Now hiring: Executive Director. Become part of the Pattern!

Woodland Pattern Executive Director Job Announcement

Woodland Pattern Book Center is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the discovery, cultivation and presentation of contemporary literature and the arts. Operating for 40 years, we are internationally recognized for promoting a lifetime practice of reading and writing, providing a forum and resource for regional writers and artists, and engaging diverse audiences for contemporary literature through innovative approaches to multi-arts programming. Our office, bookstore, and gallery/performance space are located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s Riverwest neighborhood.

The Executive Director is responsible for leading and directing the organization, including the full range of business operations, creative programming, community relations, and fundraising. Currently, the E.D. manages an annual budget of approximately $400,000 and staff of four employees who together oversee Woodland Pattern’s programming, administration and fundraising. Programming includes over 70 events annually, including readings, music performances, and film screenings.

 

The duties and responsibilities for the executive director are fourfold:

• Fund development and community relations: cultivating and sustaining financial stability for the organization while appealing to and enchanting Milwaukee’s literary community and residents of the Riverwest neighborhood
• Administrative leadership: working alongside the Board of Directors to ensure consistent adherence to Woodland Pattern’s mission and strategy
• Operations: the day-to-day nuts and bolts of running Woodland Pattern, including overseeing staff, facility management, and budgetary matters
• Program leadership: working closely with staff and partner groups to design programming strategies that yoke to our mission and vision

 

Required experience includes a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent life experience, five years in or in support of nonprofit organizations, a robust background in fundraising (including grant-writing, donor development, and individual giving), and experience managing employees. Past management of an arts organization is preferred.

We are seeking a diplomatic and tactful candidate who has a deep appreciation of poetry, literature, and art; who is comfortable and effective at approaching and collaborating with partner groups and organizations; and who effuses a sense of humor.

Compensation package includes salary, health benefits, and paid time off.  Please submit your résumé, cover letter, salary requirements, and the names of two references by October 16 to career.woodlandpattern@gmail.com or by mail to 720 E. Locust St, Milwaukee WI, 53212 ATTN: Executive Director Search Committee. Please direct your references to the email address above. For questions, contact Jessi Carnes at 414-263-5001.

Under New Management!

Hi everyone! My name is Margot Armbruster, I’m a poet and a senior in high school at Brookfield Academy in Brookfield, WI, and I’m happy to announce that I’ll be taking over as Managing Editor of this blog! While Amanda Reavey, our former editor, will be guiding me through the transition process and generally serving in an advisory role, the majority of the posts you will see from now on should be from me.

As part of our ongoing efforts to increase the readership and frequency of posts on this blog, we are looking for editors to work under me and help produce each section of the blog. Peter Burzynski has already agreed to serve as our April Poetry Month Editor, but we are still seeking applicants for First Tuesdays Editor (highlighting local poets on the first Tuesday of each month), Reviews Editor, and Interviews Editor. If you are interested in any of these positions or would simply like to contribute to the blog, please contact me at woodlandpatternblog@gmail.com.

I’m so excited to see how this blog grows and transforms in the coming months! Once again, if you have any questions or are interested in helping out, please email me at woodlandpatternblog@gmail.com.

 

Creativity through Music

Immediately after breakfast, the students were introduced to Joseph and Pat who helped them make beats and write lyrics for a song. They spent all morning tapping into and finding their musical flow. Many talented students came out of their shells and showed that they were extremely gifted musically. All of them were able to contribute to the song that will be handed out on CD tomorrow to the students. After creating lyrics to the song some students actually were able to record their verses. Also during the free time that they had, students were requested to have their anthology poem done by lunch. All of  these talented students have amazing poems that will be put together in the anthology.