Volunteer Publications Manager

What will you be doing?

We are looking for an enthusiastic person or persons to take an active role as a volunteer able to offer some time on a weekly basis. The hours per week will be variable depending on the volume of orders and the timing of publications. It would be ideal for gaining Corporate Social Responsibility bonus points. The current holders of the role are intending to retire but will still be involved in the society and will be available to offer help to their successor. The Historical Dance Society (HDS) is a national charity which promotes historical dance, music and costume. We undertake research into historical dance and its associated dance music, and publish books and recordings (CDs and downloads), run workshops, conferences and summer schools. Our publications are sold from our online shop. Please see www.historicaldance.org.uk for further information.  HDS is run by a team of eight Trustees who set the strategy and manage activities. They are aided by other dedicated volunteers and specific committees, including the Publications Committee, which report to the Trustees. The Publications Committee meets on Zoom around four times per year.  The Publications Manager is responsible for managing sales of our publications and helping with development of products. This involves: Managing orders, mostly received through the HDS website shop. Packaging and posting physical orders to customers. Keeping accurate records of sales. Storing and maintaining stocks of books, CDs and stationery.  Managing the shop section of the website with the help of the Webmaster. Creating new pages for new products. Amending existing website entries where applicable.  Producing sales reports for the Publications Committee, Trustees and AGM from website records.  Responding to any queries about orders and publications. Attending the Publications Committee which meets around four times per year.  Taking a role in helping to develop new products, working with the Treasurer to create budgets for products, reviewing progress of existing products.  Investigating new ways of bringing products to a wider audience and new possibilities for publications.

What are we looking for?

At least 3 years professional experience of general/operations management and/or office and administration management is essential. We are looking for someone with good organisational and record keeping skills, good administration skills, a level of technical awareness (to manage the website shop), self motivation and the ability to work as part of a wider team. Previous experience in publishing or music/book retail is desirable but not essential. It is desirable, but not essential, for the Publications Manager to have an interest in historical dancing, music or costume. 

What difference will you make?

Your help and skills will enable us to adapt and develop, to consider new possibilities, activities and ways of working to bring our Publications to a wider audience.