Organisation: The Booker Prize Foundation

Position: Trustees

Commitment: 10 Hours Per Month

Location: London

About Us:

The Booker Prizes have a unique place in the literary sphere, enjoying an enviable reputation as a cultural institution that is highly respected, much loved and hotly debated throughout the world. Over the past 50 years, more than 500 extraordinary books have been brought to the attention of the public, influencing reading tastes and transforming culture in Britain and beyond, along with the careers of hundreds of authors from around the globe.

The Booker Prize Foundation is a registered charity, established in 2002, which is responsible for awarding the Booker Prize and the International Booker Prize. It exists to inspire more people to read – and write – the world’s best fiction. In adding a year-round, far-reaching digital portfolio, the Booker Prizes are now the globally recognised home of great writing.

Other aspects of the Foundation’s work include the funding of Braille and audio editions of Booker Prize books through the RNIB, Books Unlocked, a long-standing reading initiative in prisons, and the UEA Booker Prize Foundation Scholarship, awarded annually to a candidate for the Creative Writing MA at the University of East Anglia. Many past scholars have since met with acclaim as published authors. 

Skills and Expertise Required:

We are looking for three new trustees who can bring skill sets in the following areas, to support and advise both the Booker executive team and Board members. All trustees are non-executives.

Digital Growth:

Proficiency in using data to inform decision-making and improve our digital engagement strategies.

Track record of implementing innovative digital solutions in a marketing context. Understanding risks/ trends and opportunities in the digital space.

Digital Marketing Proficiency: Deep understanding of digital marketing channels, including social media, content marketing, SEO, email campaigns, and analytics to enhance the charity’s online presence.

Fundraising/Development:

Experience of development, ideally gained in a charitable context: oversight of successful fundraising campaigns, including securing major gifts, sponsorships, and grants.

• Network Building: Ability to build and maintain relationships with potential donors, sponsors, and partners.
• Financial Acumen: Ability to oversee fundraising budgets and financial plans.
• Experience in growing businesses and strategic planning, particularly in financial, legal, or risk management.
• Creative Fundraising: Innovative approaches to fundraising that align with the Foundation’s goals and values.

Strategic Marketing and Communications:

·      Proven experience in developing and executing marketing strategies that drive brand awareness and engagement on a global scale

·      Stakeholder Engagement: Strong skills in engaging and building relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, partners, beneficiaries, and the media

·      Public Relations and Communications: Expertise in handling media relations, crisis communication, and crafting compelling narratives to promote the Booker Prize Foundation’s impact

·      Innovation and Creativity: Ability to bring innovative ideas to the table to enhance our marketing efforts and reach new audiences

Additional Areas of Interest

Education / Outreach Programmes:

• Engagement Expertise: Experience in developing and managing education and outreach programmes, particularly those aimed at increasing participation in literature.
• Partnership Building: Proven ability to establish and nurture partnerships that enhance the Foundation’s impact and reach.

Essential Criteria

Trustees should possess high ethical standards and integrity, upholding our values and serving as ambassadors for the Booker Prize Foundation. They should have the ability to think strategically and contribute to long-term planning and vision setting. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with the Board and Executive team, are essential.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Stakeholder Relationship Building: Expertise in building and sustaining positive relationships with key stakeholders across various sectors.
• Big Picture Thinking: Ability to see the broader context and make balanced judgments on critical issues.
• Balancing Social and Commercial Aspects: Skill in balancing the social and commercial aspects of business operations.
• Change Management: Experience supporting organisations through periods of change, preferably within complex group settings.

Commitment to Diversity 

The Board would welcome applications from those looking to take on their first Trustee position. All they ask is that candidates have a real enthusiasm for quality fiction and a commitment to furthering our mission.

The Booker Prize Foundation also wants to ensure that its Board of Trustees represents the rich diversity of the UK and therefore encourages interest from all those who feel that they match any of the areas highlighted above, no matter who or where in the UK they may be.

How to apply

For more information and how to apply, please visit https://micro.green-park.co.uk/bookerprize/

If you would like to know more about the role or selection process, please contact Emma Law - Associate Partner or Katie Faulkner - Research Consultant from our Executive Search partners, Green Park on Emma.law@green-park.co.uk or katie.faulkner@green-park.co.uk.

Completed applications must be submitted by: 11:59pm Sunday 4th August 2024.