Lit in Colour Manager (12m FTC Parental Leave Cover)

Lit in Colour Manager (12m FTC Parental Leave Cover)

We’re the UK’s largest publisher; made up of some 2,000 people and publishing over 1,500 books each year. Our doors are open to all kinds of talent. In a constantly evolving industry, we work hard to stretch the definition of the word publisher. Here, you’ll work with a breadth of talent who all play their part to make each of our books a success. Together, we make books for everyone because a book can change anyone.

As the Lit in Colour Manager, you will be responsible for coordinating and managing all core campaign activities for Lit in Colour, our flagship social impact programme. Lit in Colour supports UK schools to make the teaching and learning of English Literature more inclusive of authors of colour, and to increase students’ access to books written by authors of colour. Lit in Colour is also part of Penguin’s wider Diversity and Inclusion strategy.

Reporting to the Head of Social Impact, your role will also include maintaining strategic exam board, publisher and other third‑party relationships. You will work to maintain and enhance existing networks, publishing and promoting key teaching resources, and applying your influencing skills to gain the support and championship of educational policymakers.

Key responsibilities

• Project manage the overall Lit in Colour campaign, keeping on top of key deadlines, ensuring key stakeholders are kept up to speed and managing the programme budget.
• Manage and maintain relationships with key partners and stakeholders to ensure the efficient delivery of agreed activities that promote and help schools study books by writers of colour, including exam boards, publishers and cultural and other education organisations.
• Line manage two heads (Senior Social Impact Executive and Social Impact Assistant).
• Coordinate recurring operational and governance meetings including internal Teacher Stream, Exam Board Delivery, Project Board and Advisory Board meetings.
• Deliver and support events, training seminars/conferences for teaching audiences/partner events such as Black British Book Festival, NEU Conferences, Twinkl CPD, British Library online sessions, etc.
• Maintain and manage all freelancer relationships in partnership with Senior Social Impact Executive.

Communications

• Work closely with internal and external teams on Lit in Colour’s media and comms strategy, to engage with and influence educational policymakers.
• Support ongoing coordination of communications responding to the Curriculum & Assessment Review report, ensuring both brand and campaign key messages are relayed.
• Lead communications with key audiences of teachers, colleagues, and young people, including sending Lit in Colour stakeholder bulletin and overseeing Teacher Newsletter.
• Commission and oversee the production of high‑quality Lit in Colour free teaching resources such as the annual Lit in Colour book list, curriculum & exam board specific resources, Twinkl’s primary resource series.

What you’ll bring

• Knowledge of contemporary and classical writing by writers of colour.
• Passion and enthusiasm for English literature reform, books and reading.
• Resilient attitude and awareness of the emotional impact of working on issues related to race, racism and representation.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and collaboration skills, with the ability to build strong relationships quickly and effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to tailor communication style to different audiences.
• Good IT skills – comfortable with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

Preferred criteria

• Experience in campaigning, policy influence or public affairs.
• Experience of working directly with schools and teachers or delivering teacher training.

Application instructions

Please apply with your CV and Cover Letter outlining your reasons for interest in this role by 23:59 on Sunday 2nd November 2025.

AI

Here at Penguin, we believe in the power of authenticity and human creativity. When you apply for a position, we want to encourage you to showcase your unique voice. Throughout our recruitment process, please share your own thoughts, experiences, and skills. This helps us get a true sense of who you are and what you might bring to our team. We celebrate creativity and diverse perspectives, so please be yourself! While we recognise AI tools can be helpful, we recommend using them thoughtfully to ensure your responses reflect you.

Up to £45,000 depending on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus benefits.

Hybrid working: minimum of 2 days per week from the Embassy Gardens office in London (Tuesday & Thursday). You’ll be available to attend other days as required by the business.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level. Employment type: Contract. Job function: Advertising, Art/Creative and Project Management. Industries: Book and Periodical Publishing.