Professional Development and Events Manager

The Australian Society of Authors (ASA) is the peak national body for Australian writers and illustrators. We offer expert advice, provide Professional Development opportunities, nurture meaningful connections and advocate on behalf of creators for fair contracts, robust copyright protections, and real remuneration. 

We are seeking a Professional Development and Events Manager to develop a diverse program of bold and engaging online presentations and workshops that will educate, upskill, and inspire our members. You’ll also be responsible for running the other services which fall under our Professional Development banner: our Mentorships Program, Publishing Consultancy Service, and Manuscript Assessment Service.

This is an opportunity to work in a creative and innovative role alongside a warm, enthusiastic, and professional team. 

About the role

Reporting to the CEO, and working closely with our Marketing Manager, this member-facing role will suit a genuine team player who is engaged with the writing community and has their finger on the pulse of the Australian literary sector.

Key duties include:

Professional Development

• Independently designing, implementing and periodically evaluating, a national Professional Development program suitable for emerging and established Australian authors/illustrators
• Keeping up-to-date on topical interests; evaluating membership’s interest and appetite for Professional Development and tailoring the program accordingly
• Building relationships with high profile industry players and specialists
• Managing a budget for Professional Development; setting pricing for the program; monitoring engagement and participation 
• Coordinating with ASA’s Marketing Manager to promote the Professional Development program
• Liaising with publishers to participate in Virtual Literary Speed Dating events
• Organising and managing Literary Speed Dating events with the assistance of other staff. 

Programs

• Managing Mentorship Program,Publishing Consultancy Service, and Manuscript Assessment Service, including liaising with mentors, consultants, and assessors. 

Events 

• Organising and administering ASA events, including the annual Colin Simpson Memorial Keynote, and biennial Barbara Jefferis Award ceremony, and in-person member networking opportunities.

Role requirements

• Strong organisation and time-management skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Proven experience working to a budget and timeframes
• Experience delivering high-quality programs
• An enthusiastic collaborative attitude
• Customer service mentality

Insights into the publishing industry or Australian writing and illustrating community and a strong network is desirable, but not essential. 

Application Process:

To apply, please send a copy of your CV and cover letter addressing the key requirements to our CEO Olivia Lanchester - Olivia@asauthors.org - by 5pm AEDT Friday 9 March 2024

We will be in touch with you within three weeks of the closing date.

The ASA is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace and welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experience, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons.

A note to recruitment agencies: we do not accept unsolicited agency resumes and we are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.