We’re hiring a Literary Director!

The hunt is on for the Texas Book Festival’s next Literary Director! Think you have what it takes to curate the TBF’s literary programming and wrangle hundreds of authors, publicists, and moderators for our annual Festival? Please read the responsibilities, expectations, and qualifications below. Qualified applicants only. Please submit your application (resume and cover letter) by December 1.

TEXAS BOOK FESTIVAL LITERARY DIRECTOR

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Literary Director position with the Texas Book Festival is responsible for creating, developing, and implementing year-round literary programming for the organization, including the two-day annual Texas Book Festival, Lit Crawl, and the Texas Teen Book Festival.

All TBF staff members help with planning work, event support, and communication strategies for the annual Texas Book Festival, the Texas Teen Book Festival, Reading Rock Stars, Real Reads, and other literary events in Austin and around Texas throughout the year.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Literary Programming

  • Develop and implement TBF’s literary programs in Austin and other cities as needed
  • Curate and schedule the annual Festival author lineup, developing relevant and engaging topics and panels. Programming includes Lit Crawl and other author events
  • Work closely with publishers to feature the year’s most compelling books at Festival events
  • Work with selection committees and organizational partners to create engaging programming that will appeal to a wide range of audiences
  • Oversee master grid of author invitations, submissions, declines and rejections.
  • Oversee Festival author and schedule information on website, ensuring author lineup and schedule information is published by target deadline
  • Work with School and Community Programs Coordinator to align and coordinate Reading Rock Stars author bookings with children’s and middle grade author Festival bookings
  • Work with Development team to create author programming that meets development goals
  • Serve on Texas Teen Book Festival programming committee to collaborate on Teen Book Festival authors and schedule
  • Produce literary program reports for Executive Director and Board as needed
  • Manage literary programming budget, continually striving to improve efficiency and cost savings

Leadership and Management

  • Represent organization at literary events in Austin, New York, and throughout Texas
  • Oversee literary events, serving as project manager for other TBF staff supporting literary events.
  • Serve as lead project manager on implementing Festival-related strategic plan improvements, working with staff and Deputy Director to plan, track and measure progress
  • Manage literary interns and any part-time literary support staff, managing their schedules, tasks, and recommendations

Communications

  • Produce literary content for emails, website, press releases, ads, and promotional materials, including blog posts, interviews, and lit events calendar, working with TBF Communications and Marketing Coordinator
  • Work with Communications and Marketing Coordinator and PR agency of record to raise the organization’s profile and build support with literary community

EXPECTATIONS

  • Actively participate in and contribute to organization’s long-term strategic goals and success
  • Actively contribute to a positive, professional, and respectful work environment. Support TBF team members when they need help
  • Embrace the all-in commitment required to make the annual Festival a success and understand that evening and weekend work will be expected in the weeks leading up to the Festival and for some outreach and special events. Flexible hours and generous time off in the off-season are provided in recognition of extra work time needed for the Festival.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree; graduate studies in a relevant field preferred
  • Five years of relevant work experience, including writing, planning and executing literary programming and events
  • Experience with event-planning management on a large scale
  • Experience with book events
  • Enthusiasm and passion for literature and literacy
  • Knowledge and experience in publishing industry, including curiosity about contemporary trends in publishing
  • Knowledge of the Texas literary community
  • Experience in recruiting, motivating, and managing volunteers
  • Excellent communications skills (oral, written, and presentation)
  • Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. Attention to detail is critical for this position
  • Strong technological aptitude. Familiarity with and flexibility across platforms and operating systems expected.
  • Media and public relations skills
  • Ability to think creatively to problem solve and promote the Texas Book Festival
  • Dedication and enthusiasm for fulfilling the Texas Book Festival mission
  • Flexibility to work evenings and weekends when needed
  • Some travel required

To apply, email Maris Finn at maris@texasbookfestival.org with your resume and cover letter detailing specific relevant experience. Applications received without cover letters will not be considered.