We are looking for a Marketing and Administrative Assistant to support our small team working on our programme of projects and events.
Writing West Midlands (WWM) is the literature development agency for the West Midlands. It supports the writing industry regionally and nationally by offering training and development opportunities for writers, by encouraging children and young people to engage with creative writing and by running public literature events.
We run fourteen regional Spark Young Writers groups, a Summer Writing Challenge, the National Teen Writers’ Conference, the Birmingham Literature Festival, the Room 204 Writer Development Scheme, the National Writers’ Conference and as well as many additional projects.
Writing West Midlands is one of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisations and part of a national network of literature development agencies.
Job Title: Marketing and Administrative Assistant
Job Terms: Permanent
Responsible To: Chief Executive
Hours: 28 hours a week until December 2022 (maternity cover), reducing to 21 hours a week from January 2023. Hours are flexible including some evenings and weekends – time off in lieu will be given. The office is closed on Fridays.
Office Base: Birmingham, UK
Salary: £20,000 pro rata
Start Date: March/April 2022 (exact date by negotiation).
Application Deadline: Monday 21st February 2022 5pm
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by e-mail by Friday 25 February 2022.
Interview date: Thursday 3 March 2022 in Birmingham
About the role:
We are looking for a confident self-starter to join our resourceful and passionate team to support in the following areas:
- Website and social media marketing, working with the PR & Communications Manager;
- Administrative support for the Spark Young Writers’ programme, working with the Learning & Participation Manager;
- Database management;
- Some office management – ordering of supplies for the office, ensuring IT and equipment is maintained and safety-checked as required;
- Administrative support for Room 204 Writer Development Programme, working with Chief Executive;
- Collection of activity data and updating of records, working with Chief Executive;
- Any other tasks which may reasonably be expected.
The role is part-time, covering 21 hours per week (28 hours a week until December 2022, covering a maternity leave), which can be worked flexibly over 3 or 4 days. Writing West Midlands is closed on Fridays, and some weekend and evening working will be required, with lieu time given. Working patterns will be discussed at interview.
This position is permanent following a successful 3 month probationary period (which may be extended).
Person Specification:
The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, reliable, have a flair for communication and a genuine interest in creative writing and the arts. As part of a small team, you will be able to manage your own workload and balance priorities.
With excellent attention to detail, you will be able to work accurately under tight deadlines, with minimal supervision and limited financial resources.
We don’t expect you to have all the relevant experience. You will have opportunity for professional development through on-the-job training and working closely with similar organisations.
Equal Opportunities:
Writing West Midlands is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome all applicants regardless of race or colour, nationality or national or ethnic origin, religion or religious belief, sex or marital status, sexual orientation, disability or age.
We believe that all writers should have the opportunity to tell their stories and we work with under-represented communities to help make this happen. Our aim is for our organisation to better reflect the diverse communities in which we work.
If you have any access requirements, you will be asked to provide these during the application process so we can ensure your needs are met.
Writing West Midlands regrets that in the event of a large volume of applications we may not be able to contact non-shortlisted applicants or offer individual feedback.
Desired/Essential Qualities and Attributes in More Detail:
Knowledge:
| Essential | Desirable | |
| Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Teams | Y | |
| Working knowledge of a website management platform such as WordPress | Y | |
| Knowledge of ConstantContact/other web-based email clients | Y | |
| Instagram/Twitter/Facebook | Y | |
| Customer management software | Y | |
| Knowledge of Canva (image creation web application) | Y | |
| Familiarity with Zoom (for video conferencing and webinars) | Y | |
| Knowledge of the arts (venues, events, promoters) in the West Midlands | Y | |
| Interest in/knowledge of literature, including contemporary fiction and poetry | Y |
Work Skills:
| Essential | Desirable | |
| Confident, proactive phone manner | Y | |
| Ability to pick up new computer skills | Y | |
| Basic design skills | Y | |
| Ability to describe and generate interest in literature events both verbally and through copywriting | Y | |
| Database management skills | Y | |
| Ability to manage own workload and time | Y | |
| Good problem-solving skills | Y | |
| Ability to work creatively and resourcefully within a framework and budget. | Y |
General Skills/Attributes:
| Essential | Desirable | |
| Excellent written and verbal communication skills | Y | |
| Good IT/internet skills | Y | |
| Attention to detail | Y | |
| Experience of web editing | Y | |
| Experience of use of social media for marketing | Y | |
| Ability to work alone and as part of a team | Y | |
| Good timekeeping | Y | |
| Able to work in a public-facing role | Y |
Education:
| Essential | Desirable | |
| GCSE level | Y | |
| A level | Y | |
| Degree or Equivalent | Y |
Details:
Deadline: Monday 21 February 2022, 5pm
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by e-mail by Friday 25 February 2022.
Those shortlisted will be invited for interview in person, in Birmingham, on Thursday 3 March 2022.