Spread the Word, London’s literature development agency, is recruiting for two part-time roles: a Programme Manager – Community Engagement and a Communications and Impact Manager.
We are an arts charity and an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. Founded in 1995 by novelist Bernardine Evaristo MBE and Ruth Borthwick (who went on to be Director of Arvon), we work to support, develop and advocate for London’s writers and to develop a thriving and diverse literature scene in London.
We create opportunities for storytellers, creatives and readers to change the conversations we have and reimagine the world we live in by: running inclusive creative writing programmes; offering practical ways for writers to get their work into the world; discovering Londoners who love words; and nurturing those who want to write, read and share stories.
Programme Manager
As the Programme Manager, you will lead on our Community Engagement initiatives; growing our place-based community work in Lewisham to deliver on our ambition to have Lewisham named the UK’s first Borough of Literature. This is a 12-month role with the opportunity to be made permanent. The role is part-time, 3 days a week, with a salary of £22,800 pro rata (full time equivalent: £38,000).
Job description and person specification (PDF)
Job description and person specification (Word document)
Communications and Impact Manager
As the Communications and Impact Manager, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing Spread the Word’s visibility, engagement, and overall impact. This is a permanent role. The role is part-time, 4 days a week, with a salary of £30,400 pro rata (full time equivalent: £38,000).
Job description and person specification (PDF)
Job description and person specification (Word document)
Working with Spread the Word
Both roles are based at Spread the Word’s offices at the Albany in Deptford, London. We offer hybrid working – we currently work two/ three days at the office and the rest at home.
We’re looking for passionate and experienced people who are empathetic, curious, imaginative, and interested in cultural democracy, community agency and activism. You will be able to demonstrate good practice and commitment to accessibility, equality, and inclusion, as well as a passion for engaging people with words and stories.
Online information session
If you are interested in applying for either of the roles and would like to find out more, Co-Chairs Aimée Felone and Simon Richardson, and Director Ruth Harrison, will be holding an online information session on Wednesday 21 February, 7pm-8pm.
The session will be BSL interpreted and have closed captions.
Sign up to the session by Tuesday 20 February. The Zoom link for the session will be sent out on Wednesday 21 February. Participation in the session will have no bearing on your application.
Key dates
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Job advertised from: Wednesday 14 February
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Deadline for applications: 10am, Monday 18 March
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Shortlists confirmed: by Wednesday 27 March at the latest
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Round one interviews: Programme Manager – Community Engagement: Wednesday 10 April
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Round one interviews: Communications and Impact Manager: Thursday 11 April
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Round two interviews: Programme Manager – Community Engagement: Wednesday 17 April
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Round two interviews: Communications and Impact Manager: Thursday 18 April
Interviews
The interview panel for the Programme Manager – Community Engagement role is: Trustees Sam Dodd and Sherifa Ibitola and Director Ruth Harrison.
The interview panel for the Communications and Impact Manager role is: Co-Chairs Aimée Felone and Simon Richardson and Director Ruth Harrison.
Both the first and second interviews will take place in person at Spread the Word’s office at the Albany, Douglas Way, London SE8 4AG. Travel expenses will be paid and reasonable adjustments will be made for applicants invited to interview.
How to apply
Please apply for either role by attaching the following files to the online application form (link below):
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A cover letter (no longer than 2 sides A4) outlining how you meet the job description and person specification and why you would like the role;
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Your CV (no longer than 2 sides A4);
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Our anonymous Equal Opportunities form which will be separated from your application on receipt. Download the form here.
We particularly welcome applications from people who are currently underrepresented in the literature and publishing industries. If you rarely see people like yourself in the arts, for any reason, we particularly encourage you to apply.
Apply for either role using our online application form.
Please note: You can preview the form and see all questions by following the link. Please only fill the form in once you have everything ready as it is not possible to save a draft and come back to it later.
Deadline for applications: 10am, Monday 18 March. No late applications will be considered.
Contact
If you are having any issues in making your application, please contact Emily Ajgan: [email protected]
Photo: Deptford Literature Festival 2022, RAP party, by Kashif Haque