Program Assistant

Warren Wilson College seeks applications for a Program Assistant for the MFA Program for Writers. Reporting to the MFA Program for Writers Director, the Program Assistant manages and leads the administrative operations for the department. This role provides essential support to the MFA Director, Assistant Director, Graduate Operations Manager, MFA Academic Board, faculty, students, interns, and residency staff, while also collaborating with departments across the College.

The Program Assistant plays a key role in maintaining accurate records and documentation for the program, supporting admissions processes, coordinating communications, and assisting with program-wide initiatives including marketing, conference planning, and residency preparation.

During MFA residencies the Program Assistant provides on-site operational and administrative support, assists with document preparation and distribution, and serves as the liaison between MFA staff and campus facilities to ensure the smooth day-to-day functioning of the program.

This position requires a high level of confidentiality and sound judgement. The successful candidate will be organized, detail-oriented, and able to work with information from multiple sources to support decision-making. Strong writing, technical, and critical thinking skills are essential, along with a commitment to providing clear and timely support to the program community.

This role offers the possibility of a hybrid work arrangement, combining remote and on-site responsibilities to support both flexibility and collaboration. Some evening and weekend hours are required.

Interested individuals should read further to learn more about the College and the responsibilities for this part-time position. Applicants are required to submit a resume and cover letter that describes how your previous experience will contribute to the role, the Progressive Promise, and the mission of Warren Wilson College.

First consideration will be given to candidates who apply by Sunday, August 9, 2026. All applications must be received electronically. Please be aware no relocation assistance is available for this position. All applications must be received electronically. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree.
• 1-2 years prior experience working in administration or higher education, with experience supporting an executive level position.
• A proven track record of successfully managing multiple projects and priorities at the strategic level.
• Demonstrated strong operational detail-orientation, analytical skills, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to write high-level reports regarding budgetary data and scholarships for internal departments and external funding donors and foundations.
• Demonstrated ability to define clear objectives and enforce accountability for meeting deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word), Google Suite, Wordpress and webpage maintenance, Canva and graphic design platforms.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with people from all backgrounds and perspectives.
• A demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively with a wide variety of constituencies (e.g., including members of the MFA staff, MFA Academic Board, Warren Wilson staff, and MFA faculty, administrators, students, and community members).
• Has a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Fine Arts, Literature, Education, or in a related Humanities field.
• 3 or more years prior experience working at a 4-year college or university setting with a strong liberal arts foundation (especially in literature, creative writing, and the humanities at large) with multiple years of experience supporting an executive level position.
• Proficiency with MLA Handbook Style Guide and Chicago Manual of Style.
• Knowledge of Zoom, Access, Jenzabar, Asana, Dropbox, and other associated digital platforms and workflows.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintains the daily and weekly schedule of the MFA Director including scheduling meetings, meeting minutes, events, and other associated logistics.
• Maintains Vector Training portal for MFA faculty and graduate students.
• Participates in social media, graphic design, and online marketing for the MFA Program.
• Helps keep up-to-date Admissions and Scholarships data.
• Helps create MFA Reports for internal and external reporting bodies.
• Provides support to graduate students on MLA Formatting questions.
• Helps with data aggregation and the maintenance of MFA Program records.
• Helps with MFA Program accreditation reports.
• Helps manage the MFA Info email address and respond to program inquiries.
• Helps with MFA transcripts and post-residency mailings.
• Helps keep MFA administrative handbooks up-to-date.
• Provides support to MFA staff, faculty, and students during MFA Residencies.
• Major event planning and coordination associated with the MFA Program for Writers residencies, conference outreach, and fundraising campaigns.
• Develops and maintains residency schedules including workshop, bookshop, and thesis interview committee schedules, and semester deadline schedules.
• Supports Assistant MFA Director and MFA Staff on a variety of administrative matters
• Supervises MFA Interns in the program.
• Supports accreditation and College-wide institutional effectiveness/assessment work in collaboration with the MFA Director and Assistant Director.
• Serves as the internal administrator for the MFA Program for Writers and MFA Academic Board.
• Collaborates with the office of the President and Provost and, in particular, partners with the Program Assistant to the President and Provost on administrative matters.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Our mission: Warren Wilson College's distinctive approach to education intentionally integrates academics, work, and community engagement to cultivate curiosity, empathy, and integrity. We empower graduates to pursue meaningful careers and lead purposeful lives dedicated to a just, equitable, and sustainable world.

We are committed to a culture of educational access and to ensuring that students and employees from a diverse range of identities and experiences will thrive in this community. We seek and support an academically and culturally diverse faculty and staff with a genuine interest in our innovative approach to education and focus on inclusive excellence, as well as a willingness to fully participate in the life of the College. We welcome applications from individuals who have experience working with diverse student populations.

Warren Wilson College is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.