Poets & Writers, Inc.

Background and History
Poets & Writers (P&W), respected and trusted as the primary source of information, support and guidance for poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers, is the nation’s largest nonprofit organization serving creative writers.

Founded in 1970, the organization’s mission is to foster the professional development of poets and writers, to promote communication throughout the literary community, and to help create an environment in which literature can be appreciated by the widest possible public. P&W accomplishes this by publishing Poets & Writers Magazine, producing a Web site (pw.org), providing publishing information, introducing emerging writers outside of New York to the New York City literary community, and paying fees to writers participating in public literary events.

P&W's programs introduce writers to one another and connect them to audiences, making today’s writing visible and accessible in major cities and small towns across the country.

In addition to its national office in New York City, P&W maintains a branch office in Los Angeles.

P&W’s recently completed strategic plan outlines the organization’s key objectives for the next three years. During this period, P&W will focus on enriching and expanding the content on its Web site, making it the site creative writers go to for information, advice, and community. The organization will also continue to strengthen Poets & Writers Magazine, which provides nearly 60% of the organization’s income. Other key initiatives include increasing the impact of the Readings/Workshops program, which supports literary events in New York and California and in eight cities outside these states, and continuing to offer significant prizes that advance the careers of writers. Building P&W’s base of contributed income will be essential to achieving these goals, and the new managing director will play a key leadership role in the 40th Anniversary Campaign in 2010 as well as ongoing work with individual and institutional donors.

Poets &Writers has an operating budget of over $3.5 million and is governed by a twenty-five member Board of Directors. Its full-time staff numbers twenty. The quality, dedication and creativity of the staff, most of whom are writers themselves, and the strong support and generosity of its Board are strengths of the organization.

For more information about P&W, please visit About Us.

Key Responsibilities of the Position
The managing director works closely with the executive director in overseeing the programs and activities of Poets & Writers. The managing director has direct responsibility for fundraising, marketing and public relations, and plays a key role in administrative areas, including personnel and operations. The managing director works closely with the Board of Directors, attends all Board meetings, and participates in all Board committee meetings.

Fund Raising Responsibilities
• Along with the executive director, serve as primary contact with donors and funders
• Develop annual fundraising plan
• Solicit, cultivate, and retain major donors
• Work with executive director, department heads, and development & marketing manager to develop grant proposals to foundation, corporate, and government funders
• Write major grant proposals
• Oversee grant reports and renewals prepared by development & marketing manager
• Manage endowment campaign and consultants
• Oversee annual benefit and other special events
• Directly supervise benefit consultant
• Write annual fundraising appeal letters

Management and Finance Responsibilities
• Provide executive leadership with executive director
• Participate with executive director in overall staff supervision and personnel management, including performance reviews, compensation review, hiring/firing, staff meetings and trainings, and refinement and implementation of personnel policies and benefits
• Be accessible to and meet with all staff members regularly
• Maintain good communication with Board of Directors, especially pertaining to fundraising
• Participate in and lead, with executive director, strategic planning process
• Help formulate annual organizational budget with controller and executive director
• Directly supervise development & marketing manager, development & marketing coordinator, and administrative coordinator
• Assist administrative coordinator with customer service issues, and administrative coordinator and controller in evaluation and execution of major changes in office facilities
• Serve as contact for interns
• Conduct all employee and intern orientations

Marketing Responsibilities
• Direct all marketing activities, other than Poets & Writers Magazine circulation
• Develop annual marketing plan
• Oversee production of and edit all materials promoting the organization, including annual report, brochures, press releases, donor newsletter, e-newsletters, Web copy, and house ads
• Work with magazine editor and development & marketing staff to create press plan for each issue of Poets & Writers Magazine
• Oversee all Poets & Writers promotional events and events featuring winners of prizes offered by Poets & Writers
• Oversee presence at book fairs and Poets & Writers’ co-sponsorship of other events
• As needed, serve as spokesperson for Poets & Writers
• Along with executive director, steward the Poets & Writers brand

Qualifications
• A minimum of seven years nonprofit experience in a senior management position
• Demonstrated experience with donor cultivation and solicitation, special events, and grant writing
• Experience with staff supervision, public relations, and strategic planning
• Excellent organizational, management, and interpersonal skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Skilled at multi-tasking
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• A temperament that values and genuinely enjoys a highly collaborative and team-oriented environment
• Passion for contemporary literature

Compensation
Salary will be within a range appropriate for an organization of this size. The benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance, including dental and vision, and a generous vacation and personal days off allowance.

Start Date
This position will be filled as soon as possible.

Procedure for Application
Submit a resume and a brief cover letter describing interest, relevant qualifications and experience, in confidence, to the consultants engaged by Poets & Writers. Poets & Writers is an equal opportunity employer and encourages diversity in its hiring. Referrals of qualified candidates are also welcome.

Management Consultants for the Arts, Inc.
400 Main Street, Suite 400
Stamford, CT 06901
Attn: Louise Kane or Gregory Kandel
E-mail: MgtConArts2@aol.com