We are looking for a Marketing and Programmes 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 the Spark Young Writers programme, the Birmingham Literature Festival, the Room 204 Writer Development Scheme, the National Writers’ Conference and many other projects.
Writing West Midlands is one of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisations and part of a national network of literature development agencies.
We have an office base in Birmingham but work across the West Midlands. Our office hours are Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4.30pm with a 30min break for lunch. We also work some evenings and weekends to deliver public events. Time off in lieu may be taken if working out of normal office hours.
Job Title: Marketing and Programmes Assistant
Job Terms: Permanent following a successful probationary period
Responsible To: Senior Management Team
Hours: 3 days a week. Hours are flexible including evenings and weekends – time off in lieu will be given. The office is closed on Fridays.
Office Base: Birmingham, UK, with occasional hybrid working possible
Salary: £22,500 pro rata
Start Date: June 2023 (exact date by negotiation).
Application Deadline: Thursday 4 May 2023, 5pm
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by e-mail by Friday 12 May 2023.
Interview date: Thursday 18 May in Birmingham, in person only.
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;
- Administrative and Production support for the annual Birmingham Literature Festival, working with our Festival Director;
- Database administration;
- Volunteer management;
- Some office support, e.g: ordering of supplies for the office;
- Administrative support for the Room 204 Writer Development Programme;
- Any other tasks which may reasonably be expected.
The role is part-time, covering 21 hours per week, 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 6 month probationary period (which may be extended).
Person Specification:
This role is an entry point into working in arts administration, and would suit a recent graduate, someone changing the direction of their career or someone looking to re-enter the workforce after a career break.
As part of our commitment to ensure that the diversity of our staff reflects the communities we serve, we particularly welcome applications from candidates of Black, Asian, or Ethnic Minority heritage, and candidates who are Disabled (including people who may not define themselves as disabled, but nevertheless encounter challenges).
The successful applicant will be an outgoing, reliable, enthusiastic individual with excellent written and spoken communication skills. They will have an interest in literature and the arts and in working with the public. They will have the ability to balance priorities and manage their own workload. They will show attention to detail, work accurately under pressure, work using their own initiative and be confident and proactive.
Whoever is appointed will work within a team that is creative, resourceful and passionate about its work. Opportunities for professional development through training and working closely with other similar organisations within literature and across the arts will be given.
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 Constant Contact or other web-based email clients | Y | |
| Experience of using Instagram/Twitter/Facebook for marketing | Y | |
| Customer database experience | 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 | |
| Knowledge of contemporary literature | 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: Thursday 4 May 2023, 5pm
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by e-mail by Friday 12 May 2023.
Those shortlisted will be invited for interview in person, in Birmingham, on Thursday 18 May 2023.
Writing West Midlands regrets that, due to the large volume of applications we usually receive, we may be unable to contact non-shortlisted candidates or offer individual feedback.