Work with us

We're looking for a Freelance Bid Writer (Outreach & Engagement)

Contract: Freelance – 1 day per week for 36 weeks
Rate: £300 per day
Start date: As soon as possible
Location: Flexible / Remote (with occasional meetings if required)

Stratford Literary Festival is looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Bid Writer to support our outreach work in schools, prisons, and the wider community. We’re a small but dedicated team with a big belief in the power of words, storytelling, and access to the arts for everyone.

This role is perfect for someone who enjoys working independently, but values being part of a friendly, collaborative organisation. You’ll play a vital role in helping us secure funding that allows our outreach programmes to grow and reach more people.

The Role

You will be responsible for researching and securing grant funding to support the Festival’s year-round outreach and engagement activity. This includes identifying suitable funders, writing strong applications, and managing submissions from start to finish.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and identify relevant grant and funding opportunities aligned with our outreach work

• Develop and manage a funding pipeline and application timetable

• Write clear, compelling, and well-evidenced funding applications

• Work closely with the Festival team to gather information, budgets, and impact data

• Ensure applications are submitted accurately and on time

• Track funding outcomes and support follow-up or reporting where needed

About You

• Several years’ experience as a bid writer, fundraiser, or grants professional

• A proven track record of securing grant funding

• Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail

• Confident working independently, with good organisational skills

• An interest in literacy, reading, education, and the arts

• The right to work in the UK

• Knowledge of Stratford Literary Festival would be an advantage

Why Join Us?

You’ll be working with a passionate, supportive team who care deeply about making literature accessible to all. Your work will directly support creative projects in schools, prisons, and communities, helping people engage with reading, writing, and ideas.

How to Apply

Please send a CV to us here with a short covering letter outlining your relevant experience and examples of successful funding applications.

We’re keen to get started, so early applications are encouraged. Deadline for applications 9th January.

Stratford Literary Festival is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

Volunteer Stewards and Programme Distribution

We have a fantastic team of volunteer stewards in place and are currently up to capacity but if you’d like to be put on our back-up list please email us.

We’d also love to hear from anyone happy to distribute programmes before the Festival.