Forum Producer
John F. Kennedy Library Foundation
Job Description
Introduction:
The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation is seeking a full-time staff member who will serve as the
Kennedy Library Forum Producer. The purpose of the position is to develop and implement the Kennedy
Library Forum Series and other adult public programs including conferences or roundtables on selected
contemporary and historical topics. The position is located in the Department of Education and Public
Programs of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum and reports to the Library’s Director
of Education and Public Programs.
Background:
The Kennedy Library Forum Series is the signature public program for adult and older student audiences
for the Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum and the Kennedy Library Foundation. The Series
features public affairs, historical, and cultural topics and is widely known as one of the premiere arenas
for public dialogue in Greater Boston. Approximately 22-26 Forums are produced each year, primarily
during the fall, winter and spring.
Reporting:
The forum producer reports to the director of the department of education and public programs of the
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. He or she works with the Library Director and the
CEO of the Kennedy Library Foundation on Kennedy Library Forums content and production. The
producer works collaboratively with archival, communications, development, education and public
programs, facilities management, marketing, special events, and visitor services staff on forums and
other related public programs for adult and older student audiences. He or she works in conjunction
with the Hemingway Program Coordinator on the annual PEN/Hemingway Award Program which is
presented under the Kennedy Library Forums banner and the manager of the New Frontier Network on
selected programs. The Kennedy Library Foundation funds the position.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Program Conceptualization
The Forum Producer is responsible for coordinating the conceptualization of 22-26 programs in the
annual Kennedy Library Forum Series. He or she:
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works with a committee comprised of the Kennedy Library Director and the Director of
Education and Public Programs, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation and the Vice
President of Communications
researches and prepares his or her own ideas and coordinates committee members’ ideas for
group review
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facilitates meetings and contributes ideas for shaping topics and selecting moderators or panel
members based on knowledge of leaders or experts in the public affairs, historical, cultural and
arts communities
seeks and presents opportunities for potential program partnerships
works collaboratively to ensure a wide range of diverse speakers and topics for these discussionoriented programs.
Program Development and Production
The producer develops approved ideas for individual programs and manages program production:
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manages relationships with speakers or their representatives including preparation of letters of
invitation, communications on program planning and post-forum follow up
coordinates speakers’ visit logistics including hotel and travel reservations
researches and compiles relevant archival sources including quotations and film footage, and
prepares informational packets for forum introductions, and drafts remarks as necessary
arranges or oversees the arrangement for room reservation and setup for both program venue
and green room including av, reserved seating, and speakers’ refreshments
collaborates with av, communications, events and visitor services staff on production and
program venues
oversees the management of reservations for each event and audience management at the
program;
facilitates guest speakers’ day-of pre-program meetings, av needs, and stage management;
prepares a flyer for each program for onsite audiences including biographical information and
previews of upcoming forums
manages logistics for book signings with Museum Store
coordinates with development staff on forums with New Frontier Network, receptions and/ or
dinners; and with Hemingway program coordinator on the annual PEN/Hemingway Award
program
Program Promotion and Dissemination
For the annual forum series and related adult programming, the forum producer:
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develops promotional materials and coordinates editing, design, printing, and mailing to forum
and targeted audience mailing lists
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works intentionally to diversify audiences for programs and works in conjunction with the
communications team and outreach coordinator on audience recruitment for selected programs
geared to specific groups in the Greater Boston Area including universities and schools
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oversees the update of or updates the Library’s website and registration information
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keeps media partners informed of upcoming forums and provides ticklers for broadcast
information in advance of programs; provides information to media book signing listings
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edits forum transcripts for public dissemination and works in conjunction with communications
staff on other forms of outreach for both the live event and post-program activities.
Budget and Program Reporting
The producer develops and tracks an annual budget, and prepares both financial and program reports
on a quarterly basis, and as requested.
Other Educational and Public Programs Activities
The producer partners with education and public programs colleagues on the facilitation of
departmental history and civic education programs.
Qualifications, knowledge, skills and abilities
Undergraduate degree in history, education, political science or a related field. Masters degree
preferred.
Excellent skill in communication, both oral and written, to write informational texts and to address
varied audiences.
Ability to conduct basic research for programs and projects.
Skill in conceptualizing and producing discussion-oriented public programs for adult audiences.
Strong interpersonal skills in managing relationships and keeping multiple stakeholders involved and
informed; ability to work both collaboratively and independently; a team player.
Demonstrated ability to work on multiple programs simultaneously.
Ability to organize materials efficiently for programs, meetings, mailings and digital dissemination.
Ability to manage logistical coordination with excellent attention to detail.
A demonstrated working knowledge of American history, politics and culture.
Experience running a forum program, speaker series, or public affairs programming in a related setting is
preferred.
The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Salary is commensurate with
experience and includes an outstanding benefits package.
Contact:
Interested and qualified candidates are asked to send by March 18, 2016, a cover letter, resume, and
salary requirements to:
Nancy McCoy
Director of Education and Public Programs
Care of: John F. Kennedy Library Foundation
E-mail: HR@jfklfoundation.org
No phone calls please.