The Guild Literary Complex [Guild] is seeking a creative and collaborative Project Coordinator [Coordinator] to organize and implement Brooksday. Brooksday was created in 2013 to honor and sustain the work of Gwendolyn Brooks. Brooks is one of the most important of American poets—an artist who broke through racial barriers in our literature and publishing, who nurtured many younger writers, and who with poetic virtuosity and courage changed American poetry. Brooksday is held annually on June 7, the date of Mrs. Brooks’ birth, and includes readings of her poetry by invited guests, along with music and special performances.
This is a paid part-time position that begins approximately mid-February and continues through mid-June (approximately four months).
Individual Responsibilities
- Work closely with the volunteer Brooksday Planning Committee [Committee] to develop and implement the entire day of activities.
- Manage and track program logistics, including but not limited to keeping an updated list of tasks, deadlines, and person(s) responsible for completing each task, organizing a complete schedule for the day, and coordinating event volunteers.
- Correspond with readers, including sending invitations, collecting responses and required information (bios, photos, etc), and maintaining an accurate contact list.
- Organize the detailed reading schedule.
- Manage new and existing relationships with Brooksday partners, as required.
- Maintain regular communication with Committee and Director of the Guild, and attend all Committee meetings.
- Contribute to basic event marketing and maintain event social media presence.
- Provide a post event report and follow-up with partners and readers, as necessary.
Qualifications
- Experience presenting live, public events.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills.
- Ability to work independently, and with others in a collaborative setting.
- Strong communication skills (written and oral), and a professional demeanor.
- Resourceful, inventive, and positive.
- Computer skills for word processing, data entry, spreadsheet management, and social media.
- Interest or experience in literary arts preferred but not required.
Hours and Pay
The position pays $15/hour for up to 265 hours. The weekly time commitment for the position varies and is based on the following estimated schedule:
25 hours February45 hours March70 hours April80 hours May45 hours June
These hours are not guaranteed. Pay will be determined based on actual hours worked. Hours will be submitted with detail to the Director of the Guild every two weeks.
The Project Coordinator will be present for the entire Brooksday event, included set-up and break down. Brooksday 2015 is scheduled for June 7, 12-6pm.
Application deadline is February 1, 2015.
Email applications are strongly encouraged.
Send your resume, cover letter, and 3 references to the attention of:
info@guildcomplex.org
Attn: Brooksday Hiring Committee
Guild Literary Complex
PO Box 478880
Chicago, IL 60647
The Guild Complex is an equal opportunity employer.
ABOUT THE GUILD LITERARY COMPLEX
Founded in 1989, The Guild Literary Complex (the Guild) is a Chicago-based literary organization that presents and supports diverse, divergent, and emerging voices through innovative programs including performances and readings. Actively working with individuals and organizations from Chicago’s many neighborhoods, the Guild seeks to connect people, groups, and geographies through literature—bringing unexpected writers, programs, and audiences together. The Guild believes that vibrant literature contributes to society and community, and that all people should have access to dynamic, engaging juxtaposition of voices. Since its formation, the Guild has established itself, in the words of the Illinois Arts Council, as “Chicago’s premier literary center.” The Guild has also been twice selected as a model literary center by the National Endowment for the Arts.
www.guildcomplex.org
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If you wish to volunteer or provide another service, please email info@guildcomplex.org.
Thank you for your interest!
