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Illustration © Antonio Rodriguez
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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.

See below for details of our current vacancies.

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

We currently are recruiting for two vacancies at the SoA:

As part of the operations team, you will be responsible for supporting the head of operations by providing front of house cover on reception as well as handling a variety of administrative tasks, building management, assisting with events, coordinating with various departments, and ensuring that daily operations run smoothly as well as providing administrative support to our 11 national, special interest groups and networks.

This role is ideal for someone looking to develop a career in operations and administration, with the opportunity to support with additional responsibilities and projects as experience grows. You will play an important part in ensuring the smooth running and welcoming atmosphere of our offices, directly supporting both internal teams and our member community. To excel in this multifaceted role, you will need to be able to think on your feet, have good time management skills and enjoy wearing more than one hat to excel in this multifaceted role.

We are working with Creative Access to recruit this role. For full details of the role and to apply click here.

Closing date for applications: Friday 19th September 2025 at 11.59pm
Salary: £26,500
Duration: 12 months
Working hours: 9.30-5.30 Monday to Friday
Location: Bloomsbury, London
Start date: Early October 2025

Working as part of the membership and author communities team you will be on the front-line supporting members with payments and simple queries, helping to triage contract queries and updating our database. You will also communicate with members regarding local group activities and provide support to volunteer local group organisers and the local groups manager, with occasional front of house duties.

This is an entry level role and full training will be provided in all key areas. We are committed to the ongoing development of our staff, as you grow in this position, you will have opportunities to develop your skills, gain experience in different aspects of membership and events administration, and progress within the organisation.

We are working with Creative Access to recruit this role. For full details of the role and to apply click here.

Closing date for applications: Friday 19th September 2025 at 11.59pm
Salary: £25,500
Duration: 12 months
Working hours: 9.30-5.30 Monday to Friday with 2/3 days per week in the office
Location: Bloomsbury, London
Start date: October 2025

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.

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