Position title: Program Director

Reports to: Willy Lit Fest President

Salary: $12,000 honorarium

Commencement date: Immediately

Employment basis: Volunteer; hours are flexible and at the Program Director’s discretion. It is estimated that you will work approximately one day per week, with busier times closer to key delivery dates (launch, festival weekend)

Employment conditions: Appointment is until 1 September 2026, with the option to extend for a further two festivals upon completion of a successful festival, at committee discretion.

Location: Working from home; festival takes place at the Williamstown Town Hall on 12-14 June, 2026. Attendance at monthly committee meetings in Williamstown is required (second Wednesday of the month); other collaboration can take place online if preferred

Background

The Program Director of the Williamstown Literary Festival (Willy Lit Fest or WLF) is responsible for developing an engaging and stimulating festival program that will appeal to a broad audience and age range. Willy Lit Fest is a mid-sized arts festival held in the Williamstown Town Hall annually in June. The Williamstown Literary Festival (est. 2003) brings together readers, writers and book creatives of all sorts for an annual celebration of storytelling, author talks, panel discussions and writing workshops in an historic seaside setting.

The Program Director’s principal responsibility is to design and coordinate the festival program, strongly supported by the WLF Organising Committee, which comprises several sub-committees: Programming, Marketing and Communications, Ballroom (Hub Sub), Writing Prizes, and Finance.

As a member of the Organising Committee, the Program Director is also a member of the Marketing and Communications and Finance sub-committees, and reports monthly to the WLF Organising Committee. They will have a close working relationship with the Willy Lit Fest President and Programming Committee.

The Marketing and Communications Officer and the sub-committees support the Program Director with the design and development of the festival program and the necessary administrative tasks. The Program Director works with the WLF Finance sub-committee to establish a budget for each festival and ensure that programming stays on budget.

Responsibilities

• Liaising with publishers and writers about panel ideas, session themes and titles.

• Selecting and managing authors and others who wish to be part of the program.

• Gathering notes on program sessions, author biographies and other information to be used for publicity and promotion, including on the WLF website.

• Collaborating with the Finance Committee to develop a program within budget.

• Collaborating with Marketing and Communications coordinator and members of the committee to develop a publicity and marketing campaign for the festival.

• Writing engaging copy for the Willy Lit Fest website and print program, supported by the Marketing and Communications coordinator.

• Developing a timetable and scheduling sessions according to room capacity at the Williamstown Town Hall, author availability and other festival considerations, supported by the Hub Sub committee. Identifying technical support needs for sessions.

• Liaising with designer, Megan Slattery, and printers, Docs on Call, to produce a print program of the festival’s offerings.

• Convening a program launch to coincide with tickets going on sale.

Key selection criteria

• An enthusiastic reader who enjoys a wide range of literature. A deep understanding of Australian writing and the work of the Willy Lit Fest.

• Strong connections with the literary and publishing world.

• Proven ability to work collaboratively with volunteers, colleagues and industry partners.

• Sound financial acumen and analytical skills, including budget management and performance reporting.

• Digital literacy. Experience with the Google work suite and Squarespace is desirable but not essential.

An honorarium/fee for service of $12,000 is payable to the Program Director, in instalments. The appointment is until 1 September 2026, with the potential to be extended for a further two festivals.

How to apply

• Submit a written expression of interest no later than 16th November 2025, outlining the skills and talents you would bring to the role.

• Include a cover letter with current CV, no longer than 5 pages (Word or PDF).

• Explain what you know about the Williamstown Literary Festival and how you might add to its appeal.

• Include relevant experience, particularly in the book trade; festival/event management and experience of literary events; and/or working with volunteer community committees.

• Any references you deem relevant. Referees will not be contacted without prior agreement.

Applications and requests for further information should be addressed to:

Elisabeth Grove OAM, President, Williamstown Literary Festival Committee.

Email: l.grove@willylitfest.org.au

Applications close: Sunday, 16th November 2025