Internship Opportunities – Texas Book Festival

TEXAS BOOK FESTIVAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

We are pleased to offer internships across several departments: Literary Programming, School and Community Programs, Marketing & Design, Event Production, Development, and Communications & Public Relations. Each intern reports to specific staff members; all interns, however, will assist the entire staff in the production of the Festival and its 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 8 hours per week. They will usually work in-person for one four-hour shift and remotely for a second shift each week. Fall internships span from early August to mid-November; the School and Community Programs intern may continue their position into the spring. All interns are required to work the Gala and Festival Weekend (November 9-12, 2023); 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 $500 stipend on completion of their internship; the School and Community Programs intern will receive an additional $500 stipend if they continue their internship through the spring semester.

2023 Texas Book Festival Internships

LITERARY PROGRAMMING INTERNSHIP

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:

Communicate with Festival authors and publicists
Track Festival submissions
Draft panel descriptions
Write blog content, including Q&As with Festival authors
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 9–12, 2023)
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 Hannah Gabel, Literary Director: hannah@texasbookfestival.org. In your email, please use the subject line “Literary Programming Internship Application.” The application deadline is June 15.

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EVENT PRODUCTION INTERNSHIP

The Texas Book Festival is looking for an intern to help with event production efforts for the fall 2023 semester. This internship is ideal for those interested in careers in books, event planning, volunteer management, or general logistics and nonprofit-related fields.

This intern will help TBF’s Event Production & Logistics Coordinator with coordinating volunteer events, organizing logistics and supplies for Festival authors, volunteers, and event spaces, communicating with Volunteer Committee Chairs and exhibitors, and assisting with event production needs before and during the Festival weekend.

RESPONSIBILITIES (PRE-FESTIVAL):

Help print materials for monthly VCC (Volunteer Chair Committee) meetings, including attending and taking notes
Organize supply bags for VCCs, including emergency packets
Create VCC badge slips and author badge slips
Help with storage runs
Work on badges
Organize author and moderator placards by location
Organize author greenroom session cards by name
Help create author greenroom volunteer assignment cards
Help with exhibitor communications
Help set up church locations and drop-offs of materials during Friday pre-fest
Set up Author Greenroom
Work with Event Production and Logistics Coordinator on double checking all materials in preparation for Festival Weekend
Administrative support as needed

RESPONSIBILITIES (DURING FESTIVAL WEEKEND):

Become the roving VCC, who helps out during the Festival weekend if VCCs want to attend certain sessions
Coordinate with Author Greenroom VCCs on trash and recycling pickup of Author Greenroom
Help with special event logistics and greenroom hospitality
Assist with venue set up and tear down, book transportation, and VCC needs

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 9–12, 2023)
Internship includes participating in occasional after-hours literary events, including event setup, registration, and clean-up

QUALIFICATIONS:

Event/production oriented
Well-organized and detail-oriented
Needs to be on-site during the Texas Book Festival weekend
Can carry 25+ lbs unassisted
Good people skills, especially under high-pressure and time-sensitive conditions
An all-in attitude, ready to jump in and do whatever is needed
Self-motivated; ability to work quickly and efficiently

TO APPLY:
Interested applicants may send an e-mail with resume and cover letter as attachments to Olivia Hesse, Event Production and Logistics Coordinator: oliviahesse@texasbookfestival.org. Please use the subject line “Event Production Internship Application.” The application deadline is June 15.

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DEVELOPMENT INTERNSHIP

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 copy for the Festival’s website.

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 event planning and 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
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 9–12, 2023)
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 June 15.

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SCHOOL & COMMUNITY PROGRAMS INTERNSHIP

The SCP Internship will prepare the intern for positions in publicity, education, non-profit work, project management, and communications. The skills developed as an SCP intern will be beneficial in both the public and private sectors.

The SCP intern will work directly with the SCP Manager to assist with the Festival’s outreach programs, including Reading Rock Stars and Real Reads. The intern will work on curriculum development for books included in the programs, help to prepare for events, and represent Texas Book Festival during a Reading Rock Stars event at an Austin-area school. The intern will also assist with communication to schools, libraries, and other local communities to help promote the Texas Book Festival. This will include researching, writing, speaking, and some design work. Throughout this internship, SCP interns will work closely with the SCP Manager to plan and reflect on programming with a focus on diversity and inclusion.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Serve as an author escort
Coordinate and run events for our partner schools and their students
Communicate with student presenters and their teachers
Serve as a runner/contact for the Children’s Area
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 9–12, 2023)
Internship includes participating in occasional after-hours literary events, including event setup, registration, and clean-up

QUALIFICATIONS:

Interest in children’s and YA literature
Interest in education and childhood development
Commitment to diversity and inclusion
Detail oriented
Strong writing and copy-editing skills
Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and the Google Suite
Positive, all-in attitude, and ready to jump in (it’s for the kids!)
Self-motivated and able to work quickly and efficiently with little direction

TO APPLY:
Interested applicants may send an e-mail with resume and cover letter as attachments to Michelle Hernandez, School & Community Programs Manager: michelle@texasbookfestival.org. Please use the subject line “SCP Internship Application.” The application deadline is June 15.

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COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS INTERNSHIP

The Texas Book Festival is looking for an intern to help with communications and marketing efforts for the fall 2022 semester.

This intern will help TBF’s Communications & Public Relations Coordinator with executing communication, marketing, publicity, and messaging efforts across multiple channels including email, website, social media, press releases, and print/digital advertising.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Writing and posting content for the TBF website and Lit Blog
Assisting with social media strategy and posting to social media channels
Assisting with promotional efforts in newsletters and other promotional materials
Assisting with communication and promotion leading up to and during the annual Texas Book Festival on November 11–12, 2023
Some graphic design work is preferred but not required
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 9–12, 2023)
Internship includes participating in occasional after-hours literary events, including event setup, registration, and clean-up

QUALIFICATIONS:

Major, minor, or certificate in communications, marketing, public relations, digital media, journalism, or other relevant field
Excellent communication skills
An avid consumer and user of social media
Ability to think creatively and develop engaging and unique ideas to help build the TBF brand
Enthusiasm and passion for creating content and generating fun and original marketing campaigns
Experience with Canva preferred but not required
Enthusiasm for and knowledge of books, reading, and the literary industry is a bonus!

TO APPLY:
Interested applicants may send an e-mail with resume and cover letter as attachments to Jose Rodriguez, Communications and Public Relations Coordinator: jose@texasbookfestival.org. Please use the subject line “Communications & PR Internship Application.” The application deadline is June 15.

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MARKETING & DESIGN INTERNSHIP

The Marketing & Design Intern will work directly with the Development Director and Digital Content and Design Coordinator to assist with duties ranging from creating marketing copy and collateral for the First Edition Literary Gala silent auction, overseeing the auction online and onsite during the Gala, providing graphic design support to the TBF team, and writing copy for the Festival’s website.

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 range of industries, including marketing, event planning, design, and digital content.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Write marketing copy for silent auction packages and source images
Devise marketing strategies for higher value auction packages
Use graphic design software to create auction boards
Oversee auction sales at the Gala
Assist TBF staff with Canva projects across all areas
Support Digital Content and Design Coordinator with website updates and enhancements
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 9–12, 2023)
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, Adobe, InDesign, and Canva
Interested in marketing and digital content and design

TO APPLY:
Interested applicants may send an e-mail with resume and cover letter as attachments to Becky Gomez, Digital Content & Design Coordinator: becky@texasbookfestival.org. Please use the subject line “Marketing & Design Internship Application.” The application deadline is June 15.