Help shape the conversation around bookselling in the UK and Ireland.

The Booksellers Association is looking for a Communications & Public Affairs Officer with a passion for communications, public affairs or both.

Working with our Head of Policy & Public Affairs and Head of PR & Communications, you will help tell the BA’s story, raise the profile of our work, support campaigns that champion bookshops, and build relationships with politicians, policymakers, the media and industry stakeholders.

About us

The Booksellers Association represents over 95% of booksellers across the UK and Ireland. We support booksellers through services, commercial products, campaigning and advocacy. Our work includes National Book Tokens, Batch, Books Are My Bag and Independent Bookshop Week.

The role

You will work across communications and public affairs, including:

Create newsletters, website content, press releases and briefings.
Support our major campaigns, awards and events.
Coordinate media activity, monitor coverage and manage social media.
Organise MP meetings, bookshop visits and parliamentary events.
Monitor political developments and support policy work.
Build relationships with parliamentarians, civil servants, media and stakeholders.

About you

You will be an excellent communicator who enjoys building relationships and managing varied projects. You may have experience in communications, PR, public affairs, Parliament, Government, a trade association, charity or similar organisation.

You will have strong writing and organisational skills, attention to detail, confidence working with stakeholders, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. An interest in culture, retail or public policy is important, alongside a willingness to travel when required.

Why join us?

You will work on meaningful projects supporting an industry built on creativity, culture and community, alongside passionate colleagues.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly encourage those underrepresented in our sector. If you do not meet every requirement but feel you could be a great fit, we would still love to hear from you. We're committed to an accessible recruitment process and will provide reasonable adjustments where needed.