Writopia

Overview

Writopia Lab is an award-winning 501(C)(3) nonprofit that runs creative writing workshops for kids ages 4 to 18. Since its formation in New York City in 2007, Writopia Lab has grown into a nationwide community of young writers. Our mission is to foster joy, literacy, and critical thinking in children and teens from all backgrounds through creative writing. We create a safe and engaging space for writers, and we aim to provide the creative inspiration, individual attention, and intellectual environment that may not be available to them at school.

Impact

Writopia Lab works with thousands of young writers every year—in our Labs, in public and private schools and in partnership with community based organizations around the country, as well as online. Our mission is rooted in our belief that celebrating and sharing stories contributes to the building of stronger, more literate and empathetic young people and societies.

Responsibilities

Administrative Associate Responsibilities (90%)

• Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with community partners
• Maintain an accurate list of contact information for schools in the DC metro area
• Lead the social media marketing efforts including content creation, design, and posting
• Act as the point person in the lab for issues arising during workshop sessions
• Primary contact for incoming phone calls and emails
• Identify and assess the needs of our community, engaging with families and prioritizing Writopia Lab’s relationships with parents and guardians
• Refer complaints, issues, and questions to managers when necessary
• Maintain the physical lab space including preparing it for workshops, organizing workshop materials, and ensuring the space is clean
• Monitor the physical assets in the space (Chrome books, laptops, and office equipment), escalating issues to the Regional Manager as needed
• Organize and maintain office supplies and snacks for workshops
• Open and close the lab space for workshops when necessary
• Provide general support at events such at book fairs, readings, and community events
• Other duties as assigned

Assistant Instructor Responsibilities (10%)

• Support in-person and off-site workshops when necessary
• Engage with young writers on a group and individual basis, encourage setting and achieving writing goals in a fun and productive way
• Foster a supportive, collaborative, safe workshop environment where writers feel comfortable expressing themselves
• Navigate workshop dynamics ensuring writers of different abilities, strengths, and affinities feel included and inspired
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Skills

• BA degree or pursuing BA in English or Creative Writing preferred
• Knowledge of Google and GSuite
• Comfort with technology and willingness to learn new tools and platforms
• Experience at a nonprofit, children’s camp, or youth-centered organization preferred
• Writing experience preferred
• Enthusiasm for working with youth
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to complete tasks in a timely manner
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, fostering a positive work environment
• Ability to stay calm when responding to customer issues
• Ability to build relationships effectively and professionally with Writopia Lab staff, families, and students

Schedule & Location

• This is an in-person position at our Tenleytown lab in DC. During the school year, the work schedule is 40 hours per week from Sunday through Thursday. During the summer, the work schedule is 40 hours per week from Monday through Friday.

Compensation

• Annual Salary $52,000

Applying for the Job

If you are excited by the idea of joining a community of writers and helping children and teens learn to strengthen their writing skills, please apply! We require a cover letter with your application. Please do not submit cover letters or other application materials generated by AI.

To find out more information regarding who we are and what we do here at Writopia Lab, please visit our website at www.writopialab.org.

The hiring process involves three interviews and a short on-site skills exercise followed by a reference check.

Writopia Lab uses E-Verify to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.

Writopia Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Writopia Lab does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or on any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

No phone calls, emails, or drop ins, please.