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 over 12,000 members and 30 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 modern offices on Bedford Row near Holborn, London.
Inclusion, diversity and representation are at the core of our values. We are an organisation that aims 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:
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Competitive salary- Flexible, family-friendly, disability confident working practices
- Generous annual leave, including all bank holidays
- Generous employer contributions to a stakeholder pension plan
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee perks scheme
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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 writers, illustrators, scriptwriters and literary translators.
Current vacancies
Senior Policy and Liaison Manager for Northern Ireland
Fixed term contract: 12-month role with potential to extend.
Hours: Part-time (17.5 hrs).
Salary: £36,000 FTE.
Location: Home-working, Northern Ireland-based. Possibility to work from a shared office space in Belfast.
Reports to: Chief Executive
Are you an excellent communicator with:
- The motivation and insight to advocate for authors’ rights in the Northern Irish literature, publishing, broadcast and media sectors?
- The ambition to curate a professional development and outreach programme for authors across Northern Ireland, assisting them to build more sustainable creative careers?
- The desire to empower individual authors with information and advice, helping them to maximise their potential, and equip them with key business skills?
- The passion, skills and expertise to diagnose and prioritise issues, win support and organise collective action?
- An extensive network of contacts throughout the publishing sector with organisations, author communities, and government departments at Stormont?
- The gravitas to influence executive and government thinking and policy?
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
Please let us know if you require this application pack in an alternative format.
Apply
Send your covering letter explaining how you would deliver this role, together with your CV and some links to some of your recent work (if appropriate), to Anna at AGanley@societyofauthors.org by Friday 17 February 2023.
If it is more accessible for you to submit your application for this role in a different format, please get in touch.
This is a flexible and remote role based in Northern Ireland. We will provide your IT equipment, but you will be responsible for organising an appropriate working environment with robust internet connection. There is potential to work from a shared work space in Belfast.
First interviews will be conducted via Zoom in the week commencing 20 February. Please let us know if you have any access requirements.
Ideally, the successful candidate should be able to start in March or April 2023.
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. Find out more
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're interested in getting involved with the work of the Society of Authors, get in touch.