Position Overview Primary Function: Manages preparations for and execution of the annual Sewanee Writers' Conference; supports faculty and visitors; manages staff; and maintains budget and finances for all Sewanee Writers' Conference accounts.
This position works with considerable independence and self-direction. Only the general direction and scope of the work to be accomplished are discussed with the supervisor.
Position Appointment Details: This appointment has a start date of July 1, 2024 Career Band: 2DExempt PositionFull-Time
Position Description Typical Duties & Responsibilities: Creates Conference schedule; arranges for housing accommodations, meals, meeting spaces, classroom spaces, receptions, catering, transportation, printed schedules and other information, and entertainment. Creates and secures business contracts; collects bios, headshots, tax forms, necessary payment information, and individual travel itineraries from faculty, visitors, and staff. Manages a 12-15 member staff, assigning specific duties and communicating performance expectations. Maintains ongoing contact to promote engagement and motivation. Also manages the annual Tennessee Williams Post-Baccalaureate Fellow. Supports a highly distinguished list of faculty and visitors, communicating employment expectations, distributing and receiving information, arranging for VIP accommodations, constructing cohesive workshop groupings, and serving as primary contact leading up to and during the Conference. Manages all Conference invoices, payments, and deposits. Manages Conference sponsorship, travel, and alumni events at the annual AWP conference. Judgment Required: Judgment and discretion as to the use of established policies are required to perform the essential duties of this position.
Machines & Equipment Used: None. Budgetary Responsibility: Analyzes budgetary data and develops budget proposals.
Personal Interaction/Communication: Student Contact: Regular communication with Conference participants; occasional interaction with Sewanee students (Academic year readings, Sewanee scholar program) Internal: Frequent (Summer Conferences, Sewanee Inn, University Bookstore, Sewanee Catering, Facilities Management, Print Services, Accounts Payable, HR, Archives, Stirling's) External: Daily (20 faculty, 40 visitors, and 12-15 staff members; various local caterers; outside vendors) Attributes of a Successful Candidate The deadline for submitting applications for the Associate Director of Programs and Finance position is April 1, 2024.
Education: Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree preferred Experience: Candidate should be a practicing writer of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or plays with familiarity with the literary world. 1-2 years of experience with administrative work. A writing sample of up to 15 pages is required. Job-Related Skills: Candidate must be organized and capable of managing both people and paperwork, with attention to both details and the larger picture of community-building. The work consistently requires excellence in written and verbal communication and problem-solving and may require crisis management during the conference itself. Licenses & Certifications: None. The Supplemental Information Confidential Information: Payment and tax information for faculty, visitors, staff, and confidential application readers; Budget management responsibilities; Faculty reviews; staff hires and reviews Working Environment: Normal office environment, Regular extended hours (60/wk) May-early August Physical Requirements: None. Any additional requirements specific to this position: The University of the South, commonly known as Sewanee, comprises a nationally ranked residential College of Arts and Sciences and a School of Theology. The University is strongly committed to the values of intellectual inquiry, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and living and serving in community. Situated on 13,000 acres atop Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau, Sewanee is known for its stunning natural beauty while providing easy access to Chattanooga, Nashville, and Huntsville. The University is affiliated with the Episcopal Church and seeks to help employees of all backgrounds and identities flourish. DEI Institutional Statement: At the University of the South, our commitment to inclusion and belonging is grounded in our core values of community, courage, flourishing, and inquiry. We seek to build a community enriched by our diversity and centered on equity, justice, mutual respect, and shared responsibility. Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of the South is an equal-opportunity educational institution that is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive campus environment.
