Children’s Literature Program Director

(posted 3/17/23)

Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia invites applications to serve as the full-time program director for its graduate Children’s Literature and Children’s Book Illustration programs. Primary responsibilities focus on the administration and guidance of Hollins’ M.F.A./M.A. in Children’s Literature, M.F.A. in Children’s Book Writing and Illustrating, related certificate programs, and the launch of the university’s new year-round residential option for these programs. The position also carries a teaching load of one or two courses per academic year. The teaching load typically includes one summer course during the six-week session of the Children’s Literature graduate programs and may include online or hybrid courses.

About the Program

In 1992, the summer graduate programs in children’s literature began offering both literature and creative writing courses toward an M.A. in Children’s Literature. The popularity of creative writing led to the addition of an M.F.A. in Children’s Literature in 2005. In 2011, the program added a Certificate in Children’s Book Illustration, followed in 2015 by an M.F.A. in Children’s Book Writing and Illustrating, both designed by and taught by visiting faculty. The year-round option will permit international students to more easily enroll in the program.

About the Position

The program director will assume academic and administrative responsibility for Hollins’ graduate Children’s Literature programs and will serve as the program liaison and advisor. In partnership with relevant campus offices, the director will participate in recruitment and enrollment activities, help improve student life and belonging, and seek out and coordinate internships for students enrolled in the programs. Additionally, the director will help recruit and hire faculty, collaborate in curriculum development, and teach one or two courses per academic year, primarily at the graduate level. The position will report to the Vice President for Graduate Programs and Continuing Studies and will work with him and other graduate program directors and university colleagues to develop effective academic initiatives and grow the programs. The director will play a vital role in the future of Children’s Literature programs and initiatives at Hollins, including the collaborative work of planning ambitious new academic outreach projects designed to serve broad public and community audiences, researchers, and K-12 educators.

Position Qualifications

The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills and a strong interest in working with a diverse community of students. The ideal candidate will hold an M.F.A. or Ph.D. in Children’s Literature and/or Illustration or Creative Writing or related academic disciplines and have at least three years of collegiate teaching experience. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have experience across multiple genres (ex. picture book, middle grade, and young adult literature) and in online learning environments.

Application Process

Screening of candidates will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. To apply, please submit the following materials:

• A cover letter;
• A curriculum vitae; and
• A statement about how your experience or philosophy in contemporary children’s literature has a diversity, equity, and inclusion focus which will enhance the institution’s efforts to support these values and an increasingly diverse student population.

Candidates advanced to the second stage of review will be invited to submit the following materials:

• Evidence of effective teaching;
• Names and contact information for three professional references who can address the candidate’s qualifications; and
• Unofficial copy of graduate school transcripts.

Applicants should submit materials to hollinshr@hollins.edu . The selected candidate will be asked to submit official transcripts to the Graduate Programs and Continuing Studies Office and will also be subject to a criminal history background check.

About Hollins University

Hollins is an independent, liberal arts university offering undergraduate education for women and selected graduate programs for men and women. Founded in 1842 as Virginia’s oldest chartered women’s college, Hollins provides abundant opportunities to students for research, study abroad, and leadership training, and provides access to real-world experience through internships around the globe supported by an extensive alumnae/i network.

Hollins is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity at every level of the university. Persons of all genders; persons with disabilities; persons of all racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds; and first-generation college graduates are encouraged to apply.

For more information about Hollins, please visit our website ( www.hollins.edu ).