‘[The Poetry Translation Centre] extends the territory of English poetry… generous translations that make welcome the magnificent poetic traditions of many communities now settled here.’

– Carol Ann Duffy, patron of the PTC

The Poetry Translation Centre is seeking a new Chair for our Board of Trustees. Our ideal candidate is someone with demonstrable leadership experience who can confidently steer the PTC through an exciting period of growth and transition. You already have experience of serving on the board of a charity or company; you are clear-sighted and a good communicator; you are able to commit several hours a week to this demanding and exciting role; and you believe wholeheartedly in the work of the PTC. We are especially keen to hear from people with knowledge of the arts sector.

The Poetry Translation Centre was established by poet Sarah Maguire in 2004 to introduce new audiences to leading poets from around the world, as well as better understand and celebrate the diverse communities who have made their home in the UK. We focus on poetry from Africa, Asia and Latin America, working collaboratively with poets and translators to bring new work to English-speaking audiences in the UK.

In our first 12 years we have grown into an organisation with global reach and a reputation for literary excellence. We have translated over 500 poems by 115 poets; published 20 bilingual chapbooks, four full-length collections and one award-winning major anthology; worked with 75 translators and poet-translators; and developed prestigious event and publication partnerships. As we approach our 15th anniversary in 2019 we aim to raise the ambitions of our artistic programme as well as strengthen our organisational capacity and resilience. As part of this next chapter we seek to expand our Board of Trustees; this will be one of your first tasks as Chair.

Our Board is instrumental in the strategic planning of the PTC and overseeing our overall artistic vision. The Board provides the PTC team with guidance and support, and is responsible for ensuring that the organisation’s assets are safeguarded by providing strong governance in the areas of finance and management. Our Trustees are also active champions of the PTC and help to fundraise for the organisation.

The Board meets four times per year at our London office. Trustees serve for a three-year term, which may be renewed once.

To apply

Please submit a CV, with names and contact details of two referees, and a letter of not more than 500 words explaining why you are interested in being a PTC Trustee and what you would bring to the role of Chair.

The deadline for submissions is the end of Monday, December 4th 2017. Please email your submission to the PTC’s Managing Director erica@poetrytranslation.org, or post it to:

Erica Jarnes
The Poetry Translation Centre
2 Wardrobe Place
London EC4V 5AH

Interviews for shortlisted candidates are planned to take place in the week of 11 December 2017. We look forward to receiving your application.

If you have any questions about the PTC or the role of Chair, please write to PTC Trustee Emily Hayter at emily.m.hayter@gmail.com.