At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful projects promoting diverse literature in schools and manage key partnerships.
- Company: Join Penguin Random House, a leader in inclusive publishing and social impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a competitive salary, and a vibrant office culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while working with passionate change-makers.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and stakeholder relationships is essential; education sector experience is a plus.
- Other info: This is a 6-month fixed-term contract with opportunities for growth.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 36000 £ per year.
We are looking for a proactive and highly organised Senior Executive to join our Social Impact team. The role will primarily support the delivery of Lit in Colour, our flagship Social Impact programme that supports schools to make the teaching and studying of English Literature more inclusive of writers of colour.
About our team
At Penguin Random House, we make books for everyone because a book can change anyone. Our Social Impact team are change-makers and facilitators at the heart of how we bring this mission to life every day. They work in partnership with various organisations to create positive impact in three core areas – giving everyone equal access to books; building the readers of the future; and publishing books for everyone. This includes large-scale impact programmes such as Lit in Colour, our campaign to support schools to diversify the teaching of English Literature.
The role
The Senior Executive will have impeccable project and relationship management skills and use these effectively to drive and deliver key objectives for the Lit in Colour campaign. You will manage relationships with the programme’s partners, particularly exam boards, to expertly deliver impactful student and teacher facing activities as well as project manage the publication of relevant teaching resources. Experience of the UK education or school system would be highly advantageous. No two days will be the same in this exciting role – you’ll work on a broad range of activity and partnerships that ultimately help introduce young people to a diverse range of literature.
Key responsibilities:
- Manage relationships with partners, with a particular focus on exam boards, to ensure effective stakeholder communication and partnership working.
- Work with exam board partners to plan and deliver student and teacher facing projects that promote literature by writers of colour and its teaching within the classroom.
- Effectively manage multiple and concurrently running projects with different partners on time and within budget.
- Support in the design, production and management of events that are key activation moments for Lit in Colour.
- Manage an efficient start-to-end workflow that ensures publication and dissemination of high-quality teaching resources, including reviewing content and coordinating stakeholder feedback.
- Support with major Lit in Colour book donations to schools, including curating book lists and liaising with schools and the Penguin warehouse on logistics.
What you’ll bring
- Proven experience of effectively leading multi-stakeholder partnerships.
- Highly collaborative with proven experience building and maintaining strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Confident project manager with high energy who can set dynamic pace of delivery.
- Able to calmly juggle multiple priorities.
- Strong written and verbal communicator, able to tailor style to different stakeholders.
- Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Confident problem solver who takes initiative and can adapt to unforeseen challenges.
- Creative thinker with a curiosity to learn.
- Able to be an ambassador for the company.
- Passionate about our mission and delivering on our social impact commitments.
Preferred criteria:
- Experience working with young people or in a school environment (highly desired).
Application instructions
Please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by 11:59pm on Thursday 19th June. Please ensure you include a cover letter, as it is a crucial part of our assessment process. The cover letter offers an opportunity to show how your experience and interests align with the role requirements. Typically, we expect the cover letter to be no more than one or two pages in length.
Please note we are looking for someone to join the team as soon as possible, but we are also happy to accommodate a reasonable notice period for the right candidate. £40,000-45,000 (pro rated) dependent on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits.
What you can expect from us
Our people are the heart of our business, and we work hard to support a culture of responsibility and recognition. While our offices across the UK are places to connect, collaborate and celebrate with colleagues, we recognise that flexibility around where you work is just as important. For this role we expect you to be in the office at least two days a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The recruitment process
We encourage you to tell us about any reasonable adjustments you may need by emailing PRHCareersUK@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Remember, you only need to share what you are comfortable to for us to support your request.
Senior Social Impact Executive (6-month FTC) employer: Penguin Random House UK
Contact Detail:
Penguin Random House UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Social Impact Executive (6-month FTC)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Lit in Colour programme and its objectives. Understanding the nuances of this initiative will allow you to speak passionately about it during interviews, showcasing your genuine interest in promoting diversity in literature.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education and publishing sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or partners. Building these connections can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your project management skills by preparing examples of past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple stakeholders or projects. Be ready to discuss how you overcame challenges and delivered results, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for social impact initiatives. Research current trends in diversity within literature and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to the mission of making literature more inclusive. This enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Social Impact Executive (6-month FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, particularly in project management and stakeholder engagement. Emphasise any work you've done in the education sector or with diverse literature.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should clearly outline why you're the right fit for the Senior Social Impact Executive role. Use specific examples from your past experiences that align with the job description, especially your ability to manage relationships and projects.
Showcase Your Passion: In both your CV and cover letter, express your passion for social impact and diversity in literature. Mention any personal or professional experiences that demonstrate your commitment to these values.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your writing is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Random House UK
✨Show Your Passion for Social Impact
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the mission of Lit in Colour and how it aligns with your values. Share any personal experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact, especially in education.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of past projects where you successfully managed multiple stakeholders and delivered on time and within budget. Highlight your organisational skills and ability to juggle various priorities effectively.
✨Know Your Stakeholders
Research the key partners involved in the Lit in Colour programme, particularly exam boards. Be ready to discuss how you would approach building and maintaining relationships with these stakeholders.
✨Tailor Your Communication Style
Practice adapting your communication style to different audiences. During the interview, showcase your strong written and verbal communication skills by providing clear and concise answers, and be prepared to discuss how you would engage with diverse stakeholders.