Mon, 13 Jan 2025 - published - Mon, 13 Jan 2025
Job Summary
New Writing North is recruiting a freelance Producer for Durham Writes – a new talent development programme beginning in February 2025, in partnership with Durham Libraries. Durham Writes will develop creative skills and cultural opportunities for new writers of fiction in County Durham.
Job Description
This part-time role is expected to begin in February 2025 and continue until May 2025.
The project will begin with a series of six open-access taster sessions (including one online session), led by a Writer in Residence, in libraries and community settings across County Durham. The sessions will be aimed at those with little or no writing experience. Writers who attend the taster sessions will be invited to apply for an in-depth workshop series aimed at a smaller group. The course will culminate in an online masterclass with publishing professionals and a scratch night event at Durham Book Festival in which participants can share their works in progress. Participants will also be supported by the Producer and Writer in Residence to identify progression routes for their work during the course.
The Producer role is pivotal to the success of the Durham Writes programme. You will research and develop partnerships in County Durham and work with the Writer in Residence to deliver programme content.
You will set up taster sessions and targeted masterclasses. You will be expected to promote the sessions to existing and new networks, working proactively to recruit participants from under-represented groups. You will liaise with potential partners in the geographical locations, such as charities, libraries, and writing groups, making new connections and securing suitable venues. You will be expected to attend selected sessions, providing help and advice to the participants and supporting the Writer in Residence as they create bespoke development activities.
You will report to the Senior Programme Manager (Talent Development) at New Writing North. The work will be largely home-based, although you will be expected to attend programme events and meetings with New Writing North (via video call or face-to-face).
The fee is £2400 (12 7-hour days at £200 per day), plus expenses. This fee is inclusive of all preparation and follow-up work. Payment will be made in two instalments.
Job Requirements
1. Project management experience, ideally within a cultural context.
2. Experience working with community groups and managing partnerships, ideally in the North East.
3. Evidence of an ability to think creatively and manage multiple professional relationships.
4. A knowledge of arts and culture and an appreciation of writing fiction.
5. A dedication to working with us to address issues of representation amongst writers of colour and those from LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, disabled, and lower socio-economic backgrounds.
6. A sound knowledge of the North of England and, ideally, familiarity with the targeted geographical area in which you are applying to work (County Durham).
7. A strong understanding of producing digital content and events, and a willingness to embrace technology throughout the programme.
8. A willingness to travel throughout County Durham.
Job Responsibilities
1. To collaborate with New Writing North to research and build relationships in the locations with organisations who will work with us to recruit participants.
2. To lead on promoting the programme across a range of diverse communities and groups, using digital and social media, face-to-face meetings, conventional media, and word of mouth.
3. To organise the logistics of all programme activities, including identifying and booking venues and recruiting guest speakers, in collaboration with New Writing North and the Writer in Residence.
4. To be the main point of contact for the participants on the programme, to get to know them and provide support for them.
5. To attend taster sessions and a selection of the targeted masterclass sessions.
6. To ensure the sessions are fully accessible and any barriers to engagement are reduced.
Please note - this is not an exhaustive list, please see further details on NWN's website.
We are proud to be a charity and an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.
We believe that writing talent is everywhere, but that opportunities are not. We work hard to both identify talent and create fantastic career-changing opportunities for people from across society.
#J-18808-Ljbffr