ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
This role reports to Dean, and Associate Dean, Faculty of Arts.
SUMMARY
The Faculty of Arts invites applications from established or emerging Indigenous writers, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, for two positions as Indigenous Writer-in-Residence. These residencies will support Indigenous writers in the research and creation of new works. The Indigenous Writer-in-Residence will be able to divide their time between their own writing and contributing to the Faculty of Arts. In their application, candidates are encouraged to detail how they envision engaging with the Faculty of Arts (faculty, students, and staff) and the broader KPU community. For more information about the Faculty of Arts, please visit our website at: https://www.kpu.ca/arts.
The Indigenous Writer-in-Residence positions will be for 3 months. The positions will begin either in September 2022, or in January 2023. Applicants should indicate in their cover letter their availability for a September 2022 and/or January 2023 start to their residency.
Writers will be paid $7000 per month for the duration of their residency. There will also be funding available for KPU-specific events as well as for honoraria for writers the Indigenous Writer-in-Residence may want to invite for curated readings.
Applications should include:
- A curriculum vitae
- A cover letter or video that includes your statement of interest; a proposal of the writing project; and a description of the kinds of events you would like to plan and how you see these contributing to the KPU community. (For video submissions, please provide a link to a website or Google doc.)
- Please include a statement clearly indicating your availability to be present on KPU campuses (primarily the Surrey, Richmond, and/or Langley campuses) during September to November 2022 and/or January to March 2023.
- A letter of support or documentation regarding your connections to Indigenous community and/or an Indigenous organization, as well as lived experience.
- A writing sample of no more than 5 pages
- The names of two references
KPU is committed to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada Calls to Action and to supporting Indigenous writers and their representation and visibility within KPU and its broader communities. This program will foster community engagement and will have a positive impact on both the writers and the KPU community through sharing, dialogue, creativity, and intercultural communication.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- The organization and hosting of a series of events for the Faculty of Arts and KPU that may include the following: a one-day symposium; 1 craft talk; 2 public readings; 1 curated reading
- Giving 3 guest lectures and/or readings within the Faculty of Arts.
- Participating in events organized by the Faculty of Arts and/or KPU, such as “KPU Reads”
- Consulting with writers of various abilities 2 days per week.
- Meeting regularly with the Associate Dean and/or Dean, Faculty of Arts
- Engaging with departments, and/or faculty, staff, and student groups in the Faculty of Arts and the broader KPU community
QUALIFICATIONS
- Relevant community-based and/or professional experience rooted in Indigenous communities, knowledges, and traditions
- Writers should have at least one book published, or a book contract with a professional publishing house, or an equivalent major project, and have been active in their creative discipline(s).
- A record of public readings and participation in literary festivals, writers’ workshops, and/or community events
- Enthusiasm for connecting with KPU’s community members from a variety of areas and disciplines
- Willingness to organize and plan events
- Enthusiasm for engaging with writers of various abilities
Applicants interested in the Fall semester should apply as soon as possible. The first review of applications will take place Monday, July 18, 2022.
The hourly rate is $42.00/hour.
Does this role sound like it was made for you, yet you don’t check every box?
We at KPU understand that experiences and qualifications may look differently for everyone and, if this job description is of interest to you, we encourage you to apply.
Note to Applicants:
Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.
If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at humanresources@kpu.ca.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.