Forward Prizes Manager

We seek a highly organised and motivated individual to manage the Forward Prizes for Poetry and to ensure the smooth running of the Forward Arts Foundation. This is a part-time, 4 days a week post, based in our offices at Somerset House (London) and reporting to the Executive Director.

OVERVIEW:

We expect you

• To manage the Forward Prizes: organising submissions, creating timelines, preparing the judging meetings, promoting the Prizes and Forward Books, working on event venue logistics, liaising with sponsors Forward Worldwide on book production
• To work on year-round communications across the organisation, including National Poetry Day
• To manage an efficient and productive office, serving as main conduit for the administrative and operations workflow, preparing paperwork for audit, monitoring income/expenditure and liaising with the Accountant, Finance Sub-Committee and Administrator

CANDIDATE PROFILE:

The ideal candidate will be meticulous, efficient and highly organised, familiar with the contemporary UK poetry sector, with at least three years of experience of working in a literature/arts/cultural organisation, building audiences, organising events and managing timelines, budgets and financial administration. S/he should be a fluent user of social media and database software and confident with Excel, InDesign and Wordpress. Project management and marketing experience a definite advantage. 

SKILLS SPECIFICATION:

Essential

• Familiarity with the UK poetry sector, including poets, publishers and organisations
• At least three years of experience in one of the following: publishing, a literature/arts/cultural organisation, running a prize/award, event management 
• Experience with accounts, budgets, financial reporting. Fluent in Excel.
• Ability to build strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders
• Strong social media marketing skills
• Familiarity with Wordpress CMS
• Event management experience
• Project management experience

Desirable

• InDesign experience
• Experience using Submittable, or other online submissions software
• Experience of working on a CRM database
•  

SALARY & BENEFITS:

• £25,000 pro rata per annum.
•  25 days’ annual leave per annum (pro-rated to 20 days per annum); defined contribution pension scheme for all employees.
• A varied and fulfilling job in a leading literary charity; a chance to work closely with writers, publishers and producers

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Forward Prizes and Books

• Creating and maintaining timelines and workflow streams for the Forward Prizes and Forward Books.
• Managing submissions, liaising with judges and shortlisted poets.
• Working with Editor and Designer at Forward Worldwide on book production
• Manage mail-outs; entry forms, books, invitations etc
• Lead on all event logistics for the Forward Prize ceremony in partnership with Southbank Centre

Communications

• Work with the Executive Director and external PR agency on implementation of year-round communications strategy, including drafting regular e-newsletters & social media posts

• Basic maintenance and updates of website
• General design work; entry forms, invitations, adverts

Financial Management

• Draw up budgets/cash flows with Executive Director, FAF Accountant and Finance Committee.
• Monitor all income and expenditure, including banking, issuing payments, chasing invoices and regular cashflow forecasting
• Prepare financial and other monitoring reports for finance committee, statutory funders and other donors.