Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust is seeking an organised and proactive Operations & Development Officer to play a key role in our small but ambitious charity.
We work locally, nationally and internationally to connect people with words, stories and ideas. We are entering a new chapter in our organisational development and we're looking for someone to support our day‑to‑day organisation and long‑term plans.
Working closely with the Director, this role will support our core operations including administration, governance, finance and fundraising. This is a varied role for someone interested in making a real impact within a well‑connected literary organisation.
Key details
* Hours: Part‑time, 0.6 FTE (21 hours per week)
* Contract: Fixed term, 12 months (with possibility of extension depending on funding)
* Location: Central Edinburgh (hybrid working considered)
Key responsibilities
Operations & Administration
* Coordinate daily organisational operations and ensure smooth office management
* Maintain policies and procedures
* Support the Director and the Board with administration, reporting and governance paperwork
* Maintain and update governance and reporting calendar
* Support internal communications and coordination of freelancers
* Act as first point of contact for internal and external queries, channelling communications as required
* Undertake research to inform future work and opportunities
Finance
* Support budgeting processes and cashflow monitoring together with the Director and the Fundraising & Finance Committee
* Administer financial transactions, payroll and invoices and liaise with the bookkeeper/accountants
* Ensure compliance with OSCR requirements and support annual reporting
* Research and identify new funding opportunities
* Support the drafting of funding applications
* Support project reporting
* Track deadlines and develop donor communications
General
* Support project monitoring and evaluation
* Support on event delivery as required
* Undertake any other reasonable duties as required
Person specification
* 2+ years of experience in an administration, operations or development role
* Experience of financial administration and budgeting
* Excellent written, verbal and communication skills
* Ability to support fundraising, grant applications and project reporting
* Strong organisational and time‑management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands and meet deadlines
* A proactive self‑starter capable of working both independently and collaboratively
* Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
* Experience in fundraising, grant writing and/or donor management
* Knowledge of the Scottish literary sector and a passion for the arts
* Experience of working with international partners
* Understanding of charity governance and compliance
What we offer
* A supportive, flexible working arrangement with the option for 1 day per week to be worked remotely
* Opportunities for training, mentoring and attending industry events to support your growth
* A small‑team environment where your ideas and contributions can really make a difference
* Holiday entitlement: 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (full‑time equivalent), pro‑rated for part‑time working. For this 0.6 FTE role, this equates to 15 days annual leave plus 5 days for bank holidays.
How to apply
We are committed to equality of opportunity in all of our activities and employment practices. We actively encourage people from a variety of backgrounds with different experiences, skills and stories to join us.
We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process for candidates who require them.
To apply for this position, please submit a CV and a covering letter outlining how your skills, experience and personal qualities meet the requirements of this role.
Applications should be addressed to the Director and sent to director@cityofliterature.com.
The closing date for applications is Thursday 8th January 2026 at midnight.
Interviews
Interviews will be held on 23rd January 2026. If this is not possible for you, then we will make every effort to provide another date or time but cannot guarantee an alternative slot.
Interviews will be held in person in central Edinburgh at an accessible venue.
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