Executive Director

Overview

Executive Director - New Literary Project

Location:

Hybrid. Candidates should live within 25 miles of Oakland, CA.

Compensation: $120,000 (commensurate with experience)

Final date to receive applications:
March 10, 2026

About New Literary Project

Since 2015, New Literary Project (New Lit) has been inspiring writers, students, and teachers across generations—in the words of Joyce Carol Oates—to "write their hearts out." As a 501(c)3 nonprofit with an $800,000 annual operating budget, we partner with UC Berkeley's English Department, Saint Mary's College of California MFA program, and diverse educational institutions across the Bay Area to drive social change through the arts and arts education.

Our belief:
Yes, the planet needs rescuing, and people need food and housing and health care. The world needs all that and more. The world also needs the nourishment, refuge, and attention of the arts. Young people who are marginalized—now speaking in their own voices. Writers now telling, and teachers now teaching, the stories of our lives. That’s what helps make democracy a democracy.

That’s what New Lit is doing.

Through innovative programs supported by individual donors, foundations, and community benefactors, we foster arts education, nurture new literature, and enhance the lives of readers, writers, and students—with close attention to those from marginalized communities.

Our Programs

The Joyce Carol Oates Prize – An annual $50,000 award to a mid-career fiction author, including a fall residency and participation in our New Lit Roadshow of teaching and speaking events.

Jack Hazard Fellowships – Summer fellowships of $5,000 for creative writers who teach high school in the US. Since 2022, we've honored 38 fellows from 15 states, with up to 10 more expected in 2026.

New Lit Creative Writing Workshops – Free workshops for Bay Area high school students at sites such as Contra Costa County Juvenile Hall, Girls Inc - Alameda County, Hope Solutions, and partner public schools, led by fellows from UC Berkeley and Saint Mary's College.

Simpsonistas – Our annual collection featuring Joyce Carol Oates, JCO Prize winners, and first-time published writers from our workshops, nationally distributed and published by Rare Bird Books.

Learn more at newliteraryproject.org

As New Lit celebrates its 10th anniversary, we're seeking our second Executive Director to build on our founding ED's seven-year legacy. This full-time position reports to our Board of Directors—teachers, artists, philanthropists, and community leaders—and offers the opportunity to shape strategy, expand programs, and deepen our impact across California and beyond.

A defining aspect of this role is the collaborative partnership between the Executive Director and the Board Chair, who is the Founder. You'll work hand-in-hand with the founder to honor New Lit's founding vision while co-creating the organization's future. The ideal candidate will bring strategic leadership and operational excellence while maintaining strong alignment with the founder and the board on organizational priorities, major decisions, and stakeholder engagement.

Together, you'll steward New Lit's growth through ongoing collaboration on everything from strategic planning and fundraising to program development and community building.

Leadership & Strategy

• Implement and evolve our long-term strategic plan in close partnership with the Board Chair and full Board
• Aid in the growth and diversity of the Board of Directors to heighten expertise and representation
• Expand our local, regional, and national footprint
• Identify measurable goals, document outcomes, and communicate impact to stakeholders

Program Management

• Oversee all New Lit programs, including the JCO Prize residency (New Lit Roadshow), Jack Hazard Fellowships, and creative writing workshops
• Coordinate partnerships with UC Berkeley, Saint Mary's College, and community venues
• Support JCO Prize jury discussions and recipient contract negotiations
• Manage both in-person and virtual events

Financial Management

• Create and manage annual budget and financial reporting
• Oversee bookkeeping, payroll, insurance,…