Employment

Employment Opportunities at Fishtrap

 Fishtrap is currently seeking a Program Coordinator.

 

Fishtrap Program Coordinator Job Description

Fishtrap Overview

Fishtrap is dedicated to promoting clear thinking and good writing in and about the West. We offer a gathering place for creative writers, avid readers, and thoughtful people who care about the West. Our home base is in Wallowa County in the Northeastern corner of Oregon – a land of small towns and big mountains, rivers, canyons, cattle ranches, horses, and people dedicated to our vibrant cultural community. Each July Fishtrap hosts a Summer Fishtrap Gathering of Writers at Wallowa Lake, where 150-200 writers gather for a week of inspired writing workshops and conclude with a weekend of passionate discussion on a key issue facing the West. We also offer writing retreats, lectures, readings, discussions, and classes for youth and adults. For more information please see our website at fishtrap.org

Position Summary:

The Program Coordinator (PC) advances Fishtrap’s programmatic goals. This person takes primary responsibility for organizing Fishtrap’s programs including the Summer Fishtrap Gathering of Writers, the spring and summer Imnaha Writers’ Retreat, and a winter Big Read celebration of a work of literature.  The PC works closely with the Executive Director and the Program Committee of the Board of Directors.

The ideal candidate is passionate about the Fishtrap’s mission and values and eager to live and work in Wallowa County. They are familiar with contemporary literature and the issues facing the American West.  They are a self-starter who is results-oriented and has event-organizing experience, excellent oral and written communications skills, and outstanding interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • The PC’s top priority is to organize a successful Summer Fishtrap Gathering of Writers. This includes:
    • Program Design: Working closely with the Executive Director and the program committee of the Board to coordinate the design our flagship program, including identifying the theme, keynote speaker, and workshop faculty.
    • Program Budget: Working closely with the Executive Director and the Finance Committee to design and stick to a budget for the event.
    • Program Marketing and Outreach. This includes working closely with the contract graphic designer to design the event brochure and other public relations material, working closely with the media coordinator to develop and execute a PR plan. Describing the event to groups and individuals on the phone and in person.
    • Logistics: The PC sets up all logistics for the event – secure contracts with the host facility; get the faculty workshop descriptions, photos, travel plans set; line up housing and workshop space; setting up and monitor registration for participants, recruit and oversee a summer intern to help with the event itself; work closely with the ED to ensure a smooth week-long event.
    • Oversees subsets of the program including scholarships, fellowships, Outpost nature writing workshop, and the Yearlong Workshop.
  • Coordinate Fishtrap’s other programs, which currently include:
    • The Big Read: a month-long winter celebration of a work of literature held in Wallowa County; this event is organized with the help of a volunteer committee
    • The Imnaha Writers’ Retreat: writing residencies at a cabin in the remote Imnaha River Canyon, offered in October and April
    • The Youth Writing Program: including a visiting Writer in Residence in the public schools and Fishtrap College, offering WR121 to high school seniors
    • Local lectures
  • Manage the programmatic aspects of our database including record keeping, tracking participant information, generating reports and maintaining program files;
  • Participate in program budget development and stay within those budgets once adopted.
  • Represent Fishtrap at appropriate gatherings for networking and other information sharing or public speaking opportunities;

The position requires some lifting, carrying and transporting of equipment and supplies, moving tables and chairs, etc. The PC is required to maintain a valid driver’s license and to have access to a dependable vehicle. Some evening and weekend work is required.

Reports to: Executive Director

Skills and Qualifications:

  • Enthusiasm for Fishtrap’s mission and values.
  • Familiarity with contemporary literature, writers and writing organizations
  • Familiarity with contemporary issues facing the West.
  • Experience as an event organizer, working with groups as large as 200 people.
  • Ability to juggle multiple tasks and deadlines.
  • Detail oriented.
  • Excellent written and verbal skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills: Personable. Articulate. Unflappable.
  • Able to relate to a wide variety of people from urban and rural backgrounds.
  • Interest in living and working in Wallowa County.
  • Team player. Able to take direction, work collaboratively and independently.
  • Bachelor’s degree in English, Creative Writing, or Environmental Humanities preferred.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and database management experience preferred.
  • Photography and graphic design skills a plus.

Hours, Salary and Benefits:

This is a full time, 40 hours/week, exempt position, with occasional evening and weekend work. The salary is $30,000 – $34,000/year, with benefits, including paid holidays, vacation, and a health reimbursement account (HRA).

TO APPLY:
Submit cover letter, resume, and writing sample to: Ann Powers at jobs@fishtrap.org. Please put “PC Application from [your name]” in the subject line. (Example: PC Application from Ann Powers) Make your email the cover letter; attach the resume and writing sample in a .doc or pdf format.  We will begin reviewing resumes on May 14th. Position open until filled.

 

             4/24/13