Special Projects Administrator

The Kenyon Review seeks a qualified candidate to fill the position of Special Projects Administrator.

Organization Overview

We are a dynamic and growing non-profit literary organization committed to providing high-quality workshops, educational programming, and opportunities for emerging writers. In addition to our on-campus presence, where we supervise and teach student interns and associates, we also publish the renowned The Kenyon Review, a quarterly literary journal that showcases diverse voices. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are seeking a Special Projects Administrator to support our programs and help drive strategic growth and efficiency across all facets of the organization.

Job Summary

The Special Projects Administrator plays a critical role in supporting the execution of organizational goals and fostering the long-term stability of the organization. This position provides administrative and project management support for the Programs team, The Editor and works in close collaboration with the Operations Manager. The Administrator also takes the lead on key special projects that contribute to the organization's strategic growth—including increasing the circulation and esteem of The Kenyon Review, diversifying and expanding key supporters and audiences, and ensuring the successful execution of both ongoing and new programming for the literary community and Kenyon College.

The role involves working collaboratively across departments to drive efficiency and alignment and is crucial to the organization's continued success. Other projects and responsibilities may be assigned as needed, based on the evolving needs of the organization.

Workload Distribution

While this is a year-round administrative role, the focus of the work shifts seasonally in alignment with the organization’s programmatic calendar. During the spring and summer, the lion’s share of the role’s responsibilities center around supporting the logistics, communications, and operations of Kenyon Review’s youth and adult residential and online programs. This includes application processing, program coordination, contract and payment support and orientation for contractors and participants.

During the fall and winter, the Administrator’s focus shifts to broader organizational operations and initiatives—supporting development efforts, associate and fellowship searches, editorial workflows, and internal strategic planning and data management. The ability to manage cyclical priorities and adjust focus depending on the season is essential to success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative Support

• Prepare reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist with administration of Board of Trustee meetings, materials and logistics.
• Provide administrative support for the Editor, Director of Youth Programming, and Director of Programs. Organize and manage key meetings, take meeting notes, track action items, and ensure timely follow-up.
• Manage The Kenyon Review, KR Workshop, and Young Writers emails and phone calls, answering questions and/or directing inquiries to the appropriate resources.
• Process applications and enrollments.
• Manage and update workshop databases.
• Prepare and process staff contracts, hiring paperwork and program invoices.
• Create payment orders and process workshop staff payments.
• Create and update program paperwork and materials.
• Assist with mailings and promotions.
• Order and maintain an inventory of necessary program materials and supplies.
• Coordinate with other Kenyon College offices and outside vendors to secure necessary facilities, supplies, and services.
• Provide other administrative support as needed.

Data Collection and Analysis

• Assist with gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data related to organizational performance, program impact, and market trends.
• Maintain and update databases for internal records, program metrics, and donor information.
• Conduct regular reviews of data collection practices to ensure consistency, accuracy, and efficiency.

Market Research and Strategic Growth

• Conduct market research to inform strategic growth initiatives, including increasing the circulation and reputation of The Kenyon Review.
• Identify new opportunities for outreach, audience engagement, and supporter diversification.
• Analyze trends in the literary sector and programming best practices to help inform the organization's growth strategy.

Workflow Optimization and Outsourcing

• Evaluate internal workflows for efficiency and identify opportunities to streamline operations, particularly in production, shared drive file architecture and conventions, shared technologies including Monday.com, Excel, and Filemaker Pro, and student programming.
• Collaborate with leadership to identify when outsourcing might be beneficial to improve productivity or cost-effectiveness, including vendor research management and contracts.

Program Development and Execution

• Support the development of new programs, including budget modeling that assists in the design of new workshops and initiatives targeted at both the broader community and Kenyon College students.
• Ensure the successful execution of current programming, helping to maintain high standards and ensuring that all program deliverables are met.
• Provide logistical and operational support for workshops, literary events, and other programming activities.

Program Support and Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with program teams to ensure the efficient execution of various projects, including youth programming, workshops, and publication-related tasks.
• Contribute to campus-wide initiatives and support and align efforts with affiliate organizations and college partners.

Event and Workshop Support

• Assist with event logistics and coordination for workshops, literary events, the reading series, and other programming activities.
• Provide on-site support for in-person activities and help ensure a seamless experience for students, interns, and attendees.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in an administrative or project management role, preferably within a non-profit or creative organization.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and tasks effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Google Suite, Monday.com, and FileMaker Pro.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a high degree of collaboration and responsiveness.
• trong attention to detail, especially in data collection and reporting.
• Experience with market research and data analysis is a plus.

Working Conditions

In-person, full-time, 35 hours per week with possible travel.

Kenyon College is a nationally prominent, private liberal arts college where academic excellence goes hand in hand with a strong sense of community and close relationships among students and professors.

Compensation And Benefits

Salaries at Kenyon are competitive and commensurate with experience. In addition to an attractive salary, Kenyon offers benefits for employees and their family members. Children of employees are eligible for 100% tuition waivers at Kenyon, and through the Great Lakes Colleges Association, children of employees are eligible for 90% tuition waivers at nineteen other of the nation's finest liberal arts colleges.

We also offer health, dental and vision insurance, TIAA retirement, and many other benefits, including provisions for a spouse, families, and domestic partners. Details about benefits as well as conditions of employment are described more fully in our Staff Handbook.

Kenyon is a unique place to live and work. To discover why it should be your next home, click here.

Kenyon College is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from all qualified individuals. It is the College's policy to evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical and/or mental disability, age, religion, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by institutional policy or state, local, or federal law. Kenyon College has a strong commitment to an inclusive environment that welcomes all voices and perspectives.