Part-time, 18 hours per week, fixed-term for 2 years
Payrate: $27.80/hr
Applications close at 11:59pm, Friday 19 July
Interviews: late July
Ideal start date: August

The writing and publications coordinator oversees the research, development and delivery of all publications and critical texts at The Physics Room. The coordinator also looks after our library, publications archive, and public programmes related to writing and publishing. The role ensures that the publishing programme reflects the gallery's core values: supporting creative development, the strengthening of writing and editing practice, and building lasting relationships to place and community.

This is a development position: applicants with one to three years of experience in the sector are encouraged to apply. Mentoring and support in the areas of editing and arts publishing are offered as part of the role. We are looking for candidates with energy and a vision, and are committed to supporting the growth of your skills over this two-year contract.

The writing and publications coordinator works alongside the director James Tapsell-Kururangi, curator Jane Wallace, access coordinator Honey Brown and business manager Chloe Geoghegan.

Key skills:
• Critical and broad interest in contemporary art and publishing
• Excellent communication skills, including writing and editing
• Ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and what it means to be a good treaty partner
• Commitment to te reo Māori and te reo kē (other languages)
• Capacity to self-initiate projects, and work to deadlines
• Commitment to contributing to the arts ecology in Ōtautahi

Key relationships:
• Writers, artists and arts professionals
• Te Taumata Tapu o Ngāi Tūāhuriri
• Audience members
• Media and distribution networks
• The Physics Room staff and volunteers

Key responsibilities:
• Developing a vision and annual publication plan in relation to The Physics Room’s programme
• Project managing the publication programme throughout the submission, editing, design, print release and distribution processes. This includes printed publications, online texts, and other print and digital communications material
• Managing budgets for publishing-related programmes
• Researching and developing relationships with writers, both early-career and those with some history of publishing
• Commissioning texts from suitable writers for publication opportunities
• Ensuring clarity of communications with writers and contributors in terms of obligations, timelines, and contracts
• Copy-editing texts for internal and external contexts, and providing feedback to writers
• Contributing to external gallery communications including Mailchimps, social media, and public programmes as appropriate
• Managing The Physics Room library including accessioning and cataloguing new titles, subscriptions, maintenance of the sales list, loan system, and general organisation
• Working with the business manager to maintain relationships with authors and artists when The Physics Room is selling on behalf, and tracking sales and postage
• Managing and tracking supplier relationships with retail outlets and wholesale distributors through whom The Physics Room is selling publications
• Pursuing opportunities for professional development where possible through participating in and/or attending book fairs, publishing events and connecting with other like-minded publishing entities
• Contribution to other gallery duties as and when required.

How to apply:

Please submit a one-page cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role, and your CV to james@physicsroom.org.nz by 11:59pm, Friday 19 July.

We encourage you to apply if you have some relevant experience and are a strong communicator and collaborator: there is scope to learn on the job, and the supported development of your skills and relationships is a priority across the two-year term.

The Physics Room is a Living Wage accredited, equal opportunities employer; we welcome and encourage applications from tangata whenua, people with a disability, LGBTQIA, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Let us know if you have accessibility requirements that we can support within the application process. To discuss these in advance, and with any questions about the role, please feel free to get in touch: jane@physicsroom.org.nz.

Read the full job description here