Director, Literary Arts

Summary:
The Director of Literary Arts is responsible for overseeing all aspects of planning, development, and implementation of the week-long St. Louis Jewish Book Festival and Speaker Series (JBF) in November, other author/booking events connected to the festival throughout the year, as well as the Winter and Summer Used Book Sales.  JBF responsibilities include author/talent selection and booking, budget development and meeting of budget goals, securing funds from current and potential individual and corporate donors, overseeing a large volunteer committee and working with J marketing team to promote, outreach, and grow audiences.  Used Book Sale responsibilities include recruiting and managing volunteer sorters throughout the year, implementing 6 day Used Book sale each August and January, and marketing the program.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct author searches, including negotiation & selection in coordination with Jewish Book Council and independent publishers.
• Schedule & coordinate author presentations including arrangement of travel to and from St. Louis and creation of festival events & elements.
• Oversee media relations, PR & publicity for all assigned programs and events, including writing of Festival brochure and press releases in collaboration with J Marketing Department.
• Working collaboratively with J Development Staff to recruit, solicit, and retain festival sponsors and co-sponsors, inclusive of in-kind donations as appropriate.
• Recruit, retain, and manage Festival volunteer planning committee.
• Maintain accurate data bases of committees and subcommittee members, patrons, sponsors, and co-sponsors.
• Manage the Jewish Book Festival Store including ordering books from local independent bookstore, local authors, and setting up systems for book sales and bookstore volunteers.
• Develop and implement two Used Book Sale events, one in August and one in January.
• Recruit and manage Used Book Sale volunteers who sort books throughout the year and help during the sale itself.
• Work closely with J Marketing Department to develop and implement sales/marketing operating initiatives and budgets.
• Develop the budgets for the programs and monitor progress monthly as a part of annual goals for program.
• Ensure excellent customer service and customer responsiveness to both inside and outside customers.
• Understand and be committed to the mission and vision of the Jewish Community Center. Be knowledgeable about the J and its programs. Be an advocate for the J and its programs and staff. Participate in and promote both programs and events.
• Develop and ensure effective collaboration with relevant Jewish and general community organizations and with other staff throughout the J.
• Develop and implement strategies for improving program participation and financial outcomes for events.
• Develop plans to evaluate programs related to mission and goals for the JCC using existing Logic Models and survey technology. Ensure that J goals are used in evaluation process.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications:

• BA/BS in Fine Arts, Writing, Communications, Public Relations, Publishing, Event Planning or related field is required. MA/MS preferred.
• Excellent communication - both written and oral, leadership and interpersonal skills are required.
• Major event planning experience required.
• Scheduling flexibility to attend occasional evening and or weekend events or meetings.
• Prefer experience/success increasing programming participation in both for profit and not for profit environments. Should understand marketing strategies for program growth.
• Ability to anticipate and solve practical problems or resolve issues.
• Must be highly skilled in MS Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Prefer knowledge of Jewish traditions and culture.
• Prefer knowledge of literature and book publishing field.
• Prefer experience in Board and Lay Committee interface.