Join us at this moment of renewal...
Seren Books is searching for three new Directors who want to make a difference to how, who and why we write in Wales.
As one of Wales’ leading publishers, we’re at a bit of a moment of change as we look to reset and redefine our business priorities and values – finding a new identity which works harder for the writers and readers of a contemporary, inclusive and globally responsible Wales. We would love you to join us and help to steer the path we take.
You don’t need to have been a Director before, or even have prior experience of publishing or the creative industries. In fact, we’d love it if you previously felt that being a Director isn’t for you – perhaps you are worried about workload or about being heard. We’d really value your lived experiences. We promise not to take too much of your time and that you will be heard.
We’re mostly interested in whether you want to spark positive change. You will contribute to decisions on the writers and writing we publish, helping to redefine Wales’ literary culture and its reach across our nation and beyond. You’ll also help to secure Seren’s future as a much-valued platform for the next generation of writers.
If this appeals, and you fancy making new connections and getting a free book or two along the way, then keep on reading.
Do you have any of the following experiences and skills?
- Finance
- Legal
- Creative Writing and particularly Poetry
- Data Management and IT
- Marketing & Communications
- Lived experience of racism, ableism and/or poverty
- Aged under 35
- Welsh language fluency
If the answer is yes to one or more of these questions, then we would love to hear from you – especially if you’re not sure how it might work. We’re flexible – that means, where we can, fitting meetings and conversations around you and asking for your support on your terms. We want you to be a part of the Seren team and that means a relationship which is mutually beneficial and respectful.
For an informal conversation, please contact seren@serenbooks.com with a little about yourself, your availability for a phone or zoom call and your contact details.
For further information about us, please visit www.serenbooks.com.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Salary: Voluntary position
Term: 3-year appointment with the possibility of a second 3-year reappointment
Hours: Approx. 2 hours per month (concentrated around quarterly Board and sub-committee meetings, and some ad hoc conversations, planning and strategic working sessions, and a bit of reading if you’re keen). We are very flexible for the right individuals.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, you can either write a cover letter of no more than 2 pages OR film a video of yourself lasting no more than 5 minutes. We have no preference, and will be happy to accept either format, so feel free to choose whichever suits you best. In your cover letter or video, tell us about you and your experiences relevant to being one of our Directors. Also tell us a bit about what you aspire to in life. What matters to you? What do you believe in? Where would you like to be in 3 years-time? What changes would you like to make to our society? What do you enjoy doing?
Send us your cover letter or video and your CV (no more than 2 pages please, plus references) to: seren@serenbooks.com by 31 March 2024.
If you are shortlisted, we’ll invite you to interview over zoom, likely taking place in the week starting 8 April 2024. These are friendly, largely informal 30-minute conversations with approximately four people including Seren’s Interim CEO and Interim Chair. We’ll send you a rough outline of the questions we’ll ask you, and short biographies of the above in advance. If you have any questions about the role or the process, don’t hesitate to get in touch at seren@serenbooks.com