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. You can visit our Fair Work Statement here.
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.
Head of Children, Schools and Young Adults (Parental Leave Cover)
Contract: Fixed term: Parental Leave Cover for 9 months with the possibility of extension (Handover in December 2025, full-time work beginning Wednesday 7 January 2026 – September 2026)
Salary: £36,750
The Head of Children, Schools and Young Adults (Parental Leave Cover) is a vital member of the Programming Team. This is an exciting and dynamic role that curates and delivers a wide-ranging programme of events for schools, children and young people across the public programme. We’re excited to hear from people who have big ideas and are passionate about bringing books to life for young people, and thrive on seeing those ideas through to delivery.
Find the full job description here.
Apply via our online portal here.
Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 20 October
Interviews will be held: w/c Monday 3 November
Communities Programme Assistant
Contract: Fixed-term: October 2025 – Friday 4 September 2026 Part-time: 3 days per week (rising to full-time for month of August)
Salary: £25,500 pro rata
An exciting and vital role, the Communities Programme Assistant supports the effective delivery of the Book Festival's Communities programme, achieving maximum impact for participants from a wide range of backgrounds. Produced in collaboration with a variety of partners, this wide-ranging programme of events and projects brings authors, artists and audiences together to inspire each other and to be inspired, to share stories and experiences, and bring books to life for people of all ages in their own communities.
Find the full job description here.
Apply via our online portal here.
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 15 October
Interviews will be held: Wednesday 23/Thursday 24 October
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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