Between the Lines Program Assistant

The International Writing Program seeks to hire a program assistant for Emerging Voices programming, with dedicated support to Between the Lines (BTL): Peace and the Writing Experience, a two-week cultural exchange and creative writing program for writers 15-18 years old.

BTL: Peace and the Writing Experience will join 16 international participants (from Algeria, Armenia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Egypt, India, Iraq, Malawi, Morocco, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Ukraine, Qatar, and Zimbabwe with 10 of their American peers, for two weeks of intensive summer programming hosted by IWP and the University of Iowa, July 12-26, 2025. With award-winning U.S. and international faculty as their mentors, participants spend 2-4 hours a day in synchronized creative writing workshops, world literature seminars, literary readings, and Q&As with visiting authors, plus social opportunities for cultural exchange, group, and individual writing assignments outside of class, and more. All programming is conducted in English. BTL: Peace and the Writing Experience is sponsored through a cooperative agreement with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State.

Responsibilities: The Emerging Voices Program Assistant will work alongside the Emerging Voices Coordinator and BTL Summer Assistant starting in mid-February till August. Hours will vary, working 10-20 per week during the spring, and up to 40 hours per week during the in-person program session, reducing again to 10-20 hours per week after the session.

The Emerging Voices Program Assistant will complete administrative and program tasks including but not limited to:

In-person and online responsibilities:

Assemble files and maintain general databases and spreadsheets, hard copy and digital files, account records, and other office records for program participants.

Respond to programmatic inquiries via email and social media; be able to communicate effectively and professionally with participants, and parents/guardians.

Produce and compile program reporting.

Work with faculty to secure curriculum and classroom needs.

Work with BTL team to complete errands and event arrangements.

Assist in handling emergency situations and enacting safety protocols should they arise.

Plan and lead occasional writing activities during the orientations, daily meetings, as scheduled

Manage program social media and BTL participant blogging as part of the program curriculum.

Assist with producing a print program anthology.

Other projects as assigned.

BTL: Peace and the Writing Experience will join 16 international participants (from Algeria, Armenia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Egypt, India, Iraq, Malawi, Morocco, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Ukraine, Qatar, and Zimbabwe with 10 of their American peers, for two weeks of intensive summer programming hosted by IWP and the University of Iowa, July 12-26, 2025. With award-winning U.S. and international faculty as their mentors, participants spend 2-4 hours a day in synchronized creative writing workshops, world literature seminars, literary readings, and Q&As with visiting authors, plus social opportunities for cultural exchange, group, and individual writing assignments outside of class, and more. All programming is conducted in English. BTL: Peace and the Writing Experience is sponsored through a cooperative agreement with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State.

Responsibilities: The Emerging Voices Program Assistant will work alongside the Emerging Voices Coordinator and BTL Summer Assistant starting in mid-February till August. Hours will vary, working 10-20 per week during the spring, and up to 40 hours per week during the in-person program session, reducing again to 10-20 hours per week after the session.

The Emerging Voices Program Assistant will complete administrative and program tasks including but not limited to:

In-person and online responsibilities:

Assemble files and maintain general databases and spreadsheets, hard copy and digital files, account records, and other office records for program participants.

Respond to programmatic inquiries via email and social media; be able to communicate effectively and professionally with participants, and parents/guardians.

Produce and compile program reporting.

Work with faculty to secure curriculum and classroom needs.

Work with BTL team to complete errands and event arrangements.

Assist in handling emergency situations and enacting safety protocols should they arise.

Plan and lead occasional writing activities during the orientations, daily meetings, as scheduled

Manage program social media and BTL participant blogging as part of the program curriculum.

Assist with producing a print program anthology.

Other projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

Enthusiasm to work closely with young writers ages 15-18.

Effective communication with professionals and youth populations.

Detail-oriented and ability to multi-task.

Knowledge of office routines and equipment, institutional and unit policies, processes, and forms.

Ability to organize and prioritize tasks, collect data, and keep accurate records.

Ability to follow detailed oral and written instructions accurately.

Flexible schedule, including some evening and weekend hours,and commitment to the goals of Between the Lines.

Undergo a criminal background check.

Complete working with minors training compliance.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in creative writing, youth programming, and cultural exchange.

Salary: $15.00-$20.00