Program Associate

Description:

Writers in the Schools (WITS) is seeking a dedicated Program Associate (School & Community) to join its mission-driven team in Houston, TX. This is a full-time, hybrid position that supports WITS programs across schools and community venues. The Program Associate will play a key role in ensuring seamless operations, communication with writers, coordination of programming logistics, and maintaining essential data and internal documentation.

This role requires a balance of administrative, organizational, and interpersonal skills. The candidate will support writer hiring and training, coordinate events, assist with evaluations, and help execute various school-based and community-based literacy initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Writer Coordination:

• Assist with recruitment and hiring logistics (interviews, correspondence, postings)

• Track writer timesheets, contracts, and scheduling

• Help facilitate writer training and maintain up-to-date bios, headshots, and availability

• Update the Writer Handbook and notify writers of key deadlines/events

• Manage supplies needed for writers across programs

School Programs:

• Manage WITS Anthologies production and distribution

• Assist with event coordination (Blooms and Menil Youth Writers Readings)

• Schedule and document planning meetings with educators

• Organize field trips and coordinate with museum and writing staff

• Distribute and collect student surveys and media release forms

• Maintain inventory in writing supply closets

Tuition-Based Programs (Creative Writing Camp):

• Respond to parent and student inquiries

• Email parent packets, class details, and manage intern recruitment and orientation

• Organize and distribute camp supplies and merchandise

Club WITS:

• Oversee Club WITS interest forms and communication

• Coordinate student writing materials and create broadsides

Community Initiatives:

• Support event planning for Free Verse and Meta4 Slam Series

• Help organize materials and logistics for Houston Youth Poet Laureate activities

• Assist in event setup and community tabling

Evaluation & Impact Tracking:

• Support implementation of evaluation tools

• Collect and log metrics and survey data from educators and program participants

• Assist in tracking deliverables for grant-funded projects

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (required)

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience (preferred)

• Strong communication and organizational skills

• Ability to multitask and work collaboratively in a team environment

• A proactive and mission-aligned mindset with attention to detail

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance

• 22 PTO days in the first year

• Paid holidays and flexible hybrid schedule