Vacancy

An opportunity has arisen for a part time, fixed-term Communications and Engagement Manager to work with the Into the Light Programme.

Background to the role:

Into the Light is a place-based programme to drive regeneration and place making through culture and creativity, building on three core ambitions:

• Feel powerful - empowered communities with growing civic pride
• Make more - growing our creative, making, and service economies
• Be well – confident communities with greater wellbeing

Recognised by Arts Council England as a Place Partnership, Into the Light brings together the boundless creativity of our community and cultural organisations with world-leading research so that culture has the same opportunities to scale and grow through research and development that other world-leading UK sectors enjoy.

The three-year programme will support over 100 creative commissions, create nationally significant performances and theatre-making in the heart of our communities, inspire children and young people, invite visitors to explore our unique mix of culture, science, and heritage, and deepen our understanding of our place in the world.

With insights from joining research (Durham University), policy (Durham County Council) and practice (cultural institutions and practitioners), our aim is to research and develop cultural interventions and innovations that support placemaking in the North East and beyond.

Into to the Light is a partnership between Beamish Museum, The Bowes Museum, Creativity Works, Durham County Council, Durham University, Ensemble ‘84, The Forge, No More Nowt, Northern Heartlands, and TIN Arts. Culture Durham is a key stakeholder, representing the broader cultural sector.  Additional support is provided by Visit County Durham.  

It is funded by Durham County Council, the National Lottery through Arts Council England, the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Durham University. To find out more, visit www.intothelightdurham.co.uk

Job Title:       Communications and Engagement Manager

Reports to:   Director, Into the Light

Contract:        Fixed term contract ending on 31^st March 2027

Hours:              22.5 hours per week. The postholder will be required for occasional evenings and weekends but can manage hours flexibly around other commitments. 

 Salary:            £27,500 (FTE pro rata)

Location:        Your main place of work will be Corten House, Aykley Heads, Durham. We operate a hybrid working model, with Monday’s required in the office.

The post holder will develop and implement a high-quality, comprehensive communications and engagement plan in line with the Into the Light marcomms and stakeholder engagement strategy, ensuring strong engagement of the programme’s diverse priority audiences, from beneficiaries to stakeholders and potential funders, and contributing to the achievement of Into the Light’s central objectives. Elements of the role include:

• supporting development and delivery of engagement events
• managing design and print
• developing and delivering social media planning
• liaising with press and media
• drafting and proofing communications
• contributing to, and quality assurance of partner content
• managing website content and strategy

Candidates should be educated to degree level or have equivalent experience in a relevant field such as the culture sector engagement, marketing and communications, stakeholder relationships, digital engagement, public engagement, media.  We are looking to appoint an individual that can think creatively, uses problem solving skills, and has excellent organisational and communication skills.

For further information regarding the post, please contact Julia Handelman-Smith (Programme Director) via email at julia.handelmansmith@visitcountydurham.org.

Deadline for applications: 12pm noon, Monday 22nd September 2025

Shortlisting will take place w/c 22nd September 2025

Interviews will be held w/c 29th September 2025.

Please apply with a CV and covering letter outlining your eligibility and motivation for the role and send to Amanda.Tutin@visitcountydurham.org. Please note, applications without a cover letter will not be considered.