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Head of Library and Library Events (M/F/D)
 Goethe-Institut London

Start date: 01 June 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter

The Goethe-Institut is the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany with global outreach. We promote knowledge of the German language abroad and foster international cultural co-operation. We convey a comprehensive picture of Germany by providing information on Germany's cultural, social and political life. We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community.

The Goethe-Institut London is seeking a Head of Library and Library Events (M/F/D) at the earliest possible date. The position is full-time at 39 hours per week (equivalent to 100% of our standard weekly working hours). The employment contract is permanent.

The position is remunerated in accordance with the current remuneration scheme for local staff at Goethe-Institut in the UK. The starting salary is £40,046.88 gross p.a.. Annual leave entitlement for a full-time role is 26 days plus public holidays and increases based on length of service. The Goethe-Institut provides a contribution scheme towards a private pension.

Please note that the successful candidate must hold a valid residence and work permit for the UK.

Responsibilities include:

Library management
  • Conceptual development and organisation of the collection (media acquisition / cataloguing / book processing / collection maintenance / deaccessioning)
  • Professional supervision and active participation at the lending desk, with responsibility for order, functionality and the smooth running of daily library operations
  • Further development of the library as a place of encounter, in collaboration with other departments and partners, including the development of new formats to improve usage and visibility
  • Planning, management, monitoring and budget oversight within the library department, using the Goethe‑Institut’s planning and management tools
  • Expanding financial scope through the acquisition of third‑party funding
  • Leadership of the library team, including planning and coordination of staff deployment
Library events management
  • Programme planning and delivery for the library of the Goethe-Institut London, with a focus on literature, translation and talk-based events, in line with the Goethe‑Institut’s strategy and in consultation with the Institute Director
  • Planning joint events with the Language Department to motivate students and promote German
  • Maintaining contacts and undertaking networking activities in the field of literature and translation within the UK, in consultation with the Institute Director
  • Organisation of translation funding and collaboration with the literature platform New Books in German

Requirements:

  • German at C2 level
  • English at a minimum of C1 level
  • Knowledge of and interest in cultural and education policy exchange between the United Kingdom and Germany
  • A university degree or comparable qualifications in library studies or the humanities, together with several years of relevant professional experience
  • Very good knowledge of the German and British literary scenes, including private and public organisations, media, funding bodies, archives and publishers
  • Strong attention to detail, flexibility and reliability
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Strong communication skills
  • Proven experience in event and project management in the cultural sector, including associated public relations work
  • An existing right to live and work in the United Kingdom

Important information regarding the application process:

  • The Goethe-Institut is committed to diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all candidates, regardless of background, age, religion or belief, gender, disability or sexual identity.
  • Where candidates are equally qualified, applications from people with disabilities will be given priority.
  • The Goethe-Institut aims to achieve balanced gender representation at all levels of the organisation.

Application Form

Closing date for applications: 18 May 2026

Please send your application or enquiries by e-mail to jobs-london@goethe.de

Please use the form below to apply for a position advertised at the Goethe-Institut London. Please state the position you are applying for in the subject line of your e-mail.

London Job Application Form(PDF, 95 KB)

Application Form as MS Word file(DOC, 127 KB)

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