The city of Rochester is seeking applicants for its next poet laureate, a two-year term beginning in 2012. The chosen laureate’s mission will be “to promote the influence of poetry and enrich the lives of citizens.” The job comes with a $500 stipend and numerous opportunities for regional recognition.

Applicants must live in the greater Rochester area and have proven poetic skills and a promising aptitude for promoting poetry. The poet laureate, chosen by the Rochester Poet Laureate Committee, will be expected to spearhead one major public project per year and participate in other events and activities. He or she must also communicate with the City Council and the Poet Laureate Committee as needed.

Periale, who became the city’s second laureate in 2008, recently staged his 2011 project, “The Lost Soles of Rochester,” at the public library. Based on interviews with former shoe industry workers, eight actors illustrated life in the city’s old factories.

The deadline for applications is Jan. 9. Downloadable applications and more details are available at www.rochesternh.net.

Poetry contest for college students: The Poetry Society of New Hampshire is seeking submissions for a poetry book competition open to all college undergraduates in the state. The winning book will receive an initial print run of at least 100 copies.

Those interested in participating should submit 12 to 20 pages of poetry with no identifying information to coordinator Jennifer Militello at 41 Ridgewood Drive, Goffstown, NH 03045. A separate sheet should include a brief bio, contact information, a suggested book title and the college you attend.

The winner, to be announced next spring, will receive a $100 prize and a copy of the book. The postmark deadline for submissions is Jan. 30. For more information, visit www.poetrysocietyofnewhampshire.org.