duties as assigned by the Executive Director and Supervisor
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree
Minimum of two years of experience working with under-resourced youth (preferred)
Bilingual in Spanish, Arabic, or Chinese (preferred)
Facility with Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Zoom, and macOS
Able to complete a background check and tuberculosis screening
We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment, pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, but will not hire anyone with a record that includes a conviction of a serious or violent felony, sexual offense, or controlled substance offense
Able to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination including booster doses when eligible, or participate in an interactive process for accommodations
Able to follow COVID-19 health and safety guidelines while in our Writing Centers, at schools sites, and work events
Required Competencies
Develops individual work plans with goals and interim milestones to manage one’s work, ensuring high-quality and timely delivery
Produces crisp, engaging, and quality communications, both written and verbal
Openly and regularly communicates information about progress towards goals with the Programs Director and team
Excellent interpersonal skills
Builds authentic relationships with colleagues across roles, teams, and identities, demonstrating curiosity about others’ backgrounds and perspectives
Ability to work with a culturally diverse population and a variety of stakeholders and audiences
Seeks to embody 826 Valencia’s values around diversity, equity, and inclusion
Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness
Supports the work of colleagues, engages meaningfully to provide input or partner when appropriate
Approaches new ideas, changes in work, or challenges with a sense of possibility, openness, positivity, and solutions-based aptitude
Demonstrates ability to adapt to various working and management styles
OTHER DETAILS
This non-exempt, salaried, full-time (40 hours per week) role is based at the Tenderloin Center, 180 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco, which is an open-office environment where there may be substantial ambient noise and overheard conversations. The work schedule, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and is subject to change based on programmatic needs. This role is temporary, from January 2023 through at least May 2023, with possible extension to July and/or transition to regular employment. Candidates must be located in or willing to relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area, as this role requires substantial time working on site and in person.
COMPENSATION
Equivalent to $53,000 annually, plus a $1,000-per-year language premium for employees who meet the criteria, pro-rated for expected duration of temporary employment
Paid Time Off: 6.25 Vacation days per year, 3.75 Wellness days, 3 Holidays
Employer contributions to health insurance coverage for employee and dependents, Employee Assistance Program, group life insurance
Pre-Tax Savings: 401(k) plan with employer match, Commuter Benefits
Professional development funds (budget permitting)
Relocation support may be available for moving to California from another state or country
40% discount at all 826 Valencia stores
TO APPLY
Fill out this short application, https://forms.gle/NK82iFMyJjcjfhmw8, and submit your resume and cover letter to hiring@826valencia.org by Friday, November 18. Please write “Interim Programs Coordinator” in the subject line
826 Valencia is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving a diverse staff and inclusive work environment. Candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous or people of color are strongly encouraged to apply. 826 Valencia does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, religion, sexual orientation, political orientation, disability, veteran status, or gender identity or expression. For more information, read the 826 Stand: http://826valencia.org/the-826-stand/. You can read about our core values at https://826valencia.org/core-values/.
Lodi Poet Laureate
The City of Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department (PRCS) and Lodi Arts Commission (LAC) seeks proposals from interested and qualified Artists to provide literary art services for its Poet Laureate initiative. The Artist selected through this competitive selection process would become Lodi’s first Poet Laureate.
The selected Poet Laureate will become the City’s first Poet Laureate, serving as a liaison, advocate, and leader for poetry, spoken word, and the literary arts. The Poet Laureate will leverage their artistic excellence and literary achievements to inspire Lodi’s diverse residents to have a greater appreciation of the literary arts. The Poet Laureate is expected to create engaging and conceptually driven, original works stimulated by and in response to the local communities, and cultivate critical thinking, connection, and appreciation of the literary arts through public readings, in-person literary workshops, and civic events.

