Program Producer

MWF is looking for a dynamic Program Producer to help shape and deliver one of the year’s most exciting cultural events.

About Melbourne Writers Festival

MWF brings writers and readers together to be inspired, challenged and thrilled by a creative and diverse program of events celebrating books and ideas. Since 1986, we have entertained hundreds of thousands of readers as the flagship annual writers festival of our UNESCO City of Literature. MWF ignites conversations across Melbourne and inspires curiosity and connection. 

We’re looking for a Program Producer to join the MWF team.

• Fixed term, full time position
• CBD location with flexibilty for hybrid arrangements
• Opportunity to work across cultural programming and partnerships

About the position

The Program Producer is a key member of MWF’s core team, working closely with and under the direction of the Festival Director/CEO to support the development, coordination and delivery of the annual Melbourne Writers Festival program. Combining creative producing with detailed operational delivery, the role contributes to programming ideas, artist and event development, partnerships and special events, while taking significant responsibility for the systems, logistics and administration required to deliver an ambitious festival at scale.

As a central point of coordination across the Festival program, the Program Producer builds and maintains strong relationships with authors, publishers, agents, publicists and programming partners, and works across the organisation to ensure the program is meticulously planned, communicated and delivered. Working closely with the Head of Development, they also support the coordination and delivery of MWF’s suite of partnerships, with particular responsibility for programming and cultural partnerships.

If you’re a creative thinker, brilliant organiser and natural connector who thrives on turning ideas and partnerships into memorable experiences, we’d love to hear from you!

Who we’re looking for

You’ll be a highly organised and collaborative producer who combines strong creative and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage complex detail and deliver effectively in a fast-paced festival environment. You’ll bring:

• Demonstrated experience in arts, festival, events or cultural program production and delivery, with the ability to coordinate complex projects from planning through to successful delivery.

• Strong programming and creative judgement, with an ability to research and develop ideas, identify programming opportunities and contribute thoughtfully to the development of events and cultural programs.

• Exceptional organisational, administrative and information-management skills, with experience managing complex schedules, logistics, budgets and competing priorities accurately, and the ability to anticipate problems, adapt quickly and remain calm under pressure.

• Highly developed relationship-management and communication skills, with the ability to build trusted, professional relationships with artists, publishers, partners and other stakeholders.

• Demonstrated experience in artist liaison and care, including the judgement, professionalism, discretion and responsiveness required to manage the needs of artists and their representatives.

• A collaborative and hands-on approach, with demonstrated ability to work effectively across teams, take ownership of responsibilities, support others and contribute flexibly to the demands of a small organisation and major event delivery.

Desirable experience

Experience using Airtable or comparable project-management, CRM or information-management systems is desirable but not essential.

Download the full position description here 

Why join MWF?

• Join a passionate, creative and collaborative team with a shared love of books, ideas and the power of literature to connect people and spark conversations. Based at The Wheeler Centre in Melbourne’s CBD, we work alongside a vibrant community of writers, thinkers, publishers and cultural organisations to deliver one of Australia’s leading literary festivals.

• You’ll enjoy complimentary festival tickets and opportunities to attend literary and cultural events. We offer flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and access to our Employee Assistance Program. Come and be part of a team that brings writers, readers and big ideas together.

How to apply 

Confidential enquiries about the role can be made to Veronica Sullivan, Festival Director/CEO, at [email protected]

Closing date: 12pm AEST, Monday 28 September.

Interviews will take place in the week commencing Monday 5 October.

Applications must include the following 3 documents as a single PDF:

• A cover letter outlining your interest in the role;
• Responses to each of the key selection criteria that demonstrate your experience, with examples;
• A current resume.

Applications should not exceed 6 pages in length. Please combine your application into a single PDF document, with the filename: Last Name, First Name – Program Producer.

Applications to be addressed to Veronica Sullivan, Festival Director/CEO and submitted by email only to [email protected]