Author Hospitality Assistants (Edinburgh International Book Festival)
Posted on: 21st April, 2026. Closing date: 4th May, 2026
Apply by 5pm on 4 May for these full-time OR part-time fixed-term roles based in Edinburgh.
The team
The Author Hospitality team comprises the Manager, Assistant Manager and six Assistants. Together they are responsible for the smooth running of the Authors’ Area, delivering excellent service and support to Book Festival participants.
The role
The Authors’ Area is a private space where Book Festival participants and their guests can relax before and after events, connect with fellow authors and artists, and enjoy some light refreshments away from the press and public.
As an Author Hospitality Assistant, you will support the smooth day-to-day running of the Authors’ Area, providing a warm welcome and efficient, attentive service to all guests. You will play a key role in shaping each participant’s experience of the festival, ensuring they feel supported and well looked after from arrival to departure. This is a customer-facing role where flexibility, initiative, and teamwork are essential. The role is line‑managed by the Author Hospitality Manager.
Key Responsibilities
Author Hospitality Assistants are responsibility for:
* Customer Service: Delivering exceptional customer service to all guests in the Authors’ Area, including authors, chairpersons, publishers, industry professionals, and Festival staff.
* Registration: Welcoming and checking in guests at the reception desk, issuing lanyards and allocated tickets, and providing clear information about the facilities.
* Author Support: Anticipating and responding to authors’ needs, including providing refreshments and ensuring they are in the right place at the right time ahead of their events.
* Maintaining the Authors’ Area: Ensuring the space is kept clean and tidy, and maintaining stocks of food, drink and service items.
* Teamwork: Working collaboratively with fellow hospitality assistants and colleagues across the Festival to ensure smooth operations and a seamless experience.
* Professionalism: Representing the Festival at all times with a professional and positive approach, adhering to dress codes, following event protocols, and remaining calm and adaptable in a busy environment.
Person Specification
Essential
* Previous customer‑facing experience, preferably in a festival or arts environment
* Outstanding customer service and communication skills
* Confidence when dealing with the public and high‑profile guests
* High standards of presentation, commitment and responsibility
* A proactive, positive and flexible approach
* Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
* The ability to remain calm and problem‑solve under pressure
* Experience or an understanding of live literature or festival organisations
* Previous hospitality experience and/or certification
Salary:£13.45hr, paid weekly in arrears by bank transfer (plus holiday pay)
Location: Edinburgh
Contracts: Full-time OR part‑time. Fixed‑term
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