Children’s Programme Director
Fixed term volunteer role
Are you passionate about children’s books and inspiring young readers? We’re looking for a new volunteer Children’s Programme Director to join the team behind Books in the Park, while our current Programme Director takes parental leave.
Now entering its fourth year, Books in the Park is an annual volunteer-run literature festival celebrating books, community and the restorative power of nature, set in the beautiful surroundings of Beckenham Place Park. We’re proud to have built a lively and welcoming festival over the past three years and the children’s programme has become a key part of what we do.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone working in children’s publishing, bookselling, education, libraries, festivals or events, who has a strong interest in children’s books and is looking to develop their experience in events management and programming.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Children’s Programme Director leads on the development of the festival’s children’s events programme, helping to create engaging and inspiring events for young audiences and families.
Responsibilities include:
● Planning and curating the children’s programme
● Researching and approaching authors and illustrators via their publishers/agents
● Coordinating on-the-day event logistics alongside the wider festival team
● Helping to promote the festival through online marketing channels and social media
● Attending planning meetings and supporting festival delivery in April (Meetings are a mixture of online and in-person with most planning taking place remotely)
We’d love to hear from people who:
● Have a strong interest in children’s literature and a good knowledge of the children’s publishing landscape
● Are organised, collaborative and enthusiastic
● Enjoy working as part of a community-focused team
● Can commit time to planning between August/September and the festival in April
Previous festival
TO APPLY
Please send a short expression of interest outlining your experience and interest in the role to booksintheparkfestival@gmail.com by 10th July 2026.
Beckenham Place Mansion
Welcome to
Books in the Park!
Books in the Park is an annual celebration of books, community, and the restorative power of nature, set in the beautiful surroundings of Beckenham Place Park.
Organised by Arts in the Park CIC – founded by the Park’s community gardeners – we wanted to combine our love of books with our love of nature and felt the park was the perfect setting for a book festival.
In April 2024, we hosted our first Books in the Park festival – an inspiring, welcoming and inclusive event with the community at its heart. Now, two years on, we've been overwhelmed by Books in the Park's reception, so on 25 April 2026, we’re back with another exciting programme with something for everyone!
A huge thank you goes to our volunteers, sponsors and partners who share our vision for Beckenham Place Park. Most of all, thank you to the incredible creators for bringing their stories to life.
Books in the Park isn’t just about books; it’s about bringing people together where stories and nature meet.
We cannot wait to see you!
Meet the team
From left to right, Bethany Carter, Angela Himus, Sue Rivas, Frances Fuller, Drew Jerrison