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- Tasks: Drive audience growth and develop partnerships in the literary sector.
- Company: Not-for-profit cultural platform promoting international literature.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, network with industry professionals, and contribute to a meaningful cause.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the literary community while honing your business development skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in publishing or non-profits, strong marketing skills, and a passion for literature.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of 1-2 days per week for a 6-month project.
We are a not-for-profit cultural platform promoting international literature in English translation. Current activities include a free online webzine, podcast, monthly in-person book club, and regular newsletter. We need to design and implement a robust growth strategy, including an online book club.
KPIs are based on impact rather than profit: audience growth via subscriptions & ad income, online engagement through social media and website, in-person events, and successful fundraising outcomes. For example: drive an additional 2,000 users per month to the bookblast.org website; grow Instagram followers by 1,000 per month; increase book sales through bookshop.org UK and ticket sales.
Objectives activities will be evaluated against profitability or audience growth after six months. The role includes experimentation, trial, and error, and a brand and awareness campaign. Partnerships with literary and translation institutions will be developed and nurtured to support commercial success and long-term viability, guided by a 40-page business development document.
What are we looking for?
- Previous work in publishing, media, or the non-profit sector
- Experience in cross-cultural or international projects
- Proven success in securing partnerships, funding, or growing a cultural brand
- Understanding of copyright, IP, and ethical practices
- Multilingual ability is an advantage
- A genuine interest in books, reading culture, and community-led creative work
- Proven experience with audience development and community engagement
- Digital marketing skills (social media, newsletters, SEO for cultural content)
- Ability to work as part of a team and as a motivated self-starter
- Strong problem-solving skills and an open mind
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
- Excellent communication skills and courteousness
- Awareness of market trends and new opportunities in publishing, digital media, and cultural events
- Identifying revenue opportunities — sponsorships, collaborations, grants, licensing
- Familiarity with fundraising and sponsorship processes
- Building partnerships with cultural institutions, media outlets, publishers, festivals using diplomatic tact
- Negotiating agreements and managing colleagues' expectations
- Understanding editorial workflows, project management, content monetization
- Budgeting, forecasting, and reporting for small-scale or grant-funded outfits
- Managing timelines and deliverables
- Entrepreneurial mindset; cultural sensitivity and curiosity; a diplomatic operator who gets things done
- Track and report performance of implemented initiatives
What will you be doing?
We are seeking a volunteer Business Development Manager with at least three years of marketing and business experience in book publishing to fulfil the following:
- Identify, assess, and implement new revenue streams (sponsorships, partnerships, membership models, event income); design and test monetisation models; track and report performance; recommend refinements.
- Define templates and partnership agreements for co-branded or co-produced projects.
- Design and pilot a monthly online book club in partnership with festivals, publishing MA courses, indie bookshops, and sponsors; create marketing and communications content; pilot and evaluate the first three months, gathering participant data and partner feedback.
- Plan up to two hybrid events for 2026 (in-person and online) with partner organisations, creating new community and funding opportunities; identify relevant partners; curate programming themes; oversee logistics; develop sponsorship packages and promotional partnerships; measure success.
Commitment: 6‑month project, approx. 1–2 days per week
Organisation: Community Interest Company (CIC) – Literature, Culture & Media
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Volunteer
Job function: Business Development and Sales
Industries: Writing and Editing
Business Development Manager Publishing - Volunteer in City of London employer: BookBlast C.I.C.
Contact Detail:
BookBlast C.I.C. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager Publishing - Volunteer in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the publishing and cultural sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with potential partners on social media. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for literature! When chatting with potential employers or at networking events, share your love for books and reading culture. This genuine enthusiasm can set us apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Create opportunities by reaching out to organisations we admire, like ours at StudySmarter. Express your interest in volunteering or collaborating; you never know what might come of it!
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website for applications! We’ve got all the info you need to apply for roles like the Business Development Manager. Make sure to tailor your approach based on what we’re looking for, and don’t hesitate to showcase your unique skills!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager Publishing - Volunteer in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Literature: When writing your application, let your love for books and reading culture shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in promoting international literature and how you can contribute to our community-led creative work.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your previous work in publishing, media, or the non-profit sector. We’re looking for proven success in securing partnerships and audience development, so don’t hold back on those achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to understand. This will help us see how you fit into our team and mission.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to make a difference in the literary world!
How to prepare for a job interview at BookBlast C.I.C.
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the organisation's mission and current projects. Familiarise yourself with their webzine, podcast, and book club activities. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your success in audience development, partnerships, or fundraising. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact, like how you increased engagement or secured funding in previous projects.
✨Be Ready to Brainstorm
Since this role involves experimentation and creativity, come prepared with a few ideas for potential revenue streams or community engagement strategies. This shows initiative and gives you a chance to showcase your strategic thinking skills during the discussion.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about their current challenges or future plans. This not only demonstrates your interest but also allows you to gauge how your skills can best contribute to their objectives. Think about asking how they measure success beyond just numbers.