The Center for Fiction

Position: Event Production Assistant
Employee Type: Full-time, Salaried, Non-Exempt. 
Reports To: Senior Director of Public Programming
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 10:30 am - 6:30pm on non-event days; during our programming season weekday evenings regularly required but schedule will be adjusted accordingly; occasional weekend work required. Primarily in person with some hybrid flexibility.
Salary: $42,000; the benefits package includes health insurance/dental, 401(K) employer-sponsored plan, paid time off, and other perks.  
 
Organization Overview: The Center for Fiction has connected writers and readers for over two hundred years. We encourage people to read and value fiction, and we support and celebrate its creation and enjoyment. We do this by providing access to books, supporting emerging writers, introducing children to contemporary books and authors through our KidsRead program, and nurturing diverse readers of all ages through our educational and public programs. In the past year, over 200,000 visitors came to us in person at The Center in Brooklyn, and almost 40,000 people participated in our programs. As a longtime home for readers and writers, we know that fiction expands our capacity for empathy and connection, and that sharing stories transforms communities.
 
Position Summary: This role supports the Senior Director of Public Programming (SDPP) in executing our thoughtfully produced, highly curated events.  

Responsibilities: 

Event Production
    •    Gather and organize materials for public event and Kids Read promotion in coordination with marketing colleagues 
    •    Create production plans (runs of show) and distribute to relevant staff, interns, authors, publishers, external partners, etc. 
    •    Send photo releases and other paperwork as needed 
    •    Set up livestreams/recordings and ensure proper dissemination to internal and external stakeholders
    •    Coordinate onsite production including audio/video setup, usage, and breakdown for events
    •    Anticipate and respond to front-of-house needs for all events to ensure a smooth, meaningful experience for audience members and fellow staff
    •    Schedule and follow-up with videographers/technical directors for each event
    •    Photograph events and audiences as requested/needed
    •    Add events to staff calendar, making sure appropriate spaces are allocated for programs
    •    Plan logistics for KidsRead events, including author arrival, school arrival, event schedule, staffing, etc. 
    •    Communicate with schools, publishers, and authors to find dates and times that work for all parties, working around CFF’s existing calendar 
    •    In collaboration with the development team, create a detailed run of show for First Novel Fête, draft team roles, help walk through plans with staff; manage auditorium production, communicate with staff, help solve issues as they come up on the night of the event.

Event Intern Support
    •    In collaboration with colleagues recruit, interview, and onboard interns for event production, photography and other areas as necessary
    •    Organize and train interns with the SDPP
    •    Work closely with photography intern to ensure coordination of digital photo data & that each department has the photos they need
    •    Schedule interns; assign roles, and ensure adequate staffing for each event. Work with SDPP for alternative coverage if needed 

Supplies, Inventory, and A/V Maintenance
    •    Assist the SDPP to maintain up-to-date AV manual for full building tech, ensuring all staff have the information they need to effectively and safely use the building’s technical capabilities while taking care of the equipment 
    •    Track event supplies, maintain sign-out sheets for tech equipment (and other items), and work with the operations team to order any needed supplies for event production  
    •    Assist SDPP and A/V teams with maintaining, testing, and improving A/V equipment

Database Maintenance
    •    Regularly update database tracking: event demographics, event registration, attendance, school requests, and other data as requested
    •    Maintain a database of local children, middle-grade and YA authors with information about what ages/grades their books best serve and how to contact them
    •    In service of grant applications and other projects, collect and synthesize data around public programs and KidsRead 

Assist the SDPP as needed and perform other duties as assigned 

Qualifications
    •    1-2 years of experience working in event production, front of house, and customer service (or some combination of the above) 
    •    Excellent verbal and written communication skills
    •    Time management skills and the ability to work independently
    •    Experience with a/v equipment is helpful 
    •    College degree or equivalent life experience
 
Ideal Candidate 
    •    Interested in working at a nonprofit organization
    •    Extremely organized
    •    Ability to multitask while maintaining vigilant attention to details
    •    Resourcefulness and the ability to problem solve/prioritize
    •    Values diversity of thought, backgrounds, and perspectives
    •    Excellent interpersonal and team skills, extremely collegial
    •    Demonstrated resourcefulness and good judgment
    •    Integrity/ethics beyond reproach
    •    Constantly looking to apply best practices
    •    Connection to The Center for Fiction’s mission
 
To apply:
 
Send a cover letter and a resume as a single PDF by email to jobs@centerforfiction.org. Please also include your cover letter in the body of the email.
 
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis beginning August 18. Position open until filled.

The Center for Fiction has connected writers and readers for over two hundred years. We encourage people to read and value fiction, and we support and celebrate its creation and enjoyment. We do this by providing access to books, supporting emerging writers, introducing children to contemporary books and authors through our KidsRead program, and nurturing diverse readers of all ages through our educational and public programs. In the past year, over 200,000 visitors came to us in person at The Center in Brooklyn, and almost 40,000 people participated in our programs. As a longtime home for readers and writers, we know that fiction expands our capacity for empathy and connection, and that sharing stories transforms communities.