Planning jobs in londonderry, derry and strabane

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

Partnerships Manager: Grantmakers 

Reports to: Executive Director  
Contract: Full-time  

Role Purpose  

As Partnerships Manager: Grantmakers, you will lead the development and delivery of HOST’s Hosted Grantmaking service — ensuring that funders can move resources quickly, safely, and transparently to the people driving change.  

You will oversee funder relationships and hosted grantmaking delivery, building systems that ensure clarity, compliance, and care at every stage. Working closely with the Delivery Circle, you’ll strengthen due diligence, grant management, and reporting processes — enabling funders to trust that every pound achieves its intended impact.  

In order to respond to growing demand, you will build and manage the Hosted Grantmaking Community Support Team and liaise and coordinate with the Delivery Team, ensuring HOST has the capacity and expertise to meet growing global demand for hosted funds.  

This role is central to HOST’s ambition to become a trusted backbone for civil society infrastructure — connecting funders and change-makers through integrity, efficiency, and shared purpose.  

Core Responsibilities  

1. Hosted Grantmaking Leadership  

Lead the delivery and growth of HOST’s Hosted Grantmaking service, working closely with the Executive Director, Operations Director and other Partnership Managers, ensuring alignment between funder expectations, hosted partner needs, and internal delivery capacity.  

Co-design and coordinate the Hosted Grantmaking Delivery Team, coordinating with the Delivery Circle (Finance, Due Diligence, and Legal) to ensure seamless grant operations.  

Strategic oversight of hosted grantmaking cycles — from application to disbursement and reporting — ensuring accuracy, speed, and compliance in delivery.  

Reporting cadence: Monthly Hosted Grantmaking performance report to Executive Director and Operations Director.  

2. Hosted Grantmaking Community Support and Relationship Management  

Build and lead the Hosted Grantmaking Community Support Team, ensuring all funders and hosted funders receive consistent, proactive, and informed communication.  

Strengthen HOST’s funder community by developing engagement pathways, events, and resources that deepen relationships and mutual learning.  

Maintain high standards of care, responsiveness, and accountability across all funder interactions.  

Reporting cadence: Monthly funder community and relationship management summary.  

3. Due Diligence and Grant Facilitation  

Work with the Delivery Circle, Grants Manager, and Partnerships Manager: Funders to deliver due diligence processes that are rigorous, efficient, and scalable.  

Ensure all funder agreements, compliance documentation, and grant records are accurate, up to date, and audit-ready.  

Support the development of clear SOPs for due diligence and hosted grantmaking workflows in collaboration with the Legal Lead and Operations Team.  

Reporting cadence: Monthly compliance and due diligence report.  

4. Funder Relationship Stewardship and Growth  

Support the Partnership Team to manage relationships with key funders and philanthropic partners, ensuring HOST is recognised as a trusted, transparent delivery partner.  

Develop funder engagement plans and manage the funder relationship lifecycle from onboarding through renewal.  

Identify new funder opportunities aligned with HOST’s mission and facilitate introductions for the Partnerships Director and Executive Director.  

Reporting cadence: Quarterly relationship development review.  

5. Reporting and Communications  

Oversee funder reporting and impact communications, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with HOST’s tone of voice.  

Work with the Engagement Team to produce funder updates, case studies, and inputs to the HOST Impact Report.  

Ensure funders and partners understand the value, integrity, and impact of HOST’s services.  

Reporting cadence: Quarterly reporting and communications alignment.  

6. Systems and Process Development  

Maintain clear funder and grant records across ClickUp, Zendesk, and CRM systems.  

Develop and maintain SOPs for Hosted Grantmaking, funder engagement, and due diligence workflows.  

Ensure consistent alignment between partnership data and financial reporting.  

Reporting cadence: Quarterly systems and SOP review.  

7. Risk, Compliance, and Escalation  

Identify and escalate financial, operational, or reputational risks associated with hosted grantmaking or funder engagement.  

Collaborate with the Legal Lead, Delivery Team, and Executive Director on mitigation actions and documentation.  

Contribute to HOST’s monthly organisational risk report.  

Reporting cadence: Real-time escalation; monthly consolidation.  

8. Collaboration and Cross-Team Development  

Work with the Partnerships Manager: Funders to align Hosted Grantmaking within HOSTs wider donor engagement.   

Work with the Partnerships Manager: Changemakers to align Hosted Grantmaking with the Hosted Partner Journey.  

Collaborate with the Training Lead and Data Analyst to integrate learning, performance, and impact insights into service design.  

Contribute to the continuous improvement of HOST’s partnership management framework.  

Reporting cadence: Quarterly service development meeting.  

Key Relationships  

Internal: Executive Director, Operations Director, Partnerships Manager: Funders, Partnerships Manager: Changemakers, Finance, Legal, Operations, Communications, Data Analyst, and Training Lead.  
External: Funders, philanthropic networks, and hosted grant recipients.  

Required Experience 

• 5–8 years’ experience in funder relations, partnerships management, or programme delivery within the not-for-profit, social enterprise, or philanthropic sectors. 

• 3–5 years’ experience overseeing grantmaking, regranting, or fund distribution programmes, ideally across multiple geographies or funder types. 

• Proven ability to manage and grow funder relationships, including institutional, philanthropic, or high-net-worth funders. 

• Demonstrated experience leading or building a small team, with responsibility for coaching, supervision, and performance management. 

• Strong background in due diligence, compliance, and risk assessment, particularly in relation to funder funds and hosted grantmaking. 

• Proven success developing and maintaining systems, SOPs, and cross-team coordination for complex funder or grant processes. 

• Experience managing financial reporting and data-driven insights to meet funder and audit requirements. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deliver confident, values-aligned communications to funders and partners. 

• Strong organisational and project management skills — able to balance multiple grants, deadlines, and stakeholders effectively. 

• Experience working with CRM and project management platforms (e.g. ClickUp, Zendesk, Salesforce, or similar