Jobs at the Book Festival

The Edinburgh International Book Festival is an equal opportunities employer, a Real Living Wage employer, and a Disability Confident Committed empoyer. Our work is framed by a commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

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.

Vacancies

When a position becomes available we'll post the details here. We also publicise vacancies through our social media channels - Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X/Twitter - so do keep an eye on those too.

Programme Administrator

Contract: Full-time, fixed term (9 months)
Salary: £26,280 per annum pro rata
 
An exciting opportunity to contribute to the shaping of a world leading cultural festival. The Programme Administrator will be key member of the Programme team at the Book Festival, providing administrative support across the Adult and Children’s programmes and getting involved in all aspects of the creative process.
 
Reporting to the Programme Manager, the role will include: maintaining accurate participant and book records, assisting with invitations and event mailings, ensuring key programme milestones are met across the department, acting as a central point of liaison internally and externally, responding to queries promptly, nurturing relationships with authors, publishers, chairpersons, and other stakeholders, and supporting with venue preparation, event coordination, and delivery on site during August 2025.
 
 
Closing date for applications: Thursday 5 December 2024 at 17.00
Interviews will be held: 16 & 17 December 2024

Members of the Board of Trustees

The Edinburgh International Book Festival is looking for several new members to join the Book Festival’s Board of Trustees. We are seeking to appoint trustees with specific skills, experience, and interest in any of the following areas:
  • Writing and/or illustration (based in Scotland)
  • Publishing/media (wider UK)
  • Finance and risk
  • Law
  • Community engagement/creative learning
  • Sustainability/climate emergency
Closing date for applications: Monday 25 November 2024, 16.00
 
Meetings with prospective trustees will be held in central Edinburgh on Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 December 2024 (online interviews also possible on request).
 
KEY INFORMATION:
 
  • Board meetings take place four times per year in March, June, October, and December. Meetings are held in central Edinburgh and take place during the day. There is the option to join remotely.
  • Trustees are appointed for a term of 5 years initially, with the option to stand for re-election for an additional 3-year period.
  • This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses incurred in attending meetings (including costs of childcare) and other Festival related activities will be paid.
  • The Edinburgh International Book Festival’s work is framed by a commitment to equality, diversity, care, and inclusion.
  • We want to create a working environment where everyone is treated fairly and our differences are celebrated as strengths. We actively encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. We also welcome applications from younger people in the early stages of their careers (aged 21-35) who are keen to build their board and strategic leadership experience.
  • For any questions, please contact our Executive Assistant, Danielle McCann danielle.mccann@edbookfest.co.uk in the first instance to arrange a call.

Download the recruitment pack here.

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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