Executive Director - New Literary Project
Location: Hybrid. Candidates should live within 25 miles of Oakland, CA.
Compensation: $120,000 (commensurate with experience)
Application Deadline: March 10, 2026
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 belief: 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 38 fellows from 15 states, with up to 10 more expected in 2026.
NewLit Creative Writing Workshops – Free workshops for Bay Area high school students 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 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
As NewLit celebrates its 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 honor NewLit's founding vision while co-creating the organization's future. The ideal candidate will bring strategic leadership and operational excellence while maintaining strong alignment with the founder and the board on organizational priorities, major decisions, and stakeholder engagement. 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
- Implement and evolve our long-term strategic plan in close partnership with the Board Chair and full 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 (NewLit Roadshow), Jack Hazard Fellowships, and creative writing workshops
- Coordinate partnerships with UC Berkeley, Saint Mary's College, and community venues
- Support JCO Prize jury discussions and recipient contract negotiations
- 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
- Write 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 legal counsel as needed
Qualifications
Required
- Advanced degree with significant senior leadership experience, ideally as an ED of a nonprofit
- 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 tell the stories that strengthen our democracy.
You'll join a mission-driven 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 March 10, 2026:
- Cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications
- Résumé
- Three professional references with contact information; references will not be contacted without your approval
Subject line: NewLit Executive Director Application
Send to:
search@newliteraryproject.org
New Literary Project is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.
