Trustee

Trustee

Manchester City of Literature Closing date: Mon, 18 May 2026

Artform: Literature
Role: Creative
Contract: Contract
UK-wide

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

After our first six successful years, we are now seeking new Trustees to help lead the charity through its next stage of development.

Job Description

We are looking for Trustees who believe in the power of reading and writing to change lives, who want to ensure that the literary ecology in Manchester continues to grow and who will be passionate advocates for all our work.

In return you will have an opportunity to put your knowledge and passion into the development of the city's UNESCO designation, and the development of Manchester City of Literature as a convenor of the city's literary ecology. Through our extensive partnership work and global connections, you will increase your knowledge and experience of cross-cultural exchange. You will become part of a team of friendly, passionate individuals, some who joined with no prior governance experience, who bring insight and experience from community, civic, academic and industry perspectives to lead the organisation.

You will be required to attend four Board meetings, each lasting about two hours, per year and held online, including reading Board papers ahead of the meeting. As part of a working group, you may be required to meet outside these times on specific tasks. Trustees will be invited to attend Partnership events and to represent the organisation at such events and meetings. Manchester City Of Literature will provide an induction for new Trustees, with extra support for anyone new to the role of Trustee.

Job Requirements

We are keen to find Trustees who can support our ambitious plans to build international connections, to connect more communities to reading and writing locally and to raise the profile of Manchester as a home for writing and reading nationally.

We are particularly interested in Trustees from voluntary, commercial or cultural sector backgrounds who can:
help with navigating the shifting political and policy environment that we now work in;
help with advising on robust finance and fundraising plans;
input into our influencing and advocacy work on behalf of the city's literary sector.

Governance experience is desirable. A passion and commitment for our Vision and Values is essential.

We are particularly keen to attract applications from those with characteristics under-represented in arts governance including people with a global majority background, LGBTQ+ background and/or neurodivergent, Deaf and disabled people.

Job Responsibilities

The role of a Trustee is to:
Provide strategic direction for Manchester UNESCO City of Literature;
Oversee the work of the Executive Office and ensure good management of the charity;
Ensure that financial and other resources are well managed and used effectively;
Use your skills, knowledge, experience and contacts to help shape the development of the organisation;
Participate in working groups with Network members on specific areas of work or time-limited projects;
Demonstrate and uphold the organisation's core values;
Act as spokespeople for Manchester City of Literature and advocate for its work.

Useful Links

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Trustee
  • Salary: Unpaid
  • Hours: Full time
  • Artform: Literature
  • Role: Creative
  • Contract: Contract
  • Closing date: Mon, 18 May 2026
  • Location: UK-wide

How to Apply

Please visit our website to read the full applications pack and apply.