Russian-Speaking Literary Scholar & Book Club Curator
Freelance / Part-Time | London
About the role
A private intellectual and cultural club in London is seeking an exceptional Russian-speaking Literary Scholar and Book Club Curator for long-term freelance collaboration.
The club brings together a small circle of intellectually curious members with a serious interest in literature, theatre, philosophy, art and culture.
We are looking for a highly educated, sophisticated and engaging literary professional who can lead thoughtful discussions of major works of world literature and help shape the club’s long-term literary programme.
Initially, meetings will take place once a month, with the intention of increasing to twice a month as the programme develops.
Each meeting will last 1,5-2 hours and will be held in a private dining room or club setting in London for an intimate group of approximately 10–12 guests.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
curate a thoughtful and intellectually ambitious annual reading programme
select books and authors for discussion throughout the year
prepare a structured 12-month literary calendar
lead monthly book discussions in Russian
introduce the historical, philosophical and cultural context of each work
guide conversations and encourage intelligent discussion among members
prepare key themes, questions and talking points for every meeting
occasionally recommend additional essays, lectures or complementary reading
collaborate with the founder of the club on the development of the literary programme
The aim is not to deliver a traditional academic lecture, but to create a sophisticated intellectual conversation in which literature becomes a starting point for discussing ideas, psychology, history, philosophy and human nature.
Candidate profile
We are looking for someone with an outstanding academic and cultural background.
Ideally, the candidate will have:
a degree, postgraduate qualification or PhD in Russian Literature, Comparative Literature, Philology, Literary Studies or a closely related field
strong academic knowledge of Russian and international literature
experience teaching, lecturing, moderating literary discussions or working with cultural institutions
excellent spoken Russian and an elegant, articulate manner of expression
the ability to explain complex literary ideas in an intelligent but accessible way
natural confidence leading discussion in a small private group
a sophisticated cultural outlook and genuine passion for literature
excellent interpersonal and presentation skills
a polished and professional personal presence
We are particularly interested in candidates who combine serious academic knowledge with warmth, charisma and the ability to make literature feel alive.
Format
Location: London
Group size: approximately 10–12 people
Frequency: initially once per month, later potentially twice per month
Schedule: flexible and agreed in advance
Preferred day: potentially Tuesday, although other days can be discussed
Format: private literary discussion / book club meeting
Payment: paid per meeting / by agreed hourly rate
Preparation time for the annual programme and individual sessions will also be discussed and compensated separately where appropriate.
Long-term opportunity
This is intended to become a long-term collaboration rather than a one-off lecture.
The successful candidate will have an opportunity to become the principal literary curator of the club and help develop its literary direction over time.
Pay: £100.00-£200.00 per hour
Expected hours: 1.0 – 2.0 per week
Work Location: In person
