Forge and grow meaningful partnerships for the UK’s first county laureateship. Help connect poetry with councils, venues, schools, and organisations to amplify our community impact across Surrey.
What will you be doing?
As Partnerships Officer for the Surrey Poet Laureateship, you will lead on building and nurturing relationships that support our mission—bringing poetry into public spaces, schools, communities, and cultural institutions across Surrey.
You will work alongside the leadership team to strengthen existing connections (particularly with borough councils and cultural venues), and actively seek out new opportunities for collaboration with organisations that share our values of creativity, accessibility, and community empowerment.
This is a dynamic, outward-facing role that requires excellent communication and relationship-building skills. You’ll play a key part in helping the Laureateship grow its profile, influence, and sustainability through meaningful partnerships.
Key responsibilities include:
You’ll help create a stronger, more connected cultural network across Surrey—one that puts poetry and creative expression at the heart of local life.
What are we looking for?
We’re looking for a personable, proactive, and community-oriented individual who enjoys building meaningful connections and working collaboratively across sectors.
You don’t need to be a professional networker—just someone who communicates well, follows through, and believes in the power of partnerships to create cultural impact.
Essential skills and qualities:
You must be able to reliably commute to our HQ at the Literary Institute building in Egham for team meetings, and be available to attend partnership meetings or events across Surrey when needed.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who are passionate about connecting people through creativity and helping local arts initiatives thrive.
What difference will you make?
As Partnerships Officer, you will be the bridge between the Surrey Poet Laureateship and the wider community, ensuring that poetry has a place in public life, educational spaces, and local culture.
Your work will help us grow from a small but historic organisation into a county-wide creative movement. By strengthening ties with councils, venues, schools, and cultural groups, you’ll help expand our reach, create new opportunities for collaboration, and ensure our initiatives are rooted in real community needs.
You’ll directly influence the visibility, sustainability, and impact of the Laureateship—helping ensure that poetry is not only heard, but truly felt across Surrey.
