This form is for Winter/Spring Youth 2027.

Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis while this project is live. Want to get immediate feedback on your class proposal? Email edu@loft.org if you have any question about the proposal process.

On our website, we have resources and FAQs to assist you in submitting proposals. Before contacting Program Manager Jack Harris (jharris@loft.org) with questions, please review the following:

• Reference Guide for Teaching Artists 
• Inclusion, Equity, and Antiracism
• Loft Code of Conduct
• Submittable Guide

The Loft is dedicated to offering classes that are imaginative, multicultural, and responsive. We seek reading lists, class content, and approaches to discussions on craft that are inclusive and diverse, as well as timely, contemporary and accessible (readily available online, not out of print). 

You must include a strong, considered statement on how your class plan and teaching strategies will align with the Loft’s goal to be equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist in its classrooms and with its programming. If you need time to understand what the Loft means by this, or are simply curious for more information, here are some suggested resources—especially if you need help leading and navigating classroom discussions of student work as they relate to these topics:

• How to Be An Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi 
• A Good Time for the Truth, edited by Sun Yung Shin 
• Craft in the Real World by Matthew Salesses 
• Anti-Racism Writing Workshop: How to Decolonize the Creative Classroom by Felicia Rose Chavez
• Appropriate: A Provocation by Paisley Rekdal 

Online Learning Resources:

For an idea of how the Loft continues to build knowledge and capacity on this, please visit Team Dynamics.com and IDIInventory.com National SEED Project (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) and ASDICircle.org. These are just a few of the many resources available on creating an inclusive learning environment in your classroom; if you are unsure of how to do this, or don't understand how to articulate how your lesson plan and teaching strategies will create this kind of environment in your classroom, feel free to connect with the Loft's Program Manager before you propose your class.

In order to teach online, Loft teaching artists must have a reliable and high speed internet connection and a computer, as well as basic knowledge of computer use, Zoom and Google Classroom. The Loft can not provide you with a computer or internet access.   

What We're Looking For:

Reading lists and class content that are inclusive and diverse. Please ensure one perspective is not centered on a monolithic approach to experience and expression. 

Classes across genre. We are looking to offer at least one class in each major genre (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, etc.)) According to our surveys of youth students, horror, fantasy, and sci-fi are our most requested subgenres. 

Strong and flexible lesson plans. Loft classes give young writers opportunities to engage with their teaching artist and one another, while also providing instruction on craft, engaging discussion, and in-class writing activities, as well as writing prompts students can work on between class meetings.  

Suggestions for Winter/Spring 2027:

Themed youth classes around holidays - Fall/nature writing, Halloween/writing scary stories, winter/snowflakes, etc.

Writing groups and clubs across age ranges - These after-school classes are meant to build community, provide opportunities to meet and connect other writers, get feedback, get prompts, and share ideas. These are generic, multi-genre, and more “informal” classes with a main goal of connecting young writers with each other.

Saturday, single session programming in-person - Single session, three-hour classes on Saturdays. These classes will take place in-person at Open Book

Winter Youth Timeline

• Proposal Period: August 25 - September 29, 2026: 
• Craft team proposal reviews proposals and schedules classes with teaching artists: October 2026
• Winter Young Writers registration opens: October 29, 2026
• Winter Young Writers season: January 2027 - April 2027   

Compensation 

You’ll be paid $7.00 per student per contact hour based on enrollment for your second class meeting (students may drop the class during the first week). For example, if you are teaching a 6-week class (meeting 2 hours per week for 6 weeks) with an enrollment of 14 students, your compensation will be $1,176. Youth classes are also paid on a flat-fee basis of $50/hr. Minimum enrollment is 4 students, maximum enrollment is 17 students (you are paid for a minimum of 7 students for enrollment-based classes). If this is a flat fee class, you are paid $50/hr.   

Please contact Program Jack Harris (jharris@loft.org) with any questions.

Job Title: Program Manager, Education  

Organization: The Loft Literary Center, Minneapolis www.loft.org

Status: FT Exempt

Reports to: Senior Director of Craft

Compensation: $56,000 - 60,000 annual salary  

The Loft operates on a 32-hour work week with the exception of seasonal demands. Your 32-hour work week will include three  days in the office and one day of flexibility to work from home. Benefits include health insurance (Loft pays 80% of a top tier plan), life insurance, as well as two weeks paid time off annually (starting), 11 floating holidays, accrued sick/personal leave, and the opportunity to take one free Loft class per year.

This hybrid position includes working at least 3 days in the Loft office along with some evenings and weekends in support of Loft education programs and events. Reliable cell phone access and high speed internet are required for work off-site. 

About the Loft: Celebrating 50 years since its incorporation, the Loft Literary Center is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit literary centers with classes, workshops, mentorships, events, resources and services that advance the power of writers and readers to craft and share stories, to create and celebrate connections, and to build just, life-sustaining communities. Loft staff members enjoy a flexible workplace, health and other benefits, and the company of dedicated and creative colleagues. The Loft is committed to being an actively antiracist organization and the Education Program Manager will play a key role in advancing the cultural competence, equity, and accessibility of Loft classes. 

Position Purpose: The Loft was originally established as a community-based school for writers. The Education Program Manager will play a key role in continuing to build upon and to evolve this legacy. As a member of the Loft’s Craft Team, the Education Program Manager will be responsible for developing and managing the Loft’s annual class offerings; serving as the primary liaison managing relationships with teaching artists for adult and youth classes; and collaborating across programs to advance the success of the Loft’s education programming.  

Primary Areas of Responsibilities and Tasks

In all areas of accountability for this position, responsiveness, empathy, humor, and a strong commitment to customer service will be needed. You will be a good fit for this position if you enjoy program administration, working with a wide variety of learners, and you share our commitment to antiracism. The list below is representative of the essential duties for the job, but it is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of duties required to perform this role. As a member of the Loft staff, you may be asked to provide support for “all hands on deck” activities or events and to perform other duties as necessary to fulfill the Loft’s mission, vision and strategic objectives.

Develop and manage annual class offerings to advance the skills and professional development of writers and inspire the passion of readers (50%):  

• Develop and implement an annual plan for adult and youth class offerings.
• Schedule classes for seasonal course terms, Year-Long Writing Projects, and Diversifying Writers classes
• Train, supervise, and support the success of the Loft’s Program Coordinators and education-related contractors, interns, and volunteers
• Oversee administration and customer service including coordinating phone coverage and onsite and virtual support for adult and youth classes
• Conduct information sessions and advise prospective students regarding course offerings  
• Oversee and participate in the registration of class participants
• Develop and evolve systems to manage projects in Asana and maintain the accuracy of data related to classes in Salesforce
• Serve as the primary liaison between teaching artists and Loft marketing team for marketing classes; write and edit design-ready copy for catalogs or for use on the Loft’s website
• Administer class evaluations and oversee the entering of data in a timely fashion  

Serve as primary liaison and manage relationships with teaching artists for classes (30%):

• Recruit and supervise teaching artists for the Loft’s classes and Year-Long Writing Projects
• Train and orient teaching artists to Loft values and commitment to equity and antiracism, pedagogical best practices, class proposal process, pay structures, conduct and classroom protocols, and offer guidance on other relevant policies and supportive resources
• Support teaching artists in the design and development of course descriptions and syllabi and in identifying technology or equipment needs for classes
• Manage the contracting process for teaching artists 
• Manage communications with teaching artists throughout scheduling, contracting, and course implementation
• Update and maintain the Loft Teacher’s Guide 

Collaborate to advance the engagement and success of Loft program participants (20%):

• Work with the Senior Director of Craft to establish an annual education budget, create and attain annual tuition revenue goals, and to evaluate and evolve program offerings to increase student enrollment
• Supervise the Education Coordinator and engage with other coordinators as needed
• Work with the Senior Director of Craft to disseminate antiracist pedagogies and best practices for community-centric learning environments
• Collaborate with coordinators to develop, review, and select proposals and applications for Loft classes, MISA awards, services, and access funds
• Work with the Craft and Community Engagement teams to develop and coordinate education-related offerings associated with Loft series, partnerships, and events
• Collaborate with the Development Team to identify education-related funding opportunities and/or provide context and support to education-related grant writing and reporting

Knowledge and experience required for this job:

• Experience implementing educational programs in community-centric learning environments (an understanding of enrichment vs academic programs)
• Experience with program and data management including the ability to plan, manage, and document complex schedules and relationships  
• Experience working with a wide variety of constituents including BIPOC and marginalized learners and learning environments
• A customer service orientation—the ability to remain personable, diplomatic, with a commitment to be responsive, manage conflict, and remain solutions-oriented in response to complaints
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills with antiracism and antiracist pedagogies
• Ability to champion the Loft’s core values
• Experience with supervision and managing interns and/or volunteers
• Proficient knowledge of Salesforce, Asana, Submittable, Google Suite, and Zoom or comparable platforms for sales, project and proposal management 
• An open and learning orientation to technology, software, and office equipment
• Appetite and ability to learn quickly
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills including proficiency in written and spoken English
• Ability to work and problem-solve independently
• Enjoyment working alone and in teams
• A positive, forward-looking, and curious approach
• Excellent attention to detail and deadlines
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends, as needed
• A bachelor’s degree or higher or equivalent experience

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience with antiracist pedagogies
• An established network in the Twin Cities literary community, especially with writers and teaching artists
• Energy and enthusiasm for active participation in local, national, and virtual literary events and communities
• A love of stories and books
• Analytical skill and experience
• A sense of humor and an ease with people

NOTE: Loft employees are not eligible to apply for Loft awards for writers

To Apply: Please answer the application questions and submit your resume via Submittable. If you do not have a Submittable account, you will need to create one.

Due to the expected number of applicants, we request that you do not call or email to check on your application status. You will get a confirmation by email to let you know that your application was received as well as notification when the position is filled.

Hiring Process: This position is open until filled; applications will be reviewed as they come in, but first preference will be given to applications received by September 8th. Interviews will likely begin in mid-September. 

The Loft is an equal opportunity employer.

The Loft's Access Fund Pool is open for programming taking place in June 2025 - August 2027.  The Loft's Access Fund model allows you to submit a single online application to join the Pool and learn about Loft programs as they become available. The following programs are eligible for Loft Access Funds:

• Adult and youth education classes and workshops
• Year-Long Writing Project (separate application)

These opportunities are meant to reduce financial barriers to participation in Loft classes and are available to individuals who are experiencing financial hardship and to whom the cost of tuition is a barrier to participation. Once accepted, available seats are emailed out as they become available, about 1-2 times a month. These email alerts will give you access to a list of offerings that are access fund viable. If you are interested in any of these offerings, you will need to follow the given instructions to request a seat in the class. Seats for most offerings are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If a seat is available, you will be given a promo code (applied during checkout) that will provide a 75% or 90% reduction in tuition for a class. The access fund recipient is responsible for the remaining 25% or 10% cost, which will vary depending on the regular price of the class. 

The Loft is committed to equity in our programming by creating opportunities for folks who face barriers to participation in artistic career development. While Loft class access funds are focused on reducing financial barriers, we want to strongly encourage individuals from historically marginalized communities to apply, including, but not limited to, Black and Indigenous people and people of color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, as well as low income individuals.

It is not mandatory to provide proof of financial hardship, but if you would like to provide documentation**, please submit documentation that includes: 1) Your name & address 2) Public assistance program name**  3) A recent date. Then, use your mobile phone's camera, scanner, or good old snail mail to send us your documentation after, or along with your online application below.

 More questions? Read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). 

**Optional documentation, if provided, should include 1) Your name & address 2) Public assistance program name**  3) A recent date. Then, use your mobile phone's camera, scanner, or good old snail mail to send us your documentation after, or along with your online application. 

Examples of Accepted Public Assistance Programs:

• TANF
• MFIP
• General Assistance
• WIC
• Medicaid,  Medical Assistance, or Minnesota Care
• SSI (Disability, Not Retirement)
• Food Stamps
• Unemployment
• Section 8 Housing
• Free or Reduced Price School Meals

Thanks for your interest in volunteering with the Loft! Volunteers work closely with staff, author/personalities, and the literary community to execute Loft programming and events. The Loft primarily seeks volunteers interested in helping with literary events and occasional administrative projects. Please complete this form to tell us about yourself and what activities you'd be most interested in supporting as a volunteer. 

Thank you for your interest in teaching with the Loft! This proposal form is accepting applications on a rolling basis while this project is live.

For top consideration for Winter/Spring 2027 classes, please submit by September 8, 2026. 

On our website, we have resources and FAQs to assist you in submitting proposals. Before contacting the Education Manager Jack Harris (jharris@loft.org) with questions, please review the following:

• Reference Guide for Teaching Artists
• Inclusion, Equity, and Antiracism
• Loft Code of Conduct
• Submittable Guide

We offer optional office hours for proposal-related questions or application feedback to answer any questions. RSVP here for an upcoming teaching artist information session. Email edu@loft.org with any questions about the proposal process.

Loft’s Mission & Vision

The Loft advances the power of writers and readers to craft and share stories, to create and celebrate connections, and to build just, life-sustaining communities.

We envision a world where the power of the word liberates minds, deepens relationships, and inspires movements for people and planet. As an antiracist organization, the Loft develops literary experiences for writers, readers, and storytellers because racism dehumanizes people, and poetry and stories deepen our connection to our shared humanity. Recognizing the relationship between race, power, and resources, we prioritize the engagement of BIPOC/marginalized  communities and work for the equitable distribution of our power and resources. The Loft is dedicated to offering classes that are imaginative, multicultural, and responsive. We seek reading lists, class content, and approaches to discussions on craft that are inclusive and diverse, as well as timely, contemporary and accessible (readily available online, not out of print).

Teaching Statement

You must include a strong, considered statement on how your class plan and teaching strategies will align with the Loft’s goal to be equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist in its classrooms and with its programming. Here are some suggested resources—especially if you need help leading and navigating classroom discussions of student work as they relate to these topics:

• How to Be An Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi
• A Good Time for the Truth, edited by Sun Yung Shin
• Craft in the Real World by Matthew Salesses
• Anti-Racism Writing Workshop: How to Decolonize the Creative Classroom by Felicia Rose Chavez
• Appropriate: A Provocation by Paisley Rekdal

Online Learning Resources:

For an idea of how the Loft continues to build knowledge and capacity on this, please visit Team Dynamics.com and IDIInventory.com National SEED Project (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) ASDICircle.org. These are just a few of the many resources available on creating an inclusive learning environment in your classroom; if you are unsure of how to do this, or don't understand how to articulate how your lesson plan and teaching strategies will create this kind of environment in your classroom, feel free to connect with the Loft's Education Manager before you propose your class - Marianne Manzler <mmanzler@loft.org>.

The Loft delivers classes in two formats:

• In-Person Classes take place at Open Book, in downtown Minneapolis, in a Loft classroom space.
• Online/Zoom Classes via Zoom. Multi-week Online/Zoom classes also come with the optional Google Classroom supplement to make materials available to students.

What We're Looking For

Some of the offerings in high demand (or specific offerings we’ve been asked for) are:

• Memoir/personal essay workshops and work-generating classes
• Intermediate & Advanced/workshopping classes in all genres, but especially Poetry
• Playwriting
• Genre writing, but especially romance and horror
• Writing accountability groups
• Writing for lapsed writers/non-creative writers
• Afro-futurism
• As usual, classes across all genres, skill levels, and lengths

If your class idea is not represented in the above list, please still send it my way. I’m always happy to talk via Zoom or email about what you’d like to teach and how it can fit into our programming and organizational artistic vision.

Strong and flexible lesson plans. Loft classes give writers opportunities to engage with their teaching artist and one another, while also providing instruction on craft, engaging discussion, and in-class writing activities, as well as writing prompts students can work on between class meetings. Teaching artists are encouraged to give their students a syllabus or overview of the class on day one, as that gives them a sense of what to expect.

Single Session Classes. If this is your first time teaching a class with the Loft (or if you haven't taught a class with the Loft in the last five years), please only propose a single, 3-hour or 4-hour class. From there, we will gauge audience interest and can work together to see if a multi-week format is right for your class. Thank you!

Multi-week (4 week, 8 week, or 12 week) genre workshops that focus on craft and readings, generative writing exercises, community-building opportunities, and feedback-based workshops with written and verbal feedback and participation. Core values to emphasize: curiosity and creativity.

Please refer to the Loft’s Teacher Guide to see if your class might be a fit.   

What we are not looking for

We have not had success with classes that feel academic in nature (e.g., assigning academic writing texts, theoretical texts, reading lists that are too long, reading workshops built around classics) or are too niche (e.g., somatic writing, writing in translation). Please get to know our catalog and current offerings to see what we do at loft.org.

Fall Class Proposal Timeline

Fall class proposals accepted April - May.

June - July | Education team selects classes and selection notification begins

July | Fall Registration Opens Online

Early September  - mid December  | Fall Session   

Winter Proposal Timeline

Winter class proposals accepted June - August.

August-October | Education team reviews classes and selection notification begins

November | Winter registration opens online

Winter session: Late January 21 - mid April

Access Funds pool is open and accepts applications on a rolling basis   

Summer Proposal Timeline

Summer class proposals accepted Jan - March.

March - April | Education team reviews classes and selection notification begins

April | Summer registration opens online

Summer session: mid June - late August

Access Funds pool is open and accepts applications on a rolling basis

The Loft’s Young Writers’ Program offers year-round, high-quality, enrichment-based creative writing instruction across genres, to all levels, for kids and teens ages 6-18. Many classes are taught by award-winning, published writers. Loft classes are process based, rather than product based, and seek to support children and teens as they become excited, engaged writers and readers.

The Loft's Young Writers' Program publishes an annual anthology of students' writing in the Loft Young Writers Anthology from youth participants in Loft education programs. Our goal is to provide a safe space for youth to express themselves, regardless of their experience, background, ethnicity, and/or identity, and elevate their voices and unique perspectives.

Eligible students may submit up to 3 double-spaced pages. Work must have been written, started, or revised in a Loft workshop or class between September 2025 to September 2026. Submissions close on September 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

Please note that we do not accept any submissions or publish work that contains hateful language, bigotry, homophobia, or violate the Loft's Code of Conduct policy or Strategic Framework. If your work contains any sensitive or difficult topics, please include a content warning with your submission.

INTRODUCTION AND PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Poet Laureate of Minneapolis is an official ambassador of the city’s literary culture, connecting our community through the art of poetry. The Poet Laureate is committed to promoting poetry and the literary arts in the city, and uplifts the city through their art form.

As an advocate for poetry in Minneapolis, the Poet Laureate engages the community in meaningful, impactful, and innovative projects. The Poet Laureate has a commitment to sharing the transformative art of poetry through educational opportunities. The Poet Laureate takes part in civic ceremonies in conjunction with the city, creating a unique literary legacy.

The incoming Poet Laureate of Minneapolis will serve for a two year term, January 1, 2027 - December 31, 2028. The Poet Laureate is designated by the City of Minneapolis and the Poet Laureate program is a partnership with The Loft Literary Center.

EXPECTATIONS & DUTIES

The Minneapolis Poet Laureate will have several responsibilities during their tenure, including: 

• Writing an official poem for the City of Minneapolis reflecting on a current moment in the City of Minneapolis
• Celebrating the City of Minneapolis through public service engagements, including addresses at official City events per term
• Leading public events that features the sharing of poetry and community conversation per term
• Teaching courses through The Loft Literary Center that promotes poetry as an opportunity for connection.
• Advancing the art form of poetry in the City of Minneapolis as an avenue for deep engagement in our community. 

HONORARIUM

The poet laureate will receive an honorarium of $16,000 ($8,000 per year) to be delivered quarterly across their two-year tenure, beginning on January 1, 2027. The poet laureate will be honored at an inaugural event, celebrating their induction in January at Open Book in downtown Minneapolis. In addition, the Minneapolis Poet Laureate is eligible to apply for the prestigious Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowship $50,000 national award recognizing poets of exceptional literary merit who serve in civic leadership roles. The fellowship supports innovative public-facing projects that deepen community engagement through poetry. Of note, inaugural Minneapolis Poet Laureate Heid E. Erdrich was selected in 2025 as one of the 22 poet laureates nationwide to receive the fellowship, demonstrating the national recognition and impact of the City’s Poet Laureate program. 

ELIGIBILITY

• Applicants must be at least 21 years of age 
• Applicants must be active professional poet whose work has been published, performed, reviewed, and/or honored 
• Applicants must be Hennepin County residents and be able to work in-person throughout the term of their work on this program. Preference will be given to Minneapolis residents.  
• Applicants must have the ability to complete the mandated expectations and duties over the course of the term 
• Applicants must have a significant connection and commitment to the Minneapolis community.
• Applicants must see poetry as an opportunity to engage, serve, and celebrate the Minneapolis community .
• Loft board and staff members are ineligible.

APPLICATION

To be considered, all applications must include the following:

A curriculum vitae or résumé;

Five examples of work. These examples might include, but are not limited to, individual poems, recorded performance, or other multimedia projects. Examples of work are not required to be previously published, but do note any details of past publication as applicable.

An artist statement no longer than 1000 words describing the poet’s commitment and approach to the art form

A plan for a civic duty project no longer than 1000 words describing a project to engage and serve the Minneapolis community through poetry. This project should engage youth and/or addresses important statewide or local issues, and the statement should include the anticipated reach or impact. 

All applications must be submitted via Submittable by October 7, 2026 11:59 PM CT.

SELECTION PROCESS

The Poet Laureate will be considered based on their eligibility and the content of their application. The selection panel is made up of members of the Minneapolis Arts Commission and other arts community representatives. The panel will be selected by the city of Minneapolis and the Loft Literary Center. The panel must come to a unanimous decision to select the Poet Laureate.

In addition to fulfilling the eligibility requirements, applicants will be reviewed based on this additional criteria:

• The literary excellence of the poet’s work amidst the contemporary poetry landscape
• The community impact of the poet on other artmakers in the city of Minneapolis
• The feasibility of any proposed public engagement projects
• The wider reputation of the poet and their work
• Their works’ engagement with the city of Minneapolis   

EQUITY STATEMENT

Please see the city's Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging statement to see more information about Minneapolis’s commitment to fair and just opportunities and outcomes for all people. Please see the Loft's Inclusion, Equity, and Antiracism statement to see more information about the Loft's commitment to fostering intentional community.

ADMINISTRATORS OF THE AWARD

The Arts & Cultural Affairs Department (ACA) exists to advance, support, stimulate, and promote a diverse and active arts and cultural environment that recognizes and draws on the full potential of Minneapolis’ artists and arts organizations, reflects, and responds to civic concerns and aspirations, and enriches the lives of all people who live in, work in, and visit Minneapolis.

The Loft Literary Center advances the power of writers and readers to craft and share stories, to create and celebrate connections, and to build just, life-sustaining communities. We grow writers and build community by creating literary experiences that cultivate craft and connection. 

We envision a world where the power of the word liberates minds, deepens relationships, and inspires movements for people and planet.

As an antiracist organization, the Loft develops literary experiences for writers, readers, and storytellers because racism dehumanizes people, and poetry and stories deepen our connection to our shared humanity. Recognizing the relationship between race, power, and resources, we prioritize the engagement of BIPOC and marginalized communities and work for the equitable distribution of our power and resources.

Our core values are creativity, connection, justice, care, courage, and curiosity.   

QUESTIONS

If you have questions about your application, please contact Cristeta Boarini, Partnerships Program Manager at the Loft Literary Center at partnerships@loft.org or 612-215-2593. Please note that we are anticipating a high volume of applications, and may not be able to update you on the status of your application until December 2026.