This is the chance to join a dynamic, award-winning publisher and arts company. From its beginnings as a reading series in a converted railway arch in south London, Penned in the Margins has grown over the last fifteen years to be a respected literary producer of new work live, in print and online. Penned in the Margins has been a member of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio since 2015, managing a busy programme of books, events and productions. Our publications have won or been shortlisted for awards including the Rathbones Folio Prize, Costa Book Awards, the Dylan Thomas Prize, the Forward Prize and the British Book Design & Production Awards, while our productions have been commissioned by the likes of Brighton Festival, Norfolk & Norwich Festival, Live Theatre and Southbank Centre.

The successful applicant will work closely with the Director and Sales Manager to increase the company’s audiences and readers, and enhance the depth and breadth of its reach. The role will focus on marketing and sales for our books and productions. Some general administration will also be required. This position would suit either a recent graduate looking for their first job in the arts, or a more experienced sales and/or marketing professional seeking flexible part-time employment.

Duties will include:

• Processing book orders for online and retail customers
• Collecting sales/audience data
• Stock management
• Assisting at book launches
• Delivering marketing and publicity strategies
• Writing marketing copy and press releases
• Pitching to media contacts
• Maintaining media and bookshop databases
• Updating the company website and social media channels
• Creating content, e.g. blog posts, interviews

We are looking for someone with a dynamic, solutions-driven personality, but the role also demands reliability and the ability to organise one’s time and workload. You would be based in our office in Aldgate, central London. Due to the nature of our activities, some evening work would be expected. The role is offered on a six-month contract renewable to two years, with a three-month probation period and a performance review after one year. The successful applicant would be expected to start in September 2022 (exact date to be discussed).

Penned in the Margins supports equal opportunities and welcomes applications regardless of age, gender, race, faith, sexual orientation, social background or disability.

Essential qualities

A passion for the arts and literature
Excellent time management skills
Excellent attention to detail
A confident telephone manner
An aptitude for copywriting
Strong research skills
Commercial acumen
The ability to think creatively
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Drive

Desirable qualities

Sales and marketing experience
PR experience
Working knowledge of the literary and performing arts press
Knowledge of contemporary literature
Knowledge of basic HTML
Basic graphic design skills
Experience using WordPress or similar CMS
Experience using social media platforms, e.g. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
Technical skills in audio and/or video production
Event production experience

How to apply

To apply for this role please send your CV (no more than two pages) and a brief covering email outlining your suitability for the position to info@pennedinthemargins.co.uk

Deadline

Friday 26 August 2022, 5pm.

Interviews

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 31 August 2022 in our office in central London.