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.
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.
A trio of roles to join our incredible Box Office team this summer have just opened up. Each role is an ideal opportunity for individuals who wish to build on their existing box office and customer service skills in a high-pressure festival environment. Excellent customer service and communication skills, enthusiasm, and an ability to work effectively as part of a small team are all essential for this role.
Box Office Assistant (Summer)
Contract: Fixed-term contract from Tuesday 11 June — Monday 26 August 2024, full-time.
Salary: £12.00 per hour, paid weekly in arrears by bank transfer (plus holiday pay).
During June the Box Office handles the Friends Advanced Booking weekend and the opening day of sales to the public. Once tickets are on sale, the role will be focussed on assisting customers making bookings through our website and handling any telephone sales or enquiries. You will be required to work over the Advanced Booking weekend, Saturday 15th June and Sunday 16th June. In August the Box Office team relocates to the Festival site at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh.
Closing date for applications: Sunday 21 April 2024, 23:59
Interviews: w/c 29 April and 6 May 2024
Find the full job description here.
Apply via our online portal here.
Box Office Assistant (August)
Contract: Fixed-term contract from Wednesday 7 August — Sunday 25 August 2024, full-time.
Salary: £12.00 per hour, paid weekly in arrears by bank transfer (plus holiday pay).
The August Box Office team are based at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, where we operate a box office counter and a telephone room. During the Festival the Box Office is usually open 09:30-21:00 daily but occasionally stays open later depending on the timing of the last event.
Closing date for applications: Sunday 21 April 2024, 23:59
Interviews: w/c 6 May and 13 May 2024
Find the full job description here.
Apply via our online portal here.
Access Assistant (August)
Contract: Fixed-term contract from Wednesday 7 August — Sunday 25 August 2024, full-time.
Salary: £12.00 per hour, paid weekly in arrears by bank transfer (plus holiday pay).
The Access team are based at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh and are responsible for staffing the Access cabin. The Access team works closely with the Box Office and Front of House teams. During the Festival the Access cabin is usually open 09:30-21:00 daily but occasionally stays open later depending on the timing of the last event.
Closing date for applications: Sunday 21 April 2024, 23:59
Interviews: w/c 6 May and 13 May 2024
Find the full job description here.
Apply via our online portal here.
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.
Book Festival reveals first author events for 2024 
