CONFERENCE DIRECTOR

This is a contract position based on .60 FTEE (1,238 annual hours) at the rate of $25 per hour. The deadline for application (resume and letter) is June 6, 2008. Office located in Freeland. Apply to:

Whidbey Island Writers Association

P. O. Box 1289

Langley, WA  98260

Nature of Work

This is a contract administrative position performed for one of the three program areas of the Whidbey Island Writers Association.

The incumbent provides leadership and direction of the annual Whidbey Island Writers Conference including direction of the conference team which consists of approximately twenty volunteers. Some of the volunteers have eleven years of experience in producing the conference and provide a strong support system. Other community volunteers help during the conference.

The incumbent has primary responsibility for the planning and scheduling of conference related activities and management of conference budgets and expenditures.

Control Over Work

The incumbent will report to the Chair, Board of Directors of WIWA. Normally the incumbent will set work priorities from his/her own assessment of the need and urgency of the work required, however, the Chair is available to assist in evaluating the priorities should a conflict arise.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Management and supervision of the overall conference event including recruitment of presenters, agents, editors and other individuals who provide workshops or public performances in association with the annual conference;

• Overall direction of the volunteer conference team in the accomplishment of the details of the conference structure and presentation which includes supervision of housing, travel, reimbursement, publicity, public relations, program scheduling, volunteer support, venue selection, food and entertainment and other items that are integral to the successful management of the conference; 

• Web site content management for conference related information; 

• Management of registration, fee schedules, budgeting, financial planning and reporting for the conference and all related events and conference support activities including but not limited to: printing and reproduction costs, rental of venues, payment of presenters, insurance and security bonds, special fundraising events, public underwriting to support conference activities, public and community relations for advertising, publicity and financial support of the conference.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills 

• Thorough knowledge of office practices and procedures;

• Skilled in word processing; spreadsheet design and data entry; database data entry; filing; recordkeeping and answering telephones;

• General knowledge of computers, computerized accounting systems, and other standard office machines;

• Knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping principles and practices;

• Ability to make routine arithmetic computations and tabulations accurately and with reasonable speed;

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and other employees;

• Ability to be tactful, diplomatic, and sincere with the public and to effectively handle sensitive situations;

• Skill in managing competing priorities and demands;

• Ability to recruit and manage volunteers;

• Experience with budget structure and formulation.

Physical Demands

Most work is performed in an office setting. Since this position requires computer usage, entering data, filing, and transfer of materials to the conference setting, there may be some standing, bending, climbing stairs, carrying and walking.

Qualifications Required

Minimum:  Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum two years of responsible administrative experience or work in a non-profit or equivalent environment. Knowledge of educational presentations regarding the process of writing helpful.