Work for us

Illustration © Antonio Rodriguez
Join the staff team

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 almost 12,500 members and 33 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 bright, modernised offices on Bedford Row near Holborn, London. 

Equity, diversity and inclusion are core SoA values. We aim 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:

  • Competitive salary
  • Flexible, family-friendly, disability confident working practices
  • Generous annual leave, including all bank holidays
  • Generous employer contributions to a group pension plan
  • Good work/life blend – minimal additional hours required
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Employee perks scheme
  • 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 all types of writers, illustrators and literary translators.

Vacancies

Policy and Public Affairs Manager – Scotland

  • Job type: permanent, part-time
  • Location: remote – Scotland
  • Basic hours: 14 hours per week (talk to us about flexible working)
  • Pay: £28,000 – £33,000 FTE (£11,200 – £13,200 pro rata) depending on experience. Plus benefits.

A unique opportunity to play a vital role influencing the development of Scottish government policy and creative industry practice for the benefit of authors in Scotland.

Working on behalf of Scottish members, the Policy and Public Affairs Manager for Scotland will represent SoAiS member and author interests throughout Scotland.

As a personable and skilled communicator, you will work remotely as part of our Policy and Public Affairs team to lobby Ministers and Members of the Scottish Parliament, alongside colleagues in Scotland’s other creative unions.

You will collaborate closely with our Scottish National Committee, the Society of Authors in Scotland, (SoAiS)  and, more widely, with the professional networks of interested organisations and individuals to consult on and develop policy for Scotland. This work will form the basis of activities and will feed into the work of the wider UK Policy team.

Download the full role description:

Closing date for applications: Friday 22 March 2024.

Apply

Send your CV and a cover letter (demonstrating how your skills and experience meet our requirements, max. 2 x A4 pages) to [email protected].

If any part of this application process is not accessible to you, please let us know.

Ideally, interviews will be conducted remotely on Monday 1 April and Friday 5 April, with a view to the successful candidate starting as soon as possible thereafter.


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.


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 are interested in getting involved with the work of the Society of Authors, get in touch.