Festival Producer

Newcastle Writers Festival is seeking a highly organised Festival Producer to support the presentation of the 2026 festival and other events.

Position Description- Festival Producer

Part-time, 9-month fixed term contract, 3 days per week (0.6FTE)

Mid-October 2025 to July 2026

$75,000 pro rata plus 12% superannuation

About Newcastle Writers Festival

Newcastle Writers Festival is one of Australia’s leading regional literary events, presenting an inspiring annual program that connects writers and readers through vibrant, inclusive public conversations.The 2026 festival will be held from 27 to 29 March.

The festival is committed to showcasing diverse voices, supporting Australian literature, and contributing to the cultural life of the Hunter region. Beyond the annual weekend festival, the organisation contributes significantly to addressing pressing needs in our region and in the sector. This includes programs to support literacy among primary school students and the development of emerging writers, as well as advocacy for literature.

Position Overview

The Festival Producer plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and efficient presentation of the annual festival and other events. This role supports the Festival Director, Artist Logistics Manager, and Volunteer Manager across day-to-day administration, artist liaison, database management, coordination of artist schedules, communications, and on-the-ground logistics.

Flexibility of availability is required as there will be some evening and weekend work, particularly in the lead up to the festival and during events. It is a varied and rewarding position, ideal for someone who thrives in a small team environment and is passionate about the arts. The ideal candidate will be adaptable, composed under pressure, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.

Exceptional attention to detail and a consistent work ethic are essential to succeed in this fast-paced, dynamic environment. Newcastle Writers Festival maintains meaningful relationships with varied stakeholders and the Festival Producer must have strong written and verbal communication skills.

This is a Newcastle-based position, and the successful applicant will need to be set up to work from home. Please note that this role is essential to the presentation of the 2026 festival and therefore leave blackout periods apply from 13 October 2025 until 13 April 2026. There is paid leave between Christmas and New Year.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the Festival Director and Artist Logistics Manager.
• Provide a high level of author care and manage relationships with key stakeholders including publicists, publishers, agents and venue contacts.
• Maintain accurate records, contact lists, and stakeholder databases.
• Assist with basic bookkeeping and finance administration (e.g.expense tracking, supplier liaison).
• Coordinate and manageinternal deadlines and contribute to project timelines.
• Provide logistical support in the lead up to and during the 2026 festival.
• Respond to public enquiries professionally and efficiently.
• Support post-event wrap-up processes, including compiling artist or partner feedback andcontributing to evaluation reporting.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative team culture.
• Additional responsibilities may be required.

Selection Criteria

• A minimum of two years’ experience in a similar role within the arts, demonstrating dedicated producing experience
• Proven database/CRM management skills. High level of proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft products, including Gmail, Calendar, Drive, and Excel, as well as cloud-based tools.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• Comfortable managing high volumes of data with meticulous attention to detail.
• Copywriting, proofing and editing skills.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate professionally across teams and with external stakeholders, including sponsors, audience members, and writers.
• Experience managing financial accounts, preferably Xero (or similar).
• Willingness and availability to work evenings and weekends, particularly in the lead up to and during the festival.

How to Apply

Please send as one document your CV of no more than 2 pages and a cover letter of no more than 3 pages addressing the selection criteria and your experience to manager@newcastlewritersfestival.org.au with ‘Festival Producer Application’ in the subject line. Applications close 5pm AEST 3 September 2025.

Interviews will be held in person in Newcastle on 16 September. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Festival Director Rosemarie Milsom manager@newcastlewritersfestival.org.au

For more information about the festival and to download the position description visit our the website.