Do you have strong social media skills?
Are you passionate about books and storytelling?

We are looking for a Digital Media Assistant to join our festival team, which is based at University of Essex, to help us to spread the word about this year’s Essex Book Festival (28 May – 28 June 2026).

The successful candidate will create exciting and engaging social media content to promote the festival and give audiences a deeper insight into what it is about. They will have strong communication skills and be passionate about Books, Festivals and Essex.

Role details

✏️ Freelance contract
✏️ Between April and June 2026
✏️ Part-time, approx 15 hours per week (flexibly spread) over 10 weeks
✏️ £12.71 per hour
✏️ A mix of working from home, at our office based at University of Essex, and onsite at various event venues across Essex.

Responsibilities

⭐ Create and post content on all social media channels (including Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Bluesky, Threads, Linkedin, and TikTok).
⭐ Ensure social media content is engaging and tells the story of Essex Book Festival and its themes.
⭐ Work with the festival team, featured authors, artists and partners to create engaging visual and written content for social media channels, e-newsletters and blogs
⭐ Research and add events to local online event listings
⭐ Attend events and produce live social media content
⭐ Respond to general enquiries on social media or pass on to relevant team member
⭐ Keep track of social media engagement and use analytics to report on performance, successes and areas for development

Key characteristics and skills

💫 Great communication skills
💫 Excellent eye for detail and design
💫 Understanding of what makes social content engaging and exciting
💫 Experience of using social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook and TikTok
💫 Strong interest in books and storytelling and a connection with Essex

How to apply

Please send a Covering Letter outlining why you would like the role, and what you can bring to it, plus CV to Ros, ros@essexbookfestival.org.uk .

Deadline: midday Monday 16 February.

Interviews will take place on Wednesday 18 March at University of Essex.