Lead, Programming & Producing Singapore Writers Festival

Job Purpose

• The Lead, Singapore Writers Festival (SWF) oversees the planning, coordination and delivery of the festival and its related initiatives, ensuring that programmes, budgets, timelines and operational requirements are effectively managed.
• Working closely with the Festival Director (SWF) and Acting Director, Programming & Producing. The Lead (SWF) oversees the SWF programming team, providing direction on programme implementation, and ensures that Festival objectives and funding KPIs are delivered effectively.
• The role is also responsible for the sound management of the overall festival budget, reporting requirements, governance processes, including maintaining regular engagement with NAC and other external stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities

Festival Planning and Programming

• To oversee the SWF programming team for year-long SWF literary programmes as well as the core festival in November, providing direction to strengthen programme quality, feasibility and alignment with Festival objectives.
• Guide the execution of Golden Point Award and SWF Fellowship, as well as strategic planning of AHG Learn (SIFA & SWF).
• Guide discussions on programme proposals, budgets and implementation plans, balancing programming objectives with operational and financial considerations.
• Lead cross-department planning and coordination to support the successful delivery of the festival, working closely with Production, Marketing, Partnerships, Finance and other teams.
• Maintain oversight of the festival as a whole, identifying opportunities to strengthen programme development, partnerships, audience engagement and future Festival growth.
• Manage select Festival projects and shared Festival events, including Festival launches, opening events and other initiatives, from planning through delivery and evaluation.

Administration and budget

• Oversee the planning of the overall Festival budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively across programmes and Festival priorities.
• To oversee the team on review and management of project budgets, timelines, agreements and necessary approvals.
• Lead the preparation and review of approval papers, funding submissions, reports and other governance-related documentation in alignment with funding and organisational objectives.
• Monitor overall Festival expenditure, reforecasting budgets and recommending resource reallocations where necessary, and work closely with relevant departments to ensure compliance with AHG policies, procurement procedures and contractual obligations.

Stakeholder Management

• Support Acting Director, Programming & Producing in managing stakeholders, including liaising with NAC literary arts team to ensure strategic alignment with SG arts strategies and funding frameworks, and SWF Advisory Panel to ensure programming robustness and good governance.
• Manage funding discussions, reporting requirements, KPI reviews and other matters relating to Festival planning and delivery.
• Develop and manage partnerships with artists, agents, publishers, venues, sponsors and other stakeholders to support Festival objectives and programme development.
• Lead or support negotiations relating to artist participation, partnership opportunities, funding support and other shared Festival initiatives.
• Work closely with internal departments to align stakeholder commitments, project requirements with Festival priorities
• Represent SWF at stakeholder engagements, industry events and sector platforms as required.

Others

• To carry out and assume any other duties and responsibilities as and when assigned by the Management.

Qualification

Education

• Degree in Arts, Literature, Arts Management, or in relevant fields, or equivalent professional qualification

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in the arts, literary arts, publishing, festivals, events or related fields.
• Possess good knowledge of the local literary arts scene
• Experience in managing budgets, stakeholders and partnerships.
• Experience in supervising staff or coordinating the work of teams

Skills & Traits

• Strong planning, organisational, and project management skills.
• Resourceful, adaptable and attentive to detail.
• Possess good communication, writing and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
• Able to work independently as well as collaboratively across teams.
• Able to work on weekends and after regular office hours when required.