Manager - Festival Of The Book

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Center for the Book Director, Virginia Humanities' staff, and other stakeholders to curate authors and programs for the Festival as well as year-round Center for the Book events.
• Assist the director in creating and scheduling panel discussions and programs based on book themes or other literary ties for Festival events.
• Manage venues, AV, and other logistics for the Festival other year-round lead up events.
• With the director and other Virginia Humanities staff, determine interlocutors to interview authors and special guests.
• Oversee author needs such as hotel bookings, comp tickets, and participation in special events.
• Stay informed on publishing developments via Publishers Weekly, Publishers Marketplace, and related industry sources.

Partnerships & Community Engagement

• Help build and sustain partnerships with non-profits, publishers, bookstores, community groups, and statewide literary collaborators.
• Manage offsite and onsite sales with booksellers for all Center for the Book events.

Submission & Selection Management

• Oversee the annual book submissions process for authors and publicists, including outreach and ensuring submission completeness.
• With the director, conduct initial review of all submissions and oversee managing review committees and evaluations.

Communications & Media Coordination

• Manage bulk and individualized author, moderator, and special guest communications, including media requests for author interviews.
• Aid in identifying authors to feature in Virginia Humanities or Center for the Book interviews; conduct or assign interviews as needed.
• Create e-newsletters and coordinate with VH Communications team for social media posts.

Data, Reporting & Evaluation

• Deliver post program reports to publishers and publicists, including attendance, bookseller data, and other metrics.
• Plan and implement strategies for collecting survey, participant, and event evaluation data to measure and report the Center for the Book's metrics and impact.
• Support and refine internal program databases.

Statewide Outreach & Public Representation

• Support the director in representing the Center independently at statewide events, meetings, and community engagements to expand Festival visibility and partnerships.
• Aid in conducting statewide outreach-virtually and in person-to strengthen relationships across the Commonwealth and bring attention to the Festival.

Volunteer Coordination

• Oversee recruiting, scheduling, training, and supporting volunteers, interns, and event ambassadors, as well as all volunteer communications.

Program Administration, Budget Support & Technology

• Oversee budget tracking, program expenditures, and documentation.
• Work with VH finance team to ensure all payments are made in a timely fashion.
• Maintain organized, accurate program records, evaluation materials, and administrative documentation.
• Learn and effectively use agency technology platforms, including CVENT and other event management, communication, and data systems.