Role Type
Part time
Salary & Hours
£38-40k (pro-rata) depending on experience
Location
London SE14 office and from home
Application Deadline
4 January 2024 23:59

About

The Poetry Editor is the executive editor of Poetry London, with overall responsibility for developing and implementing the magazine’s editorial content and direction. In addition, the Poetry Editor develops, and hosts events for the magazine, including launches and the annual Poetry London Lecture; is responsible for the oversight of the annual poetry and pamphlet prizes; and will drive the development of the PL Editions pamphlet publishing initiative.

Reporting to the Board of Trustees and with the support of a small team the editor will drive the strategic vision Poetry London, ensure the commercial viability of the organisation, and maintain key partner relationships.

The salary is £38-40k (pro-rata) depending on experience. The work will be concentrated around magazine publications but will equate to c. 2.5 days per week. The role is open to hybrid working, but there is an expectation that 50% of the time would normally be spent in the Poetry London office, based on the Goldsmiths campus in southeast London. It will also involve some evening and weekend work.

Closing date: 4th January 2024

Interview dates: late January/early February

Decision: early February

Start date: the current editor will complete the Spring edition of the magazine and will be available for help with transition for the Summer edition.

How to apply

Please apply with your CV and a three-page (maximum) covering letter outlining your vision for Poetry London, and how you are going to execute on that vision.

Applications should be sent to: recruitment@poetrylondon.co.uk

Any questions should also be sent to the above email address.

Poetry London is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes qualified applications from anyone, without discrimination.

Job Description

The Editor’s main duties will be:

Editorial

  1. Selecting the poems for publication in all issues of the magazine.
  2. Working closely with the Reviews Editor to maintain the editorial standards of the magazine and continuing to develop its reputation for excellence.
  3. Attracting established poets in the UK and from around the world to send new poems to Poetry London for consideration.
  4. Developing the magazine’s reputation for seeking out new poets.
  5. Ensuring the magazine’s content reflects its policy and reputation for diversity and equal opportunities.
  6. Organising, programming, and hosting Poetry London’s launch events.
  7. Organising, programming, and hosting Poetry London’s Annual Lecture.
  8. Overseeing the magazine’s annual Poetry London Poetry Prize and Poetry London Pamphlet Poetry Prize, including choosing and approaching prestigious judges.
  9. Nominating and entering poems for the Forward Prize individual poem category.
  10. Receiving submissions for consideration (via post and Submittable), and processing these submissions, including their rejection and return, within a period of three months.
  11. Preparing poetry copy for publication, including layout and proofreading, and paying the contributors appropriate fees, in liaison with contributors and other staff.

Strategic

  1. Leading strategic planning for Poetry London, in partnership with the Board of Trustees.
  2. Advancing Poetry London’s role in widening participation in the culture of poetry in the UK and around the world.
  3. Developing and maintaining good relations and contacts within the poetry community
  4. Maintaining the unique voice of Poetry London.

Organisational

  1. Undertaking operational and task management of the Poetry London team.
  2. Recruiting staff as needed.
  3. Provide management review and support to staff.
  4. Lead regular Planning and Editorial meetings.
  5. Attend and provide written updates for Board meetings.

Funding

  1. Seek to raise core funding for the organisation.
  2. Look to extend the commercial reach of the organisation.

Partnerships

  1. Maintain relationship with out core funder Arts Council England (ACE) and oversee the preparation of reports and submissions to ACE.
  2. Maintain relationship with Goldsmiths, University of London, to coordinate student placements and organise collaborative events.
  3. Maintain relationship South Bank Centre which hosts two launches a year.
  4. Seek, develop, and maintain new relationships.

Person Specification

Essential

  1. An established reputation as a poet, with at least a first collection already published or under contract.
  2. A creative vision for the future of the magazine with a strong emphasis on cultural leadership.
  3. Thorough familiarity with a diverse range of contemporary poetry.
  4. Good standing and extensive contacts amongst poets.
  5. Outstanding editorial judgement and literary skills.
  6. Good interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills.
  7. The ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
  8. The ability to lead and develop a team.
  9. Sound IT skills.
  10. Knowledge of diversity monitoring targets and a commitment to the magazine’s ethos of diversity.

Highly desirable

  1. Related editorial experience with another poetry magazine, publisher, or publication.
  2. Fundraising experience.
  3. Administrative experience.
  4. Organisational management experience.
  5. Partnership development and management experience.

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