TEXAS BOOK FESTIVAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
We are pleased to offer summer internships for Literary Programming and Development. Each intern reports to specific staff members; all interns, however, will assist the entire staff in the production of the Festival Weekend (November 16 – 17) and additional programs as needed. This includes participating in occasional after-hours literary events, with duties including event setup, registration, and clean-up.
Internships require a commitment of 10 hours per week. They will usually work in-person for one five-hour shift and remotely for a second five-hour shift each week. Summer internships span twelve weeks from early June to late August. All TBF interns, including summer interns, are required to work the Gala and Festival Weekend (November 16 – 17, 2024); thus, applicants who can guarantee their availability will be prioritized in the selection process. Internships must be scheduled during the Texas Book Festival’s operating hours (9 AM through 5 PM, Monday through Friday). Interns will receive a $1000 stipend in three disbursements over the course of their internship, with the final disbursement taking place directly after Festival Weekend.
2024 Texas Book Festival Summer Internships
LITERARY PROGRAMMING INTERNSHIP — SUMMER
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Literary Programming Internship is ideal for pursuing a career in publishing or literature. Literary Programming interns are offered a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to program and execute a large-scale literary event, which includes learning the interworking of the publishing industry and communicating directly with publishers, authors and publicity/marketing teams.
Literary Programming interns work directly with the Festival’s Literary Director to coordinate and execute the Festival Weekend’s robust author programming for children, teens, and adults. The Festival hosts 250–300 authors in approximately 150 sessions over the course of the two-day Festival, which is attended by 40,000–50,000 guests. Literary Programming interns assist with many important tasks that ensure vital information is organized, tracked and disseminated accurately and in a timely manner. Interns are also key on-the-ground contributors to the smooth and successful execution of the Festival Weekend.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support Literary Director and Operations & Literary Coordinator in Festival planning
- Track Festival submissions and assist with evaluation efforts
- Help prepare key data for author selection committee meetings
- Write blog content, including Q&As with Festival authors
- Conduct research on literary topics relevant to the Festival
- Update author information on the TBF website
- Participate in key lead-up events to the Festival and provide on-the-ground support throughout Festival Weekend
- Ensure that all Festival author and programming data remains organized and accurate
- Administrative support as needed
EXPECTATIONS:
- Actively contribute to a positive, professional, and respectful work environment
- Embrace the all-in attitude required to make the annual Festival a success. This includes a commitment to full-day engagement each day of the Festival Weekend (November 16–17, 2024)
- Internship includes participating in occasional after-hours literary events, including event setup, registration, and clean-up
QUALIFICATIONS:
- An interest in literature and the book industry
- Well-organized and adept at managing fine-grain details
- Strong writing and copy-editing skills
- Tech-savvy
- Personable and outgoing; not afraid to pick up the phone and call someone or interact with VIPs in-person/virtually
- A creative problem-solver
- An all-in attitude, ready to jump in and do whatever is needed
- Self-motivated; ability to work quickly and efficiently to meet strict deadlines
TO APPLY:
Please send a cover letter and resume to Anna Dolliver, Operations & Literary Coordinator: anna@texasbookfestival.org. In your email, please use the subject line “Literary Programming Internship Application.” The application deadline is March 31.
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DEVELOPMENT INTERNSHIP — SUMMER
The Development Intern will work directly with the Development Director to assist with duties ranging from event planning, communication, coordinating sponsor benefits, updating information in the donor database, researching grant opportunities, and writing grant reports and newsletters.
This internship will prepare the intern for a variety of work positions with a wide scope of practical and applicable skills. These skills can be used in a variety of industries, including event planning, non-profit, fundraising, and corporate responsibility.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist with planning the First Edition Literary Gala
- Provide Gala and event execution support
- Create invitations and other development collateral in Canva
- Help the Development Director prepare correspondence with donors
- Update information in the donor database
- Read and edit grant applications
- Write newsletters for donors
- Administrative support as needed
EXPECTATIONS:
- Actively contribute to a positive, professional, and respectful work environment
- Embrace the all-in attitude required to make the annual Festival and Gala a success. This includes a commitment to full-day engagement each day of the Festival Weekend (November 16–17, 2024) as well as Gala set-up, event support, and take-down (Friday, November 15 2pm–11pm)
- Internship includes participating in occasional after-hours literary events, including event setup, registration, and clean-up
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Well-organized and detail-oriented
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Experienced with Google Workspace, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Canva
- Interested in the inner workings of a non-profit organization
TO APPLY:
Interested applicants may send an e-mail with resume and cover letter as attachments to Susannah Auby, Development Director: susannah@texasbookfestival.org. Please use the subject line “Development Internship Application.” The application deadline is March 31.
