We’re Looking for our Next Program Director
Our program director for almost four years, Annette Marquis, will be resigning mid-January to pursue an opportunity with another nonprofit near and dear to her heart, leaving us with a vacancy on our small, part-time team. We’re sad to see her go, but we’re excited to see what the next chapter of our story brings. Perhaps you’d like to write it with us.
Are you looking for a job with flexible hours and fun co-workers? Would you enjoy being surrounded by creative people and meeting famous and soon-to-be famous writers? Do your job skills include event planning, data management, and organizing everything and everyone around you? Then this might be the job for you.
Overview:
A 20 hr/week position, the JRW Program Director will work closely with the Executive Director, Membership Coordinator, and volunteers to ensure all aspects of JRW programming are scheduled, publicized, staffed, and implemented smoothly and professionally. Programming includes our signature annual conference, the monthly Writing Show, monthly casual social functions, and participation in community events with other non-profits. Good communication, administration, and organizational skills are a must. Some evening and weekend hours will be required. $18,720/year
Skills Required: Candidates should have extensive experience in 1) event planning, management, and promotion; 2) communicating and working well with individuals and teams via email, phone, and in person; 3) utilizing a computer for word processing, spreadsheets, database management, the creation of forms and flyers, website maintenance, and internet research; 4) managing volunteers and interns.
Additional Qualifications Desired:
- Experience utilizing MailChimp, WordPress, Dropbox, and Google Docs*
- Experience with non-profits
- Familiarity with James River Writers programs
- Familiarity with Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
- Exceptional writing skills
*We use Little Green Light for our donor database. Experience with that system is appreciated but not required.
To apply, email your resume, cover letter, and two letters of recommendation to Executive Director Katharine Herndon at execdirector(at)jamesriverwriters.org before January 6, 2020. We would prefer to receive all materials in one email, but if your references wish to email their letters of recommendation separately, please be sure they clearly reference your application and meet the January 6 deadline.
Save the Date!
The 18th Annual James River Writers Conference will be
October 9-11, 2020
Announcing the 2020 Writing Show Season
James River Writers is excited to be back at Firehouse Theatre for the 2020 season of The Writing Show. Held the last Wednesday of the month, January through September, The Writing Show offers a panel of experts focused on topics geared to help writers with both their craft and navigating the fast-changing business of writing. There are plenty of opportunities for socializing and networking with other central Virginia writers, too.
- January 29 – Finding the End in 2020
- February 26 – Marketing Beyond Social Media
- March 25 – Making a Scene
- April 29 – Your Perspective Matters
- May 27 – The Long Haul with Meg Medina
- June 24 – Starting Strong
- July 29 – Maintaining Momentum
- August 26 – Sticking the Landing
- September 30 – Ask Us Anything . . . About Writing (featuring the JRW staff, free show)
*Topics above are subject to change.
Purchase a Writing Show Season Pass or Writing Show Membership and Save!
A Writing Show Season Pass is just $80. You get all eight shows (the ninth is free for everyone) and save almost 20%. For $125 you can get a Writing Show Membership, which includes all eight shows and membership.
Writers Farmhouse Special Event
This month, we’ll have a special, one-time-only relocation of Writers Farmhouse from the Midlothian Urban 
Farmhouse Cafe to the Scott‘s Addition cafe (3015 Norfolk St., Richmond, VA 23230). We want to host the evening in a more central location so that we can celebrate co-founder David Robbins’ many contributions to James River Writers.
Since our first conference back in 2003, David has served JRW in too many ways to count through his unique blend of generosity, tenacity, and charisma. After nearly two decades of unflagging service to our nonprofit, David has decided to step down from the advisory board, and we want to raise a glass in honor of his years of commitment. Please join us December 19 any time between 5:30 and 7:30 to raise a glass to David.
What is your favorite James River Writers event?
