Application Guide
How to Apply for Executive Director
at Tupelo Press
🏢 About Tupelo Press
Tupelo Press is an internationally respected independent nonprofit literary press with a catalog of 400+ books and a community of 550+ authors, editors, and translators. Distributed by the University of Chicago Press, it also runs Tupelo Quarterly, competitions, workshops, conferences, fellowships, and a growing residency program. This is a rare chance to lead a beloved literary institution into its next era while honoring its 25-year legacy.
About This Role
As Publisher & Executive Director, you will inherit substantial authority from founder Jeffrey Levine during a planned 1–2 year succession and ultimately take full responsibility for staff leadership, publishing strategy, sales, and organizational sustainability. You will shape the creative and business direction of the press, ensuring it remains a vital home for poetry and literary translation while expanding its reach and impact.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve meeting with the board or founder on strategic priorities, reviewing manuscripts or acquisition proposals with editors, analyzing sales and distribution reports, and connecting with donors or partners. You could also be planning a workshop or residency, corresponding with authors, and representing Tupelo at literary events or conferences. No two days are alike in this dynamic leadership role.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Tupelo Press Is Looking For
- Proven executive leadership in a literary or mission-driven organization, with experience managing staff, budgets, and board relations.
- Deep knowledge of the literary marketplace, including distribution, sales, marketing, and how books reach readers through independent presses.
- A genuine passion for poetry and literary translation, demonstrated by a track record of supporting authors and editors.
- Strategic and imaginative thinker who can honor Tupelo's legacy while innovating for the future, with excellent communication and fundraising skills.
📝 Tips for Applying to Tupelo Press
Research Tupelo Press's catalog, recent titles, and Tupelo Quarterly to understand its aesthetic and community; reference specific books or authors in your application.
Acknowledge the founder's legacy and the succession plan explicitly, showing respect for Jeffrey Levine's contributions while articulating your vision for the next chapter.
Highlight any experience with nonprofit governance, board relations, and fundraising, as these are critical for a nonprofit press.
Demonstrate familiarity with University of Chicago Press distribution and how you would leverage that partnership to grow readership.
If applying remotely, address how you will maintain a strong presence with the North Adams, MA team and the broader literary community.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
Your cover letter should emphasize: 1) Your executive leadership experience in literary publishing or a related field, including staff and budget management. 2) Your specific vision for Tupelo Press's next era, balancing tradition with innovation. 3) Your understanding of the independent press landscape and how Tupelo fits within it. 4) Your commitment to poetry, literary translation, and community-building, with concrete examples of authors or projects you've supported.
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read several recent Tupelo Press titles and issues of Tupelo Quarterly to understand the press's editorial identity and range.
- → Learn about the University of Chicago Press distribution model and how it benefits independent literary presses.
- → Research Jeffrey Levine's background, his poetry, and his founding vision for Tupelo Press to understand the legacy you'd be inheriting.
- → Explore Tupelo's programs (competitions, workshops, conferences, fellowships, residencies) and their role in the literary ecosystem.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on business metrics without demonstrating a genuine passion for poetry and literary culture.
- Ignoring the succession context and failing to address how you'd collaborate with the founder during the transition.
- Proposing radical changes that disregard Tupelo's 25-year history and distinctive identity as a poetry press.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!