Royal Literary Fund: Chief Executive

Central London; £highly competitive on the basis of a 3 or 4 day week

Job Overview

The Royal Literary Fund (RLF) is seeking to appoint a new Chief Executive at an exciting time for the organisation as it opens a new chapter in its illustrious history.

Founded in 1790 by the Rev David Williams, the RLF supports professional published authors of merit who are in financial difficulty. From its endowment, the RLF distributes grants, pensions, and fellowships to writers from across the literary spectrum, responding quickly and imaginatively to support them.

Key Responsibilities

The Chief Executive will be responsible with the President and General Committee for developing the long-term strategy of the RLF, leading the organisation through the changes of today's world and embracing diversity in all its operations. They will provide executive leadership, building on the exceptional work the Fund does and will do in the future to support authors in all fields of literary endeavour. Together with the newly appointed President, Sir Ian Blatchford, they will act as the ambassador for the Fund, representing the work of the organisation to the writing community.

Qualifications and Experience

In the new Chief Executive, the Board seeks a person of experience in leadership and management, including change management, with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. They do not need to come from the literary world but a keen interest in the value of the work of the charity and its contribution to writers and the writing economy will be important. Knowledge of running a charity will be an advantage, while evidence of developing and delivering strategic and operational plans will be essential, as will the ability to work generously, effectively and sensitively with all those who engage with the Fund, and with the highly experienced and committed staff. The Board is seeking someone adaptable, combining the ability to work at a strategic level with an enthusiasm to roll up their sleeves when necessary.

Opportunities

This role provides a unique opportunity to make a difference to the lives of many writers and continue this historic organisation as a modern, diverse and forward-thinking charity for future generations.

Closing date for applications: Monday 14 December 2020

For more information on this role, please request the candidate brief from Liz Amos of Liz Amos Associates at or (0).