The Book Festival is a working environment where everyone is treated fairly, and our differences are celebrated as strengths. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply for available positions. If you have any specific access requirements, please let us know and we will do our best to meet your needs. You can visit our Fair Work Statement here.
Vacancies
When a position becomes available we'll post the details here. We also publicise vacancies through our social media channels - Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn - so do keep an eye on those too.
Brochure Coordinator
Contract: Fixed-term, part-time contract (28hours/4 days per week) Monday 23 March — Friday 15 May 2026.
Fee: £125/day. On the expected position length of 32 days of work, total fee would be £4,000.
We're looking for a highly organised freelancer with a keen eye for design and detail to lead on the successful delivery of the public Festival brochure, in collaboration with the Brand Manager and Brochure Artworker. The role is a key connector between the Programme and Brand & Audiences departments, and the Brochure Artworker, ensuring that information appearing in the brochure design is correct, and appropriately filed, formatted, and supplied to artwork.
Please note, this is an on-site role at the Edinburgh International Book Festival office on George Street, Edinburgh.
Find the full job description here.
Apply via our online portal here.
Closing date for applications: Sunday 1 March, 23:59
Interviews will be held: Thursday 5 and Friday 6 March 2026
Box Office Manager
Contract: Full time, fixed-term contract from Monday 27 April — 1 September 2026.
Rate of pay: £16.51 per hour
This is an on-site role at the Edinburgh International Book Festival office on George Street, Edinburgh, and at our Festival site at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh. This is our first year using the Spektrix ticketing system, so prior experience with Spektrix is essential.
This is an ideal development opportunity for candidates wishing to build on existing Box Office management experience, preferably at supervisor level, in a world class festival environment. You will have exceptional customer service skills and the ability to effectively handle any queries or complaints. You'll also have previous experience of supervising, training and mentoring staff in customer-facing environment and a positive, calm manner under pressure.
Find the full job description here.
Apply via our online portal here.
Closing date for applications: Friday 6 March 17:00
Interviews will be held: Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 March 2026
Information about temporary Festival staff recruitment
We employ many dedicated and enthusiastic temporary staff each year including short-term staff during August and longer term staff from April/May to September. We expect hard work, commitment, an interest in the arts and a positive, enthusiastic attitude. In return you get a fantastic learning experience that is loads of fun and the opportunity to make valuable contacts. Additional perks include discounted books and access to some of the world's greatest author events. Because of the huge number of applications we receive, and the relative shortness of the contracts, relevant experience is a must.
Please be aware that:
- We are unable to contribute to accommodation, living and travel expenses.
- We do not appoint without interview.
- All candidates will be asked to show evidence of their eligibility to work in the UK if selected for interview.
- We do not accept speculative applications for positions which are not listed on this page.
- We do not offer work experience, unpaid internships, or volunteering opportunities.
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