Jobs in north east

Are you passionate about school libraries? Do you believe in the power of school libraries to transform children and young people’s experiences in education? Can you communicate confidently to a wide audience and range of stakeholders?  

The School Library Association (SLA) supports approximately 2000 members working in schools across the UK with advice, training and advocacy. The School Library Lead will be at the forefront of our member offer and outreach, to help us deliver on our mission to support all those working in school libraries, so that more children and young people reach their full potential through the school library.   

This role will lead on providing advice, inspiration and support for schools looking to develop their school library provision and all the benefits this brings. An expert in school libraries, you will be comfortable supporting members 1:1, delivering training to larger audiences, providing consultancy to schools and sector organisations, writing training and resources, or preparing book recommendations. An exciting opportunity for someone experienced in school libraries with knowledge of the curriculum, teaching and learning and children’s books, you will be the first port of call for library advice and expertise, contributing to the growth and sustainability of the membership network.

You will be experienced in developing relationships with a variety of stakeholders at all levels relish a busy role. This will include supporting our Branch network, collaborating on initiatives for development, delivery and new projects as they come online. As resident children’s book expert, you will support with programmes and projects such as the SLA Information Book Award and member book-related events. You will work with your SLA colleagues to develop and deliver high-quality member events and training as well as advocacy events to raise awareness of the importance of school libraries. Using your sector insight, you will identify opportunities for development of initiatives that will support the SLA vision and mission enabling us to reach more children and young people through our work.  This is a busy and rewarding role and will suit someone with passion and resilience. 

This is a full time role working remotely, throughout the year (37 hours per week). Find out more about the role including full job description and how to apply by downloading the job specification pack. 

Application deadline: 19th December 

Interviews: First round interview (online): 13th/14th January

Second round interview in person TBC: 20th/22nd January 

Applications without a covering letter will not be considered. No agencies please.   

Due to the volume of applications we cannot provide individual feedback. We really appreciate your interest. If you haven’t heard from us within four weeks of the deadline, it means we’ve moved forward with other candidates on this occasion. We encourage you to apply again in the future. Please note we may close recruitment early should the right candidate be identified.  

About The Azaylia Foundation
The Azaylia Foundation was founded by Ashley Cain and Safiyya Vorajee in memory
of their daughter, Azaylia, who tragically passed away at just eight months old.
Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by illness in children in the UK, yet it
receives less than 3% of cancer research funding.
Powered by a passionate community of supporters, The Azaylia Foundation is on a
mission to change this. We fund pioneering PhD research, campaign for better
awareness and funding, and provide vital support to families seeking treatment
unavailable through the NHS. We also have the Azaylia PhD Scholarship
Programme, funding vital childhood cancer research as well cultivating new talent in
childhood cancer research,
Joining us means being part of a movement that turns pain into purpose—fueling
hope, change, and brighter futures for children with cancer.

Role Overview
We are seeking an ambitious and driven Fundraising Manager to grow our income
streams and deepen impact. You will play a central role in developing and delivering
our fundraising strategy, cultivating key relationships, and securing vital funds to
power our mission.

Key Responsibilities
Fundraising & Income Generation
● Support the development and delivery of the Foundation’s fundraising
strategy.

● Build, manage, and maintain a high-quality fundraising pipeline and annual
work plan.

● Research, develop, and submit compelling funding applications to trusts,
foundations, and statutory bodies.

● Contribute to the planning and execution of our annual fundraising events and
community initiatives.

Relationship Management
● Cultivate and sustain meaningful relationships with funders, donors, and
partners.

● Provide tailored impact reports and consistent communication to supporters.

Monitoring, Reporting & Compliance
● Track and report against fundraising targets, including monthly donors and
income streams.

● Maintain accurate records, pipeline data, and activity logs.

● Produce clear, timely reports for senior leadership and trustees.

● Ensure all fundraising activity complies with regulation, best practice, and
GDPR.

Collaboration & Communications
● Work closely with the Head of Social Media and Community to align messaging
and impact storytelling.

● Support Foundation Ambassadors with campaigns and fundraising activities.

● Ensure children's voices and lived experiences remain at the heart of all
fundraising communication.

About You – Key Attributes
● Proven success in multi-channel fundraising, securing and growing significant
income.

● Experience in fundraising for a children’s or health charity (desirable).

● Skilled in partnership cultivation and stewardship of high-net-worth individuals,
foundations, and key stakeholders.

● Strong understanding of fundraising reporting, compliance, and GDPR.

● Experience in event fundraising and community-led initiatives.

● Strategic thinker with excellent organisational skills and a strong commitment
to meeting deadlines and targets.

● Passionate, empathetic, and motivated by making real change for children
and families affected by cancer.

Why Join Us?
✔ Be part of a mission-driven, heartfelt organisation creating real impact.
✔ Fully remote, flexible working.
✔ Supportive and passionate team culture.
✔ Opportunity to shape the future of childhood cancer research and support.

Together, we can make a difference to children fighting cancer. Let’s go, champ!

Terms: 0.6 FTE, 3 days per week; one year contract, with possibility for extension

Salary: £24,000 - £38,000 per annum, depending on experience

Location:Remote working

Start Date:As soon as possible 

Line Manager:Communications Manager 

Please note that you must have the right to work in the UK. 

Closing Date: 4th January 2026

About BASIC

BASIC is an independent, non-profit think tank working to safeguard humanity and Earth’s ecosystem from nuclear risks and interconnected security threats, for generations to come. Our vision is for a global security consensus founded on multilateralism, the recognition of the indivisibility of security, an adherence to Earth’s planetary boundaries, and the consideration of future generations

For nearly 40 years, we have developed a global reputation for groundbreaking dialogue and incisive thought leadership to strengthen international peace and security. We comprise an intellectually and culturally diverse team of 20 expert-practitioners with deep and wide-ranging institutional experience, headquartered in London with additional presences in Berlin and Rome.  We are independent, receive no core funding from any state, and our project work is funded transparently.

BASIC's approach to resolving contemporary nuclear dynamics is centred on dialogue as both a practice and a philosophy. We interpret dialogue broadly, recognising that meaningful engagement takes many forms: from facilitating direct strategic conversations between adversaries grounded in conflict resolution principles, to developing networks and diplomatic initiatives that build consensus around shared objectives, to shaping the intellectual foundations of policy discourse through rigorous research and thought leadership. 

BASIC is a fast-paced and rewarding environment in which to work, with an exceptionally-positive and inclusive team culture. We have experienced rapid growth over the past decade, and we are well-suited to people who are motivated by our mission, able to work at a sustained pace, keen to develop professionally, and enjoy being part of a collaborative team working on consequential issues. 

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with room for growth

• 30 days annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays and closure days over the December festive period

• Employer pension contributions of 5% (above the national minimum)

• Flexible working arrangements, with set days (Wednesdays required) but flexibility on hours

• Remote working with option to use co-working space

• 1-2 all-staff in-person team away day per year, as well as other in-person working opportunities

• Opportunities for professional growth and development

• Excellent team culture built on respect, openness, and inclusion

The Role

BASIC is seeking a Digital Communications Officer with exceptional design sensibility and meticulous attention to detail. This role is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the organisation's digital presence through clear, consistent, and effective communication with key audiences. The Digital Communications Officer will support the implementation of strategic communication objectives, promote organisational priorities, and uphold the integrity and professionalism of BASIC's online profile.

Reporting to the Communications Manager and working closely with BASIC's programme teams, the postholder will develop, deliver, and analyse the impact of digital content across our online platforms — including BASIC's website and microsites, social media channels (LinkedIn, X/Twitter, BlueSky), and email communications.

Essential Requirements

The ideal candidate will be a fluent English speaker with strong copy-editing and proofreading skills. Professional-grade capabilities in graphic design, web design, newsletter software, and audio/video production are essential for creating compelling online content. We are looking for someone who combines technical fluency with creative flair and storytelling, and who understands how to engage diverse audiences across multiple digital platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

Digital Strategy and Content Management

• Work with the Communications Manager to develop, maintain, and refine BASIC's digital communications strategy and associated workplans

• Ensure consistency in the presentation of programme communications strategies and accessibility for all staff

• Monitor and evaluate the impact of communications activities, identifying successes, lessons learned, and opportunities for improvement

• Prepare communications plans for conferences, speaking engagements, international engagements, and campaigns

Website and Digital Platforms

• Commission, edit, and publish articles and commentaries for BASIC's website

• Maintain and update BASIC's website, microsites, and online presence (including Wikipedia and directory listings)

• Ensure all digital content is accurate, well-formatted, proofread, and on-brand

Social Media Management

• Develop and maintain a content calendar for BASIC's social media accounts (LinkedIn, BlueSky, X/Twitter)

• Create engaging, visually compelling, and timely social media content that advances BASIC's communications objectives

• Monitor social media engagement and use analytics to inform strategy

Email Communications and Newsletters

• Produce BASIC's regular newsletters, ensuring they are newsworthy, well-designed, and properly formatted

• Develop compelling headlines and select impactful imagery

• Use graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) to enhance visual appeal

Media Relations Support

• Develop, maintain, and update media contact lists and databases

• Work with the Communications Manager to document and refine media engagement processes

• Prepare press releases, ensuring they are compelling, accurate, and properly formatted

• Compile monthly digests of nuclear policy and security-related media coverage (as required)

Content Creation and Design

• Create visual, audio, and video content using professional-grade tools to tell BASIC's story effectively

• Ensure all imagery is well-cropped, edited, and appropriately branded

• Liaise with staff to identify the most impactful content for external communications

Additional Responsibilities (as required)

• Prepare programme Q&As, one-pagers, briefing notes, and key messages

• Support organisation of media training sessions

• Liaise with external contributors for website content

Please note: This list is not exhaustive. Other tasks may be required as they arise.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Degree in marketing, visual communications, journalism, or related field, or equivalent professional experience
• Proven experience in a digital communications or media role
• Experience in audio-visual storytelling such as video work or podcasting
• Excellent written and spoken English, with strong copy-editing and proofreading skills
• Professional-grade skills in graphic design, web design, and audio/video production
• Demonstrated ability to manage websites, social media channels, and digital campaigns
• Strong analytical skills, including experience using digital analytics to inform strategy
• Familiarity with email marketing or CRM platforms (e.g., Mailchimp)
• Technically fluent, with creative and storytelling flair
• Highly organised, collaborative, and attentive to detail
• Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Desirable:

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field
• Experience working in a think tank, NGO, research, or public policy organisation
• Experience in media relations or crisis communications
• Knowledge of global security, defence, or nuclear policy issues