Call for Applications: SPT Executive Director

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT:

Executive Director for Small Press Traffic

Small Press Traffic announces a call for applications for the position of Executive Director, to begin employment on January 1, 2009.

Since 1974, Small Press Traffic has been at the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area’s innovative writing communities, bringing together a diverse constituency of independent readers, writers, and independent presses through our influential reading series, poets theater festivals, conferences, and publications. Graciously housed at the California College of the Arts, we remain autonomous, and thus depend upon outside funding for our operating expenses. Currently, we are looking for a highly skilled and creative Executive Director to provide both artistic vision and financial leadership.

The Executive Director at Small Press Traffic serves as both the Artistic and Financial Manager for the organization. S/he ensures that (a) the overall quality and diversity of programming is consistent with Small Press Traffic’s history and mission and (b) that the organization conducts its community and financial affairs in a professional and timely manner. Areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to: event programming, budget and finance, fundraising, and public relations. Above all, the Executive Director serves as the public face of the organization, and is responsible for helping shape the vision and direction of Small Press Traffic, as well as being open and responsive to our dynamic and diverse communities of writers, readers, and audience members.

Programming: The Executive Director, in consultation with the Board of Directors, oversees the planning and development of Small Press Traffic’s artistic program, which includes live literary events, fundraisers, the website, archives, publications, and any other forms of literary presentation and preservation.

Fundraising: The Executive Director initiates and coordinates Small Press Traffic’s fundraising efforts. These efforts include submitting grant applications to government and private funding agencies, meeting and corresponding with potential funders, cultivating individual members and donors, planning and hosting benefit events, assisting the Board of Directors with its fundraising initiatives, submitting reports and payment requests to individuals and agencies, and pursuing new fundraising opportunities.

Public Relations: Small Press Traffic is a 34-year old organization with a reputation for offering high-quality programming that represents its commitment to a culturally diverse avant-garde. It is important that Small Press Traffic maintains good working relationships with writers, artists, arts and literary organizations, funding and government agencies, the press, and other groups and organizations connected with the Bay Area arts and literary communities. It is also crucial for the Executive Director to be able to maintain a balance between her/his curatorial visions and the desires of our audiences, and to be able to work constructively with the Board and the wider Small Press Traffic constituency to continue to uphold and extend our mission.

Budget and Finance: The Executive Director, in consultation with the Board, plans and manages Small Press Traffic’s annual operating budget. S/he is responsible for ensuring vendors are paid in a timely manner, that accurate financial and fiduciary records are kept, and that actual expenses do not exceed those proposed in the annual operating budget. The Executive Director is also responsible for oversight of interns and volunteers, as well as outside contractors (such as designers, accountants, etc.).

Compensation: $27,000 annual salary. While the workload can vary widely, depending on fundraising cycles and event schedules, the position typically requires an average of twenty-five (25) hours per week. The position comes with an initial 18-month contract, followed by one-year renewable contract(s), with annual evaluation process. Benefits are contingent on available funding.

Position begins January 1, 2009. To apply, please send CV, cover letter, and three letters of recommendation to:

Small Press Traffic
California College of the Arts
1111 8th Street
San Francisco, CA 94107

Applications must be postmarked no later than September 15, 2008. Electronic applications are discouraged, though applicants are welcome to email to confirm receipt of mailed applications.

Small Press Traffic is an equal opportunity employer. Women, people of color, disabled, and LGBTQ persons are encouraged to apply.

www.sptraffic.org
smallpresstraffic@gmail.com

Changes at SPT

Small Press Traffic welcomes two new board members:

Gloria Frym & Barbara Jane Reyes - both are long-time Bay Area writers & activists in a variety of local communities, and we look forward to having them on the board.

At the same time, we are sad to announce that board member Stephanie Young has chosen to move on, after many years of service - our thanks for all the hard work, Stephanie - you'll be missed!

In the interests of transparency, here is how SPT choses its board members: current board members, along with the Director, discuss and nominate potential candidates (including those who have expressed interest and/or have been recommended to us by members of the community), and we then discuss and build consensus toward a list of finalists. After gauging each candidate's interest, availability, and compatibility, the board holds a vote.  

SPT is always looking for energetic, committed volunteers and potential board members!