October 14, 2009

PWAC Executive Director Job Posting

Wednesday, 7th October, 2009

For a plain text version for this Bulletin in PDF format, click here.

We encourage applications from members of PWAC as well as individuals external to the organization. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Deadline: Monday, Oct 26th at 5:00pm. Submit CV and cover letter to hr@pwac.ca.

Summary: The Executive Director (ED) is the senior staff member of the Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) which serves over 600 non-fiction freelance writers across the country. The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations and management of the organization, and supervises other staff and contract employees. The Executive Director ensures that members’ needs are met through delivery of services, mediation, professional development and communications about the industry. The ED, in conjunction with the President, is responsible for representing PWAC in the media, and within the writing and publishing industry generally.

The ideal candidate will have some or all of these qualifications:

A strong commitment to the organization’s mission, values, vision and strategic objectives;

Knowledge and experience of the writing and publishing industry; particularly the needs of freelance writers;

Strong leadership and team management skills, as well as office management experience including staff supervision, financial operations etc.;

Proven ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and changing priorities;

Effective communication skills in various media including superior written and verbal skills, proficiency in computer skills, and an understanding of social networking using technology;

Ability to secure support and funds from government, and non-governmental sources;

Experience in the non-profit sector and working with a volunteer board of directors; and

Ability to communicate in both official languages is considered an asset.

Hours: While this job requires some flexibility in terms of hours (i.e. occasional evening and weekend meetings) the majority of the work occurs during regular business hours.

Location: PWAC’s National Office is based in downtown Toronto. The ED is expected to maintain regular office hours. Some travel is required.

Salary: The salary is commensurate with experience – range $45,000-$55,000/year. A benefit plan is under development.

Start date: As soon as possible.

Complete position description available here.

September 7, 2009

Libraries Going Bookless?

Cushing Academy Library is now bookless.

This year, after having amassed a collection of more than 20,000 books, officials at the pristine campus about 90 minutes west of Boston have decided the 144-year-old school no longer needs a traditional library. The academy’s administrators have decided to discard all their books and have given away half of what stocked their sprawling stacks – the classics, novels, poetry, biographies, tomes on every subject from the humanities to the sciences. The future, they believe, is digital.

I don’t know about you, but I LOVE my books! I love to hold them, smell them and have baths with them! I’d prefer to not take a bath with something that plugs in, thanks.