Contracted Faculty of Practice (Adjunct): Online MFA Program Chair

Bring your professional experience and passion for writing to Concordia University, St. Paul, where you will help prepare students for meaningful careers through applied, student-centered learning.

 

The MFA Program Chair is a member of the University faculty and serves as the administrative leader and the coordinator of curriculum and instruction at the department level. The program chair carries out the goals and vision of the University and its mission, with specific focus on the mission and goals of their department. In basic terms, the department chairperson facilitates the planning and implementation of department programs, curricula, scheduling, activities, personnel, and budget. This is a part-time position and will be paid per credit based on the needs of a program.

Faculty at Concordia University, St. Paul work as members of an academic team of full- and part-time colleagues to consistently deliver high-quality instruction to students. Faculty are expected to demonstrate innovation and excellence in course instruction, foster an atmosphere of active intellectual and creative engagement with students in and out of the classroom, and support the Christian mission of the university. With students at the center of the university’s mission, delivering a high-quality student experience is a top priority of the Concordia learning community.

 

Pre-Written Courses: Yes

Modality: Program Chair role is online, but duties may require synchronous meetings and work; courses are online, asynchronous

# of Credits: The Program Chair role will be 2 credits per semester; courses are 3 credits each (varies per semester and program needs)

 

Compensation Rate: $1,000 per credit

 

Program/College: Master’s of Fine Arts in Writing; College of Humanities and Social Sciences

 

• Administration and Management: leading in the development and implementation of mission, vision, goals, and values; building morale; conducting timely evaluation; planning and convening regular meetings; maintaining major documents of the department as required by the university and regulatory bodies; collaborating with the Registrar regarding course offerings and scheduling; ensuring accountability of faculty for additional responsibilities; maintaining continuous quality improvement; participation in meetings as necessary; coordination of accreditation and assessment data; resolving issues to ensure due process; providing orientation to the University for new faculty and staff; ensuring alignment with strategic goals and plans; and fostering an engaging and active learning environment for students.
• Curriculum and Instruction Oversight: demonstrating awareness of and receptivity to current educational philosophies; encouraging continued program development and departmental innovation; updating and approving development of department curricula, in consultation with College Dean; coordinating efforts as required by accreditation and regulatory agencies; and maintaining updated files of course syllabi for all currently active courses.

• Faculty and Staff Development: assists in the recruitment, development, support, and supervision of departmental faculty and staff; initiating requests for new faculty and serve as chair for search committees; conducting annual performance reviews of faculty and staff under oversight; recruiting, supervising, and evaluating Contracted Faculty of Practice for department; leading faculty development including annual Professional Development Plans in cooperation with College Dean; provide oversight of department partnerships; and promoting alumni relations as appropriate.

 

• Facilitate quality student learning through teaching assigned courses.
• Increase student course engagement by providing a positive and regular presence within the course (at least four days per week for online courses) by engaging students through course activities and ongoing availability to provide student support.
• Provide substantive and timely feedback on course assessments, following academic unit and university guidelines, within the Learning Management System, typically within five business days of the assessments’ due dates.
• Respond to student inquiries typically within 24 hours during business days unless otherwise specified at the college level (48 hours on weekends, with closer monitoring if assignments are due during the weekend or on Monday).
• Work collaboratively in a supportive academic environment, partnering with academic advising, career development, and the academic team to ensure each student has the resources they need to succeed.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
• Follow the university and academic unit’s policies and procedures.

 

• Education Required: Completion of a graduate degree in English, creative writing, or a related field is required.

• Education Preferred: Completion of an MFA in Creative Writing is preferred.

• Experience Required: Applicants should have at least one book in publication or under contract at the time of employment

• Experience Preferred: Online teaching experience is preferred. 

• Additional Certifications/Licensures: N/A

It is the policy of CSP to provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. The University will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, gender, veteran or military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

However, CSP is an institution of the LCMS and, to the extent allowed by law, CSP reserves the right to give preference in employment based on religious tenets. 

The mission of Concordia University, St Paul, a university of The Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod, is to prepare students for thoughtful and informed living, for dedicated service to God and humanity, and for enlightened care of God's creation, all within the context of the Christian gospel. This mission is rooted in academic excellence and Christian vocation.
 
The vision of Concordia University, Saint Paul, is to be acknowledged as the leading Lutheran university offering exceptional opportunities for students from all backgrounds who seek relevant career preparation and a challenging academic experience coupled with the insights of Lutheran theology.

Promise to Students – Concordia University, Saint Paul, empowers you to discover and engage your purpose for life, career and service, in a dynamic, multicultural, urban environment, where Christ is honored, all are welcome, and Lutheran convictions inform intellectual inquiry and academic pursuits.
 
Concordia University owns a 41-acre campus just West of Downtown St. Paul with easy access to light-rail and bus transportation.  Only blocks away from popular Summit and Grand Avenues, restaurants, shopping, and cultural activities abound.  Concordia is known to have one of the most racially and ethnically diverse university student bodies in the state of Minnesota.

 CSP prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. The notice of nondiscrimination is located at https://www.csp.edu/student-life/title-ix/

Feel free to contact Cassidy Leininger - cleininger@csp.edu, with any questions