About us
The Society of Authors is the UK trade union for writers, illustrators, scriptwriters and literary translators. We’ve been advising individuals and speaking out for the profession since 1884.
With almost 12,500 members and 33 staff, the SoA provides unlimited, free advice on all aspects of the writing profession, including the confidential, clause-by-clause vetting of publishing agreements, publications and a wide range of benefits.
We empower authors through campaigning, professional training, events, conferences, special interest groups and community networks. We also manage around 15 charities which provide prizes and grants to writers, and we manage over 50 literary estates.
Our Values
The SoA is an organisation where everyone can grow and develop, and it’s also a great place to work. Our working culture is collaborative, friendly and supportive. We’re located in bright, modernised offices on Bedford Row near Holborn, London.
Equity, diversity and inclusion are core SoA values. We aim to tackle structural discrimination and prejudice. Part of this commitment means we are looking to increase diversity in our organisation at all levels and in all forms. We therefore strongly encourage applications from a broad range of social, cultural, educational and underrepresented backgrounds.
Benefits
As a progressive and ethical not-for-profit organisation, we offer a range of benefits to support your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. We’re a London Living Wage Accredited Employer and we’re Disability Confident – Committed.
Benefits include:
- Competitive salary
- Flexible, family-friendly, disability confident working practices
- Generous annual leave, including all bank holidays
- Generous employer contributions to a group pension plan
- Good work/life blend – minimal additional hours required
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee perks scheme
- Private healthcare options
- Interest-free annual travel card loan
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Death-in-service benefit
- Ongoing development opportunities
- Office closure over Christmas
Join us to make a positive difference for all types of writers, illustrators and literary translators.
Vacancies
Head of Communications and PR
We’re looking for a Head of Communications and PR to lead our strategic communications as the UK’s largest trade union of writers, illustrators, and literary translators.
- Job Type: Permanent
- Location: London / Hybrid
- Basic hours per week: Full-time, 35 hours per week, flexible working practices
- Salary: £38-45,000 pa, depending on experience
- Reports to: Chief Executive
- Line report: Communications and Campaigns Manager
Apply
To arrange an informal conversation about this role, please contact CEO, Anna Ganley at AGanley@societyofauthors.org.
To apply, please send your CV, and a personal statement which demonstrates how your skills and expertise meets our requirements (max. 2 x A4 pages) to: EFrattaroli@societyofauthors.org
If any part of the application process is not accessible to you, please let us know.
Deadline for applications: Sunday 22 June 2025 at 11.59pm.
Grants and Prizes Administrator
In this role, you’ll be joining a small team that gives out over £650,000 annually in grants and prizes to authors at all stages of their careers. We’re looking for an organised and attentive individual keen to learn about the mechanics of grant and prize administration, with an interest in charity management and the literature sector.
- Contract: Permanent, full-time
- Location: Bloomsbury, London, with the option for hybrid working
- Starting salary: £25,500 pa, plus benefits
- Team: Grants and Prizes
- Start date: August 2025
For a full job description, and to apply, please click here
Closing date for applications: Monday 23rd June at 11.59pm
Privacy Statement
By sending your CV in response to an advert, you are giving us consent to contact you to discuss your application as per our Privacy Statement for job applicants. We endeavour to respond to all applications but if you do not hear from us within seven working days, please assume your application has been unsuccessful and your records will be deleted from our system.
Financial support
The Book Trade Charity offers financial help to applicants (particularly those under the age of 30) looking for jobs in the book trade, including help with interview costs, affordable housing and accommodation. Find out more
Find your perfect role in the creative industries
Creative Careers is an initiative by the UK creative industries to make it easier for young people to find careers in the creative industries.
Volunteer with us
As a member of the Society of Authors there are lots of ways you can get involved. From volunteering on our Management Committee or on a Special Interest Group Committee, through to running a local group in your area.
If you are interested in getting involved with the work of the Society of Authors, get in touch.