The Emerging Writers’ Festival (EWF) invites applications for the exciting position of Festival Director.
The Festival Director will lead the artistic direction of EWF and deliver high quality, diverse and dynamic programs in support of the emerging writers community.
The EWF is an independent arts organisation based in Melbourne’s Wheeler Centre for Books, Writing and Ideas. The EWF promotes the interests of emerging writers working in all styles, genres and forms – it looks to improve the opportunities for professional development, facilities access to the writing community, and promotes engagement with the broader public. The annual festival is a key event on Australia’s literary calendar, drawing visitors from across Victoria, interstate and around the world.
Key role accountabilities
The Festival Director will work directly alongside the General Manager and is accountable to the Board Chair for the following:
Artistic direction and programming
Implement the organisation’s strategic direction in line with the EWF mission and values.
Develop and define the artistic rationale for all EWF programs / events for Board approval.
Design and deliver innovative and engaging programs / events that address up-to-date issues for writers and provides professional development opportunities for staff, artists and participants.
Work with the Program Advisory Committee (PAC) to develop and refine all EWF programs / events.
Work closely with the General Manager with the overall planning and staging of EWF programs and other interstate / regional events.
Identify and develop artistic and strategic relationships between EWF and other peak literary organisations, both nationally and overseas.
Initiate projects to further the artistic mission of EWF, in line with current policy and planning.
In conjunction with the General Manager evaluate all EWF programs / events including conducting an annual survey and ongoing feedback from artists, PAC, Board and attendees.
Management – general
Contribute to and support the General Manager with the overall management of the day-to-day operations of EWF.
Ensure EWF’s policies and procedures are adhered to in all activities with staff, volunteers, interns and artists.
Contribute to the development of EWF’s timeline and annual calendar of programs / partner events.
Oversee production of EWF programs / events with input and support from General Manager.
Oversee all key venue contacts, and communication between all venue management, production and technical representatives.
In conjunction with General Manager, contribute to the creation and implementation of all logistic risk management plans for EWF programs / events.
Establish and maintain a good working relationship with the management and other residents of The Wheeler Centre.
Management – budgeting and financial
Contribute to the development of the financial framework for EWF in conjunction with the General Manager and Treasurer i.e. including the budgeting of artistic and technical areas of EWF for sign off by the Board.
Management – human resources
Contribute to the recruitment and selection all contractors, interns, volunteers and artistic personnel as required.
Manage / supervise direct reports / contractors, volunteers, work experience participants and interns and report any issues immediately to the Board Chair.
Manage regular production meetings and other communications as required.
Development
Contribute to identifying fund raising / sponsorship programs / grant opportunities, preparation of grant applications and major sponsorship proposals and acquittals.
Liaise where applicable with relevant funding bodies, sponsors, including establishing and maintaining relationships with key contacts.
Marketing and promotion
Represent the public face of the EWF as required for all media outlets, sponsors, partner organisations and industry bodies.
Provide direction for the design of all EWF publications and marketing materials.
Create content for outside publications and websites as required to further promote the Festival events.
Contribute to marketing and promotional activity for the EWF, working closely with General Manager.
Board reporting and liaison
Prepare monthly written reports for monthly EWF Board meetings.
Attend monthly Board meetings and strategic planning sessions as required.
Prepare jointly with the General Manager a final report at the end of each
Festival detailing the Festival’s activities and strategic partnerships, including recommendations for the Festival’s future and promotional material for archival purposes.
Attend a Festival debrief meeting as required by the Board.
Contribute to Board subcommittees as requested.
Liaise with the Board Chair outside of Board meetings on issues that require immediate attention or resolution.
Other
Represent EWF at functions, events and other opportunities that either promote the organisation or further its mission.
Selection criteria
The Festival Director will need to demonstrate:
well developed depth of knowledge of the Australian literary sector / community;
demonstrable track record of success in developing and delivering innovative and engaging artistic programs in the arts or publishing sector;
outstanding leadership skills relevant to the effective promotion,
presentation and advocacy for emerging writers;
strong representational skills to effectively profile and promote emerging writers;
outstanding presentation and communication skills and the experience to be an outgoing spokesperson, relationship builder and fundraiser;
prior experience of management within the not for profit sector; and
people leadership capability to motivate, coach and inspire.
The Festival Director should also demonstrate the following personal characteristics:
High energy, drive and resilience;
Natural and authentic leader – highly ethical, assured in all environments, poised and inspiring;
Good listener, reflective and self aware;
Innately inclusive, creating a trusting work environment; and
Curious and optimistic about the future.
Terms & conditions
Remuneration c$56k including superannuation
This is a full-time position located at the Emerging Writers’ Festival office, third floor, The Wheeler Centre, 176 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3004.
It is expected the incumbent will work the hours required to successfully deliver the responsibilities of the position. This will include evening and weekend work from time to time.
The incumbent will be appointed for a fixed term contract of three (3) years and a three (3) month probation period applies.
Application process
Your application must include a covering letter, a statement addressing the selection criteria and your current resume including two professional referees. Your application must be saved as one file (word or PDF) with your surname as the file name.
For further information about the role please call Andrea Spencer, Board Chair of the Emerging Writers’ Festival on 0417 591 718.
Apply by email: [email protected] (use subject line APPLICATION: Festival Director). Applications close 5pm Monday 25 May 2015.
Interviews for the position are expected to take place week commencing 1 June 2015.
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