Location: Nantucket, MA
This is a permanent part time position with varying time requirements throughout the year, with up to 30 hours per week September through May and the possibility for extended hours during summer event weeks.
The Nantucket Book Foundation (NBF) seeks a dynamic, detail-oriented Administrative Director to join our small but mighty team. This position is central to the smooth running of our year-round literary programming and the annual Nantucket Book Festival. The ideal candidate is a proactive self-starter who thrives on juggling multiple priorities, is highly organized, and is excited to bring creativity, energy, and precision to our work.
This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in the cultural life of Nantucket, supporting events that connect authors and readers, inspire students, and celebrate the power of books in community life.
Key Responsibilities
Communications & Media Coordination
- Manage the shared email inbox with the Executive Director (ED), triaging requests and ensuring timely responses.
- Maintain and update website content, including festival pages, donor/sponsor listings, and program updates.
- Respond to inquiries submitted through the website.
- Assist with digital file organization, sponsor ad submissions, and donor recognition across print and digital channels.
- Prepare communications for internal meetings (agendas, minutes, materials).
- Hold regular office hours at our downtown office as a public-facing representative of NBF.
Event Coordination & Production
- Support logistics and planning for the annual Nantucket Book Festival, including:
- Merchandise orders and vendor coordination
- Volunteer scheduling and communication (with Volunteer Coordinator)
- Production logistics (scripts, check-in, BEOs)
- Catering and vendor management
- Take ownership of NBF’s signature ticketed fundraiser, An Evening with Elin Hilderbrand, overseeing sponsorship fulfillment, volunteer coordination, and guest experience.
- Provide support for other year-round programs such as Children’s Book Day and Visiting Authors in Schools.
- Represent NBF at community meetings, the post office, the bank, and other local engagements as needed.
Development & Operations
- Manage and update donor database (NeonCRM), including gift entry, duplicate cleanup, and record updates.
- Generate and mail acknowledgment letters to donors.
- Track sponsor and donor benefits, including ticket allocations and ad submissions.
- Communicate with sponsors and advertisers to ensure timely fulfillment of benefits.
- Assist with grant calendar management and provide support on applications.
- Produce donor and revenue reports for the ED and Board.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Proficiency with Google Suite (Drive, Docs, Sheets); experience with NeonCRM or willingness to learn.
- Eagerness to expand into light bookkeeping tasks (QuickBooks).
- Tech-savvy and adaptable to new platforms (e.g., Monday.com, website CMS).
- Superb organizational and time management skills with an ability to manage competing priorities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Dependable, highly detail-oriented, and comfortable working independently as well as collaboratively.
- Professional, warm, and confident when interacting with donors, authors, board members, and community partners.
- A proactive, solutions-oriented team player who is not afraid to roll up their sleeves.
- Physically able to support event execution (standing for long periods, lifting up to 25 lbs).
Why Join Us?
At NBF, you’ll be part of a small, passionate team bringing nationally recognized authors to Nantucket while fostering a love of reading among students and the community. This role is perfect for someone who wants to grow their nonprofit management skills, thrive in a dynamic environment, and contribute meaningfully to the cultural fabric of the island as well as beyond our shores.
Applicants should send a resume and cover letter to searchcommittee@nantucketbookfestival.org
Deadline for applications is November, 1, 2025.
