Executive Director - New Literary Project

Location: Candidates should live within 25 miles of Oakland, CA

Compensation: $115,000, commensurate with experience, benefits negotiable

Application Deadline: April 15, 2026

Excellent opportunity for the right person who has:

Strong management and administrative track record;
Leadership potential and experience to contribute to NewLit culture;
Ability and passion to help grow a financially stable and vibrant arts education and literary arts nonprofit into NewLit’s second decade.

About New Literary Project

Since 2015, New Literary Project (NewLit) has been inspiring writers, students, and teachers across generations—in the words of Joyce Carol Oates—to "write their hearts out." As a 501(c)3 nonprofit with an $800,000 annual operating budget, we partner with UC Berkeley's English Department, Saint Mary's College of California MFA program, and diverse educational institutions across the Bay Area to drive social change through the arts and arts education.

Our vision: Yes, the planet needs rescuing, and people need food and housing and health care. The world needs all that and more. The world also needs the nourishment, refuge, and attention of the arts. Young people who are marginalized—now speaking in their own voices. Writers now telling, and teachers now teaching, the stories of our lives. That’s what helps make democracy a democracy. That’s what NewLit is doing.

Through innovative programs supported by individual donors, foundations, and community benefactors, we foster arts education, nurture new literature, and enhance the lives of readers, writers, and students—with close attention to those from marginalized communities.

Our Programs

The Joyce Carol Oates Prize – An annual $50,000 award to a mid-career fiction author, including a fall residency and participation in our NewLit Roadshow of teaching and speaking events.

Jack Hazard Fellowships – Summer fellowships of $5,000 for creative writers who teach high school in the US. Since 2022, we've honored 45 fellows from 18 states, with up to 10 more expected in 2027.

NewLit Creative Writing Workshops – In Spring 2026, eleven free workshops for Bay Area high school-age students as well as adults at sites such as Contra Costa County Juvenile Hall, Girls Inc - Alameda County, Hope Solutions, and partner public schools, led by fellows from UC Berkeley and Saint Mary's College.

Simpsonistas – Our annual curated collection featuring Joyce Carol Oates, JCO Prize winners, and first-time published writers from our workshops, nationally distributed and published by Rare Bird Books.

Learn more at newliteraryproject.org

The Opportunity

Now that NewLit has celebrated our 10th anniversary, we're seeking our second Executive Director to build on our founding ED's seven-year legacy. This full-time position reports to our Board of Directors—teachers, artists, philanthropists, and community leaders—and offers the opportunity to shape strategy, expand programs, and deepen our impact across California and beyond.

A defining aspect of this role is the collaborative partnership between the Executive Director and the Board Chair, who is the Founder. You'll work hand-in-hand with the founder to capitalize on NewLit's vision while co-creating the organization's future. The ideal candidate will bring operational excellence while maintaining strong alignment with the board on organizational priorities, major decisions, and stakeholder engagement. We welcome candidates with demonstrated leadership potential, including individuals who may not have served as an Executive Director, and are committed to supporting the right candidate’s growth in this role. Together, you'll steward NewLit's growth through ongoing collaboration on everything from strategic planning and fundraising to program development and community building.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

Help develop and implement our long-term strategic plan in active partnership with the Board
Aid in the growth and diversity of the Board of Directors to heighten expertise and representation
Expand our local, regional, and national footprint
Identify measurable goals, document outcomes, and communicate impact to stakeholders

Program Management

Oversee all NewLit programs, including the JCO Prize residency and NewLit Roadshow, Jack Hazard Fellowships, and creative writing workshops
Coordinate partnerships with UC Berkeley, Saint Mary's College, and community institutions
Support JCO Prize jury discussions and prize recipient relationship
Manage both in-person and virtual events

Financial Management

Create and manage annual budget and financial reporting
Oversee bookkeeping, payroll, insurance, contracts, and administrative operations
Lead annual fundraising including donor cultivation, events, and stewardship
Conceive compelling grant proposals for foundations and government agencies
Identify and develop new revenue-generating activities

Communications & Operations

Oversee website, social media, and newsletter communications
Manage support team of three colleagues and outside contracted service providers
Maintain records and archive essential materials
Cultivate volunteers and coordinate community outreach
Work closely with the Board Chair on agenda-setting, decision-making, and follow-up
Engage outside counsel when needed

Qualifications

Required

Advanced degree with significant senior leadership experience
Proven success in financial management, budgeting, and strategic planning
Strong fundraising track record including donor cultivation and grant writing
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Experience growing boards and complex organizations
Technological proficiency with donor management, finance systems, and digital platforms
Marketing and public relations expertise

Essential Qualities

Passion for literature, education, and the transformative power of writing
Deep appreciation for teachers, students, and marginalized voices
Entrepreneurial mindset with a gift for generating ideas and inspiring stakeholders
Ability to build and sustain collaborative partnerships, especially with founding leadership
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and social change through the arts
Personal integrity, organizational excellence, and creative vision
Excellence in working independently, remotely, and collaboratively

Highly Valued

Familiarity with Bay Area higher education landscape
Understanding of issues facing secondary and higher education
Connection to literary and pedagogical communities

Benefits: Vacation, PTO, professional development

Work schedule expectations FTE, includes occasional evenings/weekends

Why Join NewLit

This role is perfect for a leader who believes, as Toni Morrison wrote, that "this is precisely the time when artists go to work." While the world faces urgent challenges, the arts provide essential nourishment, refuge, and attention. At NewLit, you'll empower young people to speak in their own voices and help writers and teachers across the generations to tell the stories that strengthen our democracy.

You'll join a mission-driven, nimble organization at an exciting inflection point, with the opportunity to build on a strong foundation while bringing fresh vision to our next decade of growth.

To Apply

Please email the following materials in one single PDF to the address below by April 15, 2026:

Cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications
Résumé
Three professional references with contact information; references will not be contacted without your explicit approval

Subject line: NewLit Executive Director Application

Send to: NewLit Search Committee:

jdp@newliteraryproject.org

New Literary Project is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.

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