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Director - Adelaide Writers' Week
Adelaide Festival is seeking an outstanding Director of Adelaide Writers’ Week to lead one of the world’s most respected and enduring literary festivals.
Founded in 1960, Adelaide Writers’ Week (AWW) is a globally recognised celebration of literature, ideas and public discourse, attracting around 150,000 attendances annually. Presented as a core, free six-day program within Adelaide Festival, Writers’ Week is renowned for its ambitious curation, deep audience loyalty and international reach.
About the role
The Director provides the artistic vision and curatorial leadership for Adelaide Writers’ Week, shaping an annual program of local, national and international writers that is dynamic, inclusive and intellectually ambitious.
Working closely with the Executive Director, Artistic Director and senior leadership team, the Director will:
• Curate and deliver the annual Adelaide Writers’ Week program
• Build and sustain strong relationships with writers, publishers, agents and literary partners
• Act as the public spokesperson for the program
• Lead and inspire the Writers’ Week team
• Oversee programming within a multi-faceted festival environment
• Identify opportunities for innovation, partnerships and long-term sustainability
The role is supported by experienced teams across marketing, production, partnerships, philanthropy and administration.
About you
The next AWW Director will bring:
• Deep knowledge of contemporary literature and publishing
• Strong national and international literary networks
• Proven experience delivering major literary or cultural programs
• Sound judgement and the ability to navigate complex public conversations
• A collaborative leadership style and organisational acumen
• A commitment to inclusivity, accessibility and diverse voices, including First Nations writers
The role is open to candidates based anywhere in Australia, with the expectation of travel to Adelaide as required.
Term and remuneration
• Three-year term, with the possibility of a one-year extension
• Offered on a contractor basis, with remuneration negotiated with the successful candidate
• Interstate travel requirements will be considered where relevant
How to apply
Applications should include:
• A written response addressing the Position Description and your vision for Adelaide Writers’ Week
• CV and short biography
Applications should be emailed to Executive Director, Julian Hobba at hello@adelaidefestival.com.au
Applications close 5pm (ACST) Wednesday 18 March.
Why work for us?
• Five extra days of paid Festival Leave
• Flexible work-from-home arrangements
• Complimentary tickets and staff discounts
• Access to EAP and extra leave for wellbeing and support needs
• Free annual flu vaccinations
Adelaide Festival is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of our community. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, and people of all gender identities and expressions.
Volunteers
Adelaide Festival’s ongoing success is in large part due to decades of extraordinary support from our wonderful community of volunteers.
The volunteer database of Adelaide Festival is managed by the South Australian Festival Volunteer Network (FVN), an independent, not-for-profit service connecting volunteers to festivals and events in South Australia. Facilitated by Festival City Adelaide, South Australia’s peak body for festivals and events, the FVN aims to support and enhance the quality of experience for both volunteers and participating festivals in their volunteerism journey. The FVN utilises the online Volunteer Management Platform Be Collective which provides a centralised online network of volunteers for festivals and events across South Australia, promotes a sense of community, a user-friendly experience and a smooth transition for those volunteering across multiple festivals.
Please note: Involvement in our volunteer team is subject to meeting our compliance requirements, which may vary dependent on the role. As we receive more applications than places available in our team, places are not guaranteed.
Volunteer communication will occur through the Be Collective portal so please look out for emails from this sender in your inbox.
The volunteer database of Adelaide Festival is managed by the South Australian Festival Volunteer Network (FVN), an independent, not-for-profit service connecting volunteers to festivals and events in South Australia. Facilitated by Festival City Adelaide, South Australia’s peak body for festivals and events, the FVN aims to support and enhance the quality of experience for both volunteers and participating festivals in their volunteerism journey. The FVN utilises the online Volunteer Management Platform Be Collective which provides a centralised online network of volunteers for festivals and events across South Australia, promotes a sense of community, a user-friendly experience, and a smooth transition for those volunteering across multiple festivals.
