Tuesday 07 July 2015
Update 31/07/2015: Please note that applications for this position are now closed. The Orwell Prize is looking for a new full-time administrator. £25,000 p.a. (one year contract, with an initial three month probationary period). The Orwell Prize is Britain’s most prestigious prize for political writing. It has expanded significantly over the last decade, and has this year launched a social policy reporting prize, supported by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. The Orwell Prize aims to educate, for the public benefit, through cultural events, debates, online resources, and the provision of annual prizes.
Job Description
Running the Orwell Prize requires a sharp eye for detail and a wider strategic sense of the mission of the prize. It is a unique opportunity for someone with a keen interest in political writing and literature and a talent for administration. The ideal candidate will have an excellent eye for detail and the drive to work independently and as part of a small team. The role will also include assisting with the administration of the Orwell Youth Prize, a separate charity set up to bring the work and values of George Orwell to young people aged 14-18 around the country. Everything we do attempts to embody Orwell’s values. This goes from the everyday courtesy of treating people decently, to the transparent and defendable way our judging is done, to the grander ambition to avoid clichés and fashions, while remaining true to a radical impulse. It has managed in a very short time to turn itself into an institution, and is continuing to expand and professionalise. Applicants should have:
- An interest in politics, journalism, literature, and media
- Experience in the administration of charities or small organisations
- Excellent organisational and research skills
- A commitment to Orwell’s values
- Some knowledge of the life and works of George Orwell and a willingness to learn more
Applicants will be required to:
- Organise entries and administration of the Prize and the Youth Prize
- Liaise with judges, entrants, publishers, and media organisations for both prizes
- Arrange publicity for both prizes
- Organise all aspects of events, debates, lectures, and prize ceremonies
- Run the Orwell Prize websites, social media, and mailing lists
- Work with partner organisations to expand the Prize and develop new ventures
- Support the Director and Council of the Orwell Prize and the Board of the Orwell Youth Prize
- With the support of the governing council, the Director, and the accountant, oversee the budget, accounts, and relationships with sponsors
- Administrate both Charities (preparing minutes and agendas, overseeing Charitable Objectives, working closely with the Chair of the Trustees, overseeing governing documents)
Applications
Please send a CV and covering letter to Edward Crane, at recruitment@orwellfoundation.com Applicants should use the covering letter to demonstrate how they fulfil the five characteristics detailed above (‘Applicants should have…’). This vacancy will be filled through a rolling recruitment process. Applications will be reviewed and interviews will commence before the closing date. Early application is strongly advised. Applications will close Friday 28 August 2015.