AALA to Hire Inaugural Executive Director

The Association of American Literary Agents (AALA) is kicking off a national search for its first-ever executive director. Starting on a fractional basis and moving to full-time, the director will work with AALA’s “board of directors, officers, and committees, provide operational oversight, execute strategic plans, and manage internal infrastructure,” Regina Brooks, AALA president and Serendipity Literary Agency founder and CEO, said in a statement. In particular, the executive director will oversee organizing the People of Publishing conference, newly launched this April. AALA hopes to make a hire by early fall, Brooks said. 

Since its founding in 1991 until now, AALA has been driven by members on a volunteer basis; Brooks called the addition of more permanent leadership a “turning point.” “As the publishing landscape shifts, agents are being called to lead in new ways. This hire centers our vision toward building a future-ready organization for our members,” she said.

In addition to holding panels, educational programs, and social events for the American literary agent community, the AALA monitors and provides industry updates on contracts, royalties, and legal practice to its membership. A full description of the role can be found here.